Down syndrome

Bikes for special needs children in Brooklyn

It all started with a run — uphill, and against traffic. Sandra Alfonzo was taking her daily jog in Prospect Park two summers ago, training for another marathon, when she saw a boy about 6 years old in a wheelchair being pushed … READ MORE

Understanding hypotonia

Diagnostic challenges should not delay clinical intervention. Hypotonia, or abnormally low muscle tone, is by itself not a disorder but a symptom of an enormous array of issues—many of which can be difficult to diagnose accurately. … READ MORE

‘It doesn’t seem fair’: Unwed parents in Alberta don’t share financial burden once disabled child turns 18

‘Unless you’ve been married, you fall through the cracks,’ says Calgary woman challenging provincial law. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who just turned 18 but still requires constant care due to her … READ MORE

Calgary Herald’s ‘Life with Emily’ documentary a finalist for international media award

The Calgary Herald has been named a finalist in a prestigious international media awards competition for a 2016 project called Without Limits: Kids With Special Needs. Our Special Children. Taking a break from lunch, 7 year old Emily … READ MORE

2017 Adapted Bike Program – Cerebral Palsy Kids & Families

Enjoy the use of a custom-fit bike for $75. Trix youth wheels. Hase Come out and try a bike! Register for the 2017 Adapted Bike Program in Calgary. We will have specialists on hand experienced in fitting your child with an adaptive … READ MORE

Calgary mom raising funds to bring music therapy to public high school

A Calgary mom is raising money so teenagers can benefit from a program that’s changed her daughter’s life. Christina Ryan dances with her daughter Emily Pitchers in 2016. Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald Photo Annalise Klingbeil, … READ MORE

Life With Music – Fundraiser by Christina Ryan

Emily Pitchers, 16, plucks the strings on a guitar with JB Music therapist Catherine Mitchell during a weekly session at the teenager’s family home. Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald. In celebration of National Music Therapy Month, we … READ MORE

Issues for parents caring 24/7 for children with complex care needs

A new research report has been published by the charity WellChild which explores parents’ experiences of managing care for children with complex care needs throughout the 24-hour day. Calgary photojournalist Christina Ryan and her … READ MORE

Engineers customize Christmas toys for disabled children

Because of her cerebral palsy, 4-year-old Scarlett Wilgis has trouble opening her hands and can’t get around without help. Her parents have scoured store shelves and websites for toys for her but have mostly been disappointed. … READ MORE

Mobility plays important role in development for toddlers with disabilities

Typical toddlers simultaneously spend about three hours a day in physical activity, play and engagement with objects such as toys, while their peers with mobility disabilities are less likely to engage in all of those behaviors at the … READ MORE

Life with Emily: The special people enriching the lives of special needs kids

Emily Pitchers, 16, adores her older sister, Lorcan, and they enrich each others lives with their relationship. Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald. By Christina Ryan, as told to Doug Hintz, Calgary Herald March 18, 2016 It is the simple … READ MORE

Tablets and YouTube empower people with intellectual disability

A Concordia researcher underlines the lasting value of first-person storytelling. The distinction between doing research ‘with,’ and doing research ‘on’ is really important, says Ann-Louise Davidson, an associate professor in … READ MORE

Foot instability in Down syndrome linked to hallux valgus, narrow shoes

Regular foot checks may curb problems. A recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that hallux valgus and too-narrow footwear contribute to foot-specific disability in children with Down syndrome. … READ MORE

Hippocampal circuit in brain linked to learning difficulties in Down syndrome

New brain research has mapped a key trouble spot likely to contribute to intellectual disability in Down syndrome. In a paper published in Nature Neuroscience, scientists from the University of Bristol and UCL suggest the findings … READ MORE

Globotec Junior heel cup

Nestle young feet gently to improve balance, biomechanics and gait. Designed to treat indications of developmental delay, autism, downs syndrome and club foot. Covering material is skin friendly Alcantara®, which works with the … READ MORE

Orthotic solutions for children with hypotonia

New research underscores years of positive clinical results. When it comes to orthotic management of pediatric patients with hypotonia, the medical literature is only beginning to document the effectiveness that clinicians have been … READ MORE

Gait: The cornerstone of intervention

Quantifying the effects of hypotonia starts in the clinic. Effective management of children with hypotonia requires an understanding of how the condition affects gait. Clinicians typically rely on their professional experience when … READ MORE

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