Pediatric Mitochondrial Disease
What is Mitochondrial Disease?
Mitochondrial disease is a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, which are often called the “powerhouses” of the body’s cells. Mitochondria produce the energy that every organ and muscle needs to function. When they don’t work properly, cells cannot make enough energy, causing problems throughout the body.
Because organs like the brain, muscles, heart, digestive system, and eyes require a lot of energy, children with mitochondrial disease often experience symptoms affecting multiple body systems.
Symptoms can appear at birth, during infancy, or later in childhood. Every child is different, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Pediatric Down Syndrome Signs & Symptoms
A child with mitochondrial disease may experience one or many of the following:
Development & Motor Skills
- Delayed developmental milestones
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty crawling or walking
- Frequent falls or poor balance
- Fatigue after minimal activity
- Poor endurance during play
- Toe walking in some children
- Delayed fine motor skills
Feeding & Growth
- Difficulty feeding as an infant
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Frequent vomiting or reflux (GERD)
- Constipation or digestive concerns
- Food aversions due to fatigue
Speech & Communication
- Delayed speech and language
- Difficulty producing clear speech
- Weak voice
- Trouble coordinating breathing while speaking
- Difficulty understanding or expressing language
Neurological Symptoms
- Seizures
- Headaches or migraines
- Learning difficulties
- Developmental delays
- Autism-like characteristics in some children
- Coordination problems
- Tremors
- Episodes of regression after illness
Sensory & Vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vision changes
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty processing sensory information
Daily Living Skills
- Tires easily while dressing
- Difficulty with handwriting
- Trouble keeping up with peers
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Needs frequent rest breaks
- Reduced participation in sports or playground activities
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with Mitochondrial Disease
At Therapy Smarts, our multidisciplinary team works together to create individualized treatment plans that help children build strength, confidence, and independence while supporting their unique medical needs.
Our occupational therapists help children improve:
- Fine motor skills
- Hand strength
- Self-care skills like dressing and feeding
- Energy conservation strategies
- Sensory processing
- Visual motor coordination
- Daily living independence
Physical therapists focus on:
- Improving strength and endurance
- Balance and coordination
- Walking and gait training
- Gross motor development
- Safe mobility
- Fall prevention
- Building functional independence
Speech-language pathologists assist with:
- Speech clarity
- Language development
- Feeding and swallowing challenges
- Oral motor strength
- Alternative communication when needed
- Cognitive-communication skills
Living with a chronic medical condition can be challenging for both children and families. Our mental health professionals provide support with:
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Coping skills
- Family support
- Behavioral concerns related to chronic illness
Our psychologists can help identify learning, developmental, behavioral, and cognitive concerns to better guide treatment planning and educational supports.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Down Syndrome support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together