(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) DHCC-based facility helps Saudi toddler with developmental delay develop mobility skills
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.
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