Physical Therapy treats problems with gross motor development (skills involving the large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso)

• In children with WAGR syndrome, a physical therapist can address trunk/torso weaknesses that could be limiting the ability to roll over, sit independently, transfer from sit to stand, crawl, and walk. The therapist will assess muscle weakness in the legs, arms, and/or trunk and develop a strategy to address these issues through exercise and play

Further information on early intervention physical therapy:

Occupational Therapy treats delays in fine motor development (problems with moving the hands and fingers)

• In children with WAGR syndrome, an occupational therapist will assess the child for sensory issues and fine motor delays. Sensory processing is the way our body receives, analyzes, and responds to external stimulation within our environment. Sensory processing issues can manifest as oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to touch, taste, sound, movement, and smell. When children have difficulty processing sensory input, they may have a difficult time responding properly to different experiences and this can sometimes lead to negative behaviors or delays in fine, gross, and oral motor development. An occupational therapist can assess a child’s sensory systems and create a “sensory diet” to assist in addressing issues.
• Fine motor delay is when children are not able to use their hands and fingers to hold, manipulate, and use objects at an age-appropriate level. An occupational therapy assessment will identify if there is a delay, and the therapist will provide a program to develop these skills.

Further information on early intervention occupational therapy:

Speech therapy can help a child with speaking and language

• In children with WAGR syndrome, a speech therapist will assess oral motor abilities as they pertain to eating, drinking, and communicating. A speech therapist will assess the muscular and sensory ability of the mouth as it relates to producing sounds, first words, how the child moves his lips and tongue, and sensitivity around the mouth to touch. Through speech therapy, a child's feeding, communication, and cognitive skills can improve.

Further information on early intervention speech therapy:

School-age children with WAGR syndrome may have multiple conditions that impact their educational needs:

• Vision impairment
• Learning difficulties
• Intellectual disability
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Speech and language difficulties
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Hearing impairment
• Behavioral or psychiatric disorders
• Health impairment

The most appropriate educational setting for a child with WAGR syndrome depends on individual needs. This setting may change from year to year as the child's needs change:

• In a regular school classroom, alongside non-disabled peers
• In a separate, “self-contained” classroom for children with disabilities
• In a special school

The IWSA Teacher Advice Form was developed to provide detailed information addressing challenges that may be present in a child with WAGR syndrome.