Therapy and Daily Development Specialists
Depending on your child’s symptoms and needs, they may also benefit from specialists who monitor and manage development and any issues with their lungs, ears, or brain.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists teach your child exercises to help them move more easily, get stronger, and relieve pain from an overly curved spine or legs.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists can help your child develop practical adaptations that remove barriers at home and school, says Pekala. Adaptations like step stools can provide easier ways for your child to write, eat, and do activities related to daily care.
ENT (Otolaryngologist) and Pulmonologist
Together, they can help you decide on a sleep apnea treatment plan, which can include a machine to keep their airways open at night (CPAP) or surgery to remove excess tissue blocking their airway, like enlarged tonsils.
Clinical Geneticist
Geneticists diagnose and treat conditions caused by changes in your genes, like hypochondroplasia. A clinical geneticist and genetic counselor can help with several aspects of your child’s care.
- Establish or confirm the diagnosis
- Explain the genetic cause
- Provide counseling to the family
- Guide appropriate monitoring
You may also have concerns about whether or not your child will one day be able to have children and if those children would be affected by hypochondroplasia. A genetic counselor can help you understand how the mutation affects the family line.
Neurologist or Neurosurgeon
Depending on your child’s symptoms, these specialists may recommend antiseizure medication.
Developmental Pediatrician
A developmental pediatrician focuses on screening your child for any learning problems and can get you set up with education accommodations, like tutoring and classroom adaptations if needed. These specialists work with your child’s individual strengths and needs to help them succeed in learning, says Pekala.
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