Having a Physical Difficulty may affect, either temporarily or permanently, a child / young person's physical ability and / or mobility.

This can sometimes result in a loss or limited function in their muscle control, movement or mobility.

There are many different causes of physical difficulties, including inherited or genetic disorders, serious illnesses, and injury, such as:

• Brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Epilepsy
• Spinal cord injury
• Spina Bifida
• Childhood Arthritis.

Next steps

If you are concerned that your child / young person may have a physical difficulty, contact your GP in the first instance.

If you are concerned that your child / young person may have a Physical Difficulty that is impacting their learning, speak to the class teacher or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) and they will be able to work with you and work out what happens next. If your child is under 5 years old, you need to speak to your Health Visitor.

You can also contact Hafan y Mor in Singleton Hospital who will support you to make a referral to Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.