Staff Reporter
Filed on October 25, 2014
DHCC-based facility helps Saudi toddler with developmental delay develop mobility skills
An Emirati family remains optimistic about their 3-year-old boy who was born prematurely and has had three open-heart surgeries to correct deformities.
Dubai: Saudi toddler Mohsen could neither walk nor experience the sense of touch. Today, after getting treatment from a Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) facility, he can walk and climb stairs, and eat by himself. He shows interest in playing with different toys.
At 11 months, Mohsen presented signs of delayed development when compared to his elder brothers. At a private hospital in Saudi Arabia, he underwent a series of diagnostic tests, and physical and occupational therapies thrice a week.
Concerns grew as he showed limited physical development coupled with poor nutrition. He could hop, but couldn’t stand or walk. Due to limited motor skills, he couldn’t play or eat by himself.
His parents travelled to DHCC in September, 2013. At the Dr Majdi El Halik Physical and Mental Rehabilitation Centre (MHRC), Mohsen, then a year-and-a-half old, was diagnosed with developmental delay with an underlying chromosomal medical condition. The toddler was also diagnosed with sensory issues which resulted in him using only the tips of his fingers.
Mohsen was enrolled in an intensive rehabilitation programme which included physical therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy aimed to help the blood carry more oxygen to the organs and tissues in the body.
Almost a year into rehabilitation, during which the family visited thrice — staying up to three weeks during each visit — the toddler has been able to achieve the goal of independent walking and independent stair climbing. He has developed his sensory, motor and mobility skills.
Dr El Halik, managing director of the centre, said, “Mohsen and his family have gone through a great deal of hardship; his case was very complex. Our main focus was to improve the muscle strength to attain the developmental milestones.”
Maira Umair, occupational therapist at MHRC, said: “With the application of sensory integrative approach, we succeeded in getting Mohsen to be able to play with sand and soft textured materials. The parents were also given training to implement a home programme that will further support the development of Mohsen’s senses.”
Special cases surge
The number of patients with special needs seeking treatment at DHCC has surged. From January to June this year, DHCC-based clinical facilities that provide therapy and treatment for individuals with special needs have reported an increase in patients from GCC and neighboring countries, as compared to the same period last year.
The Singhania Children’s Clinic, for example, saw an average of 100 foreign patients in the first half of 2014, compared to 89 last year; whereas MHRC reported 293 patients from January to June this year, up from 262 patients during the same period last year.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
