Cerebral palsy, genetic conditions & physical disabilities
Some children benefit from physiotherapy because they have a condition that affects movement, posture, strength, balance or coordination. This may include cerebral palsy (CP), trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), or other genetic and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Children with these conditions often benefit from a longer-term pathway of care. Therapy is focused not only on movement development, but also on comfort, functional abilities, participation, equipment needs, and supporting the whole family over time. Care is goal-directed, functional and family-centred, with a strong emphasis on participation in play, self-care, mobility and everyday routines. The most effective care is collaborative, working alongside occupational therapists, speech pathologists, paediatricians and other members of the child’s care team.
For babies and infants at risk of cerebral palsy or other developmental conditions, early identification is essential. Research from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance highlights that CP can often be detected within the first 6 months of life, meaning families no longer need to adopt a “wait and see” approach before accessing support.
At Lumi Kids, support is tailored to each child’s age, stage of development, goals and family priorities.
For babies and infants, Moira can provide:
High-risk infant developmental follow-up
Specialised early assessments, including Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment (GMA) and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE)
Guidance on early motor development, play and positioning
Advice on toys, activities and everyday routines that encourage movement and learning
Environmental modifications to create opportunities for exploration, movement and participation within the home and community
As children grow, physiotherapy may focus on developing functional motor skills and supporting participation in everyday life, including:
Floor mobility, sitting and transitions
Standing, walking and stair climbing
Balance, coordination and playground skills
Participation at childcare, kindergarten and school
Confidence with movement, recreation and community activities
For some children, additional support may include:
Equipment advice, including orthotics, seating, mobility or positioning
Therapy across clinic, home, community and hydrotherapy settings
Collaboration with families, educators, medical specialists and allied health professionals
Assistance with NDIS applications, reviews and supporting documentation
At Lumi Kids, therapy is guided by meaningful goals and aligns with the “F-words for Child Development” framework developed by CanChild: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends and Future. This approach recognises that effective therapy is not only about developing movement skills, but about supporting children to participate more fully in the activities, relationships and experiences that matter most to them.