Pre-school and kindergarten children aged 3 to 5 years old will be going through new milestones in their development. This series of articles about the health and development young children living with PWS provides ideas and guidance for families and professionals.

Healthy eating 2-5 years

To count or not count calories? Establishing health eating habits in PWS, planning meals, healthy snacks.

Developing your child’s potential and preparing for school 2-5 years

Play groups child care, early intervention services, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, looking for a school.

Healthcare in PWS 2-5 years

Introducing ‘food seeking’ and listing age related health risks and treatments.

Dental tips

Brushing teeth, sticky saliva, the tooth fairy, enamel erosion, oral/motor stimulation and choosing a dentist.

Vision & care for the eyes

Strabismus (squint), astigmatism and eye infections (conjunctivitis, blepharitis): Cause and treatment.

Speech and Language in PWS

Developing communication, signing and the role of speech and language therapists.

Information for GP’s

An overview of characteristics of PWS, with health care risk and recommendations.

Recommended hospital admission policy

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital recommended admission policy for people living with PWS.

Information for hospitals and emergency department staff

Gastric diagnosis complexities, medication metabalisation, body composition, body temperature abnormalities, high pain threshold.

An introduction to the NDIS

Learn about getting funding from the NDIS at different ages and and other interactions.

Caring for yourself and other family members

You are not alone, sharing experiences with other families, spending time with family, focusing on the positive achievements.

Information for grandparents

Supporting the person and other family members, finding out, sweet treats, exercise, respite opportunities.

Information for brothers and sisters

What is PWS, why is my sibling different – the good and the bad, how can I help, is it OK to feel annoyed sometimes?

Telling your child about PWS

When to start telling your child about living with PWS, sexuality, relationships, body changes.

Coming to terms with the diagnosis

Understanding your emotional response to a diagnosis of PWS, a ‘different’ journey, expressing your feelings.

Growth hormone therapy for children living with PWS

Benefits and side effects of growth hormone treatment, when to start GH treatment, sleep aponea.

Information for preschool and day care staff

Characteristics and health risks, developmental milestones, routines and environmental modification in kindergarten and pre-school settings.

Sensory Integration Therapy for PWS

Explanation of the sensory issues common to PWS, then a dive into sensory integration therapy.

PWS and Communication

A video by speech and language therapist Hayley Arnott about communication issues in children and adults, with ideas for helping.

Government assistance

There is government assistance available to families with a loved one living with PWS. It includes Carer Payments, the Disability Support Pension (DSP) for the individual and other discount arrangements.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for information only. Everyone is an individual and needs to seek the advice of relevant professionals.