IANDS A-Z

• delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by eight months or not walking by 18 months
• seeming too stiff or too floppy
• weak arms or legs
• fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements
• random, uncontrolled movements
• walking on tip-toes
• a range of other problems – such as swallowing difficulties, speaking problems, vision problems and learning disabilities

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a term that is used to describe difficulties with learning and using language which will be long term, but not associated with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, or autistic spectrum condition.

Dietitian – work with babies, children and young people to promote nutritional wellbeing, treat disease and prevent nutrition related problems. They work in partnership with parents, carers and a wide range of professionals in a range of settings including nurseries, schools and health centres.

• floppiness (hypotonia)
• eyes that slant upwards and outwards
• a small mouth with a tongue that may stick out
• a flat back of the head
• below-average weight and length at birth
• their palm may have only one crease across it

Fine motor skills – the coordination of small muscles in movements. Usually involving the coordination of hands and fingers with the eyes. Children use fine motor skills writing, holding small items, buttoning clothing, turning pages, eating, cutting with scissors and using computer key boards.

Global Developmental Delay or Developmental Delay is a term used to describe when a child takes longer to reach certain developmental milestones that other children their age. This may include learning to walk, talk, movement skills, learning new things and interacting with others socially and emotionally.

• Difficulty saying what they want to, even though they have ideas
• Struggle to find the words they want to use
• Talk in sentences but be difficult to understand
• Sound muddled; it can be difficult to follow what they are saying
• Find it difficult to understand words and long instructions
• Have difficulty remembering the words they want to say
• Find it hard to join in and follow what is going on in the playground

Manual dexterity – ability to use hands in a co-ordinated way to grasp and manipulate objects and make small precise movements.

NG – Naso Gastric tube, a tube that goes through the nose and into the stomach. An NG tube is used to give nutrition when someone is not able to eat or drink safely or manage the amounts they need to grow at the right pace.

Non IgE mediated allergy – delayed reaction to foods caused by other parts of the immune system apart from IgE antibodies. Usual management is to avoid the suspected problem foods for a short period of time and monitor symptoms and then reintroduce the suspected food and monitor if symptoms return. A dietitian can help families to manage this process to ensure it is done in a safe and objective way.

Occupational Therapist – work with babies children and young people to help them with independence skills in everyday living tasks as well as enabling participation in activities which are meaningful such as playing and learning. Occupational therapists also assess the physical environment and may recommend adaptations and equipment to support the child and young person to engage in meaningful occupations.

PEG – Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy, a tube that is placed directly into the stomach. A PEG is used to give nutrition when someone is not able to eat or drink safely or manage the amounts they need to grow at the right pace. A PEG is a long term feeding option.

Physiotherapist – works with babies, children and young people to enable and encourage development and facilitate recovery. They work in partnership with parents, carers and a wide range of professionals to maximise physical abilities and independence.

Preterm is a baby born more than three weeks before their due date. Premature or low birth babies may have medical needs which require admission to a neonatal unit.

Plagiocephaly is when one side of a baby’s head is flattened. It is caused when a baby spends a lot of time lying in the same position. As babies’ skulls are soft, they are susceptible to being ‘moulded’ into a flat shape. The ear on the flattened side may be pushed forward and the face may be asymmetric. This normally resolves with some activities to even out the pressure across the skull. Please see leaflet in our resources section.

Selective Mutism - a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they don't see very often. They don't refuse or choose not to speak, they're literally unable to speak. However, they are able to speak freely to certain people, such as close family and friends, or in places where they feel most comfortable, such as at home.

Sensory processing – the process that organises sensation from one’s own body and the environment making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment. Gives meaning to what is experienced by sifting through all the information and selecting what to focus on (such as listening to a teacher while blocking out the noise of a busy classroom).

Special school nurse – works within the special school setting to support the health and development of children and young people with additional needs. The team provides health education to promote healthy lifestyles. They support teaching staff with children and young people’s medical needs and administration of medication.

Speech and Language Therapist – provides treatment, support and care for babies, children and young people who have difficulties with communication or with eating drinking and swallowing. They work in partnership with parents, carers and a wide range of professionals and are based in a range of settings including Bright Start, Health Centres, nurseries and schools.

Torticollis: In babies with torticollis, a muscle on the side of the neck (called the sternocleidomastoid muscle) is shorter or tighter on one side. This means that they lie with their head tilted to one side and rotated to the other. Usually, with treatment, the muscle will grow and stretch.