I support children and young people with a range of genetic conditions that can affect movement, posture, coordination, endurance, and participation in everyday activities. Physiotherapy support is individualised, playful, and developmentally informed, with a strong focus on helping children move with confidence and take part in meaningful daily activities. 

Genetic Conditions Commonly Seen in Paediatric Physiotherapy 

Children may be referred for physiotherapy support in association with a range of genetic conditions, including: 

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) 

• Rett syndrome 

• Prader–Willi syndrome 

• Turner Syndrome 

• Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome 

• Phelan-McDermid Syndrome 

• Angelman syndrome 

• Williams syndrome 

• Fragile X syndrome 

This list is not exhaustive. Children with other diagnosed or suspected genetic conditions may also benefit from physiotherapy support. 

Common Physical Traits and Movement Difficulties 

While every child is unique, genetic conditions can be associated with some shared physical and motor challenges, such as: 

• Low or altered muscle tone (hypotonia or fluctuating tone) 

• Joint hypermobility or joint stiffness 

• Delayed gross motor milestones (e.g. sitting, crawling, walking) 

• Reduced strength and endurance 

• Balance and coordination difficulties 

• Postural challenges, including scoliosis 

• Differences in motor planning and body awareness (proprioception) 

• Fatigue or reduced tolerance for physical activity 

Not every child will experience all these difficulties, and the impact can vary widely between individuals. 

How Genetic Conditions Affect Movement 

Our bodies develop and function based on information carried in our genes. Some genetic conditions involve extra, missing, or altered genetic material, which can influence how muscles, joints, connective tissues, and the nervous system develop and work together. 

This may affect muscle tone, strength, coordination, balance, endurance, or body awareness (proprioception). These differences are not something a child can simply overcome by trying harder — they reflect how their body is built and how it learns to move. 

Physiotherapy works with these differences by supporting movement development, building physical skills, and helping children move in ways that feel more comfortable, confident, and functional for them. 

Developmental Milestones and Individual Timelines 

Children with genetic conditions often achieve developmental milestones on a very wide range of timelines. Some may take longer to sit, stand, or walk, while others may develop skills in a different order or in ways that look different to their peers. 

Many parents describe feeling pressure — from comparisons with other children, from wellmeaning family members, or from questions such as “Are they walking yet?” It is important to understand that while physiotherapy can support strength, movement opportunities, and confidence, development cannot be rushed or forced. 

Each child develops at their own pace. Progress is influenced by many factors, including muscle tone, joint stability, neurological development, health, and the child’s own motivation and readiness. Physiotherapy focuses on supporting development, not measuring children against unrealistic timelines. 

How Physiotherapy Can Help 

Physiotherapy aims to support each child’s physical development, independence, and participation, while also guiding and supporting families along the way. Input is tailored to the individual child and may include: 

• Playbased support for gross motor skills (e.g. sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping) 

• Activities to develop strength, endurance, posture, balance, and coordination 

• Movement experiences that support body awareness (proprioception) and the vestibular system 

• Monitoring posture and movement as children grow, including screening for hip dysplasia, scoliosis, and other musculoskeletal concerns 

• Guidance around footwear and, where appropriate, orthotics 

• Advice on cycling (e.g. balance bikes, trikes, adapted bikes, or additional supports) 

• Guidance around sports and physical activities that are enjoyable and accessible 

• Advice on equipment that may support movement, participation, or independence 

• Practical strategies to support movement at home, in school, and in the community 

Recommendations and priorities change over time, and physiotherapy support is adapted as a child grows, develops, and their needs evolve. 

The focus is always on building on the child’s strengths, supporting enjoyment of movement, and promoting longterm physical wellbeing. 

Getting Therapy Right for Children 

Effective physiotherapy for children is not about forcing skills or repeating the same task at all costs. Children learn best through play, positive relationships, and feeling safe, understood, and respected. 

Every child has different needs, and these can influence how they engage in therapy. Differences in communication, cognition, sensory preferences or sensitivities, anxiety around movement, regulation, interests, energy levels, and health all affect participation from day to day. These factors are recognised and respected within each session. 

Sessions are guided by the child’s cues, interests, and motivation on the day. If a child is tired, overwhelmed, or not ready to practise a particular skill, therapy may shift to a different activity or focus on another area of movement. Problemsolving, creativity, and flexibility are key. 

By following the child’s lead and creating enjoyable movement experiences, physiotherapy supports learning, confidence, and longterm engagement with movement — recognising that progress is individual, nonlinear, and that every day can look different. 

A Supportive and Individualised Approach 

Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Physiotherapy does not aim to change who a child is, but to support movement, comfort, and participation in ways that respect the child’s body, development, and overall wellbeing. 

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your child, or if your child has a diagnosis not listed above, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your concerns.