Brain development and early intervention
The first 1,000 days of a child's life are critical for brain development. But why is this period so important? Babies are born with almost twice as many synapses (connections between brain cells) as adults. While this might sound like an advantage, having too many connections can actually prevent the brain from developing specific, specialised skills.
During these early years, the brain fine-tunes itself by "pruning" or getting rid of unnecessary connections, keeping only the strongest and most important ones. This process, especially active in the first year, depends on how much those connections are used—essentially, "use it or lose it."
But what happens if your child has a disability that makes it difficult for them to reach typical milestones? Would those essential brain connections still be maintained?
This is where the importance of early intervention comes in. By facilitating active participation in activities, we can have an impact on brain development and growth! The earlier we start with targeted intervention and therapy, the better the potential outcome.
What is posture support?
Many physical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy, can affect a child's posture. If their posture isn't properly supported, it can worsen and even lead to other complications over time. Secondary complications can include contractures, pain, dislocations and breathing and digestive issues. Early intervention plays an important role in preventing or minimising these secondary complications.
It is vital to support good posture around the clock, and to provide the child with several comfortable and well-supported positions to move between. Therefore, a 24-hour positioning/posture support plan is always recommended. This means that the child should be well supported during activity, rest, and sleep.
Posture support can be provided through assistive devices such as wheelchairs, standing frames, and side positioners. When a child has the right device and posture support, they can fully engage in everyday activities—joining family meals, playing with siblings and friends, and enjoying outings!
Is it ever too late?
It’s never too late to start with proper positioning and intervention, but some complications, like contractures, might not be reversible. That’s why it’s crucial to address these issues as early as possible, even before any physical signs appear. Acting early can help prevent serious problems down the road—prevention is definitely the best strategy!
Shonaquip Social Enterprise: our devices and services
At ShonaquipSE, we understand how important it is to find the right posture support for your child. As the only ISO-registered wheelchair manufacturer in Africa, we offer a wide range of devices that come with personalised assessments, fittings, and ongoing support.
Every child’s posture support needs are as unique as they are, making the process of choosing the right wheelchair or support device feel overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. Getting the right size, type, and fit is essential for your child’s health, comfort, and well-being. That’s why our team of expert seating professionals is here to help you through every step of the process.
From wheelchairs to standing frames and side positioners, we offer a variety of options tailored to meet your child's unique needs. With ShonaquipSE, you’re never alone in this journey—we’re here to help ensure your child gets the best possible support for a happy and healthy future.
We have offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg and work with trained professionals across the country to bring these essential services to children nationwide.
Please reach out to us on 021 797 8239 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can start this journey together!
Alternatively, visit our website at https://shonaquipse.org.za/
