Background: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder causing progressive motor function loss, respiratory and swallowing impairments, and significant limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and social participation. While gene therapies have enhanced life expectancy, functional management remains crucial. Despite the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) being a valuable framework for patient-centered care, its integration in setting multidisciplinary rehabilitation goals for SMA patients is underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to assess the use of the ICF-CY framework in developing multidisciplinary intervention goals for SMA patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 6 SMA patients was conducted at a pediatric neurorehabilitation hospital. Data were collected using a standardized ICF-CY-based case record form and analysed to identify patterns of impairment, activity limitations, and environmental factors. Results: Results demonstrated the multifaceted nature of SMA, with significant impairments in motor function, respiratory function, and swallowing, as well as limitations in activities of daily living and social participation. Environmental factors, particularly social support and accessibility, emerged as crucial determinants of overall well-being. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the use of ICF-CY framework for developing comprehensive and patient-centered care plans for SMA patients.

Background: Inherited pediatric motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and the spinal cord. These diseases can manifest as early as infancy and originate from inherited pathogenic mutations in known genes. Key clinical features of MNDs include muscle weakness, hypotonia, and atrophy due to the degeneration of lower motor neurons or spasticity, hypertonia, and hyperreflexia caused by upper motor neuron dysfunction. The course of the disease varies among individuals and is influenced by the specific subtype. Methods: We performed a non-systematic, narrative clinical review, employing a systematic methodology for the literature search and article selection to delineate the features of hereditary pediatric motor neuron diseases. Results: The growing availability of advanced molecular testing, such as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), has expanded the range of identified genetic factors. These advancements provide insights into the genetic complexity and underlying mechanisms of these disorders. As more MND-related genes are discovered, the accumulating genetic data will help prioritize promising candidate genes for future research. In some cases, targeted treatments based on specific genetic mechanisms have already emerged, underscoring the critical role of early and timely diagnosis in improving patient outcomes. Common MNDs include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and bulbar spinal muscular atrophy. Conclusion: This narrative clinical review covers the clinical presentation, genetics, molecular features, and pathophysiology of inherited pediatric MNDs.

Objective: Individuals diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), particularly those presenting with the most severe phenotypes, have long contended with significant swallowing dysfunction. The recent emergence of efficacious advanced therapy has fundamentally altered the landscape of SMA management. By encompassing both the pre and post gene-based therapy eras within our analysis, we endeavour to elucidate the potential impact of these novel therapeutic interventions on this function. Methods: Following the established methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute, a scoping review was conducted. This review encompassed relevant literature published up to March 2024. Two electronic databases were searched, with additional studies identified by reviewing reference lists of pertinent articles. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords including “spinal muscular atrophy”, “SMA”, “swallowing”, “feeding”, and “nutrition”. Articles were initially screened based on title and abstract, followed by a full-text review of eligible studies published in peer-reviewed English language journals. Results: The initial database search resulted in 462 articles, from which 23 studies were ultimately selected for analysis. Pre gene-based therapy studies revealed swallowing dysfunction as a prominent feature. Patients frequently reported challenges with chewing, choking on solids and liquids, and abnormal tongue movements during eating. Early dysphagia research relied on subjective measures (questionnaires, scales). objective measures like video fluoroscopic (VFSS) were rare. After gene-based therapies (GBTs), VFSS became the dominant, more objective method. Studies investigating the post-gene therapy era suggest potential clinical benefits, with trends towards improvement or stabilization of swallowing function. Conclusion: Pre gene-based therapy studies revealed widespread swallowing dysfunction in SMA. Conversely, the post-treatment era suggests potential improvement. Future research should prioritize identifying optimal therapies for individual swallowing function and develop validated assessments to optimize SMA management.

In recent years, extended reality (XR) and telerehabilitation (TR) technologies have increasingly been used in the neurorehabilitation of motor dysfunctions in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The Khymeia Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (K-VRRS) is a medical device specifically designed for neuromotor rehabilitation, and it can also be used in TR mode. This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and adherence to a “two-step neuromotor program” (TS-NP) approach using K-VRRS to enhance upper limb motor functions in children with CP. The TS-NP protocol consists of two phases. In the first phase, patients undergo intensive motor training with K-VRRS during a period of hospitalization. In the second phase, initiated after discharge, patients continue K-VRRS treatment at home through TR, building upon the progress made during their hospital stay. A total of seven children with unilateral spastic CP (ages 4–10 years) were assessed at three time points: baseline (T0), after the first phase of in-person hospital treatment (T1), and following the second phase of TR treatment at home (T2). Standardized outcome measures were used, with the primary measure being the Melbourne Assessment 2. Preliminary data support the hypothesis that intensive K-VRRS treatment during hospitalization enhances motor function in the affected upper limb of children with CP. Furthermore, continuing K-VRRS treatment at home through TR appears crucial for maintaining the motor gains achieved during the hospital phase.

Pediatric neurological disorders comprise a highly heterogeneous group of conditions that together represent a substantial global public health burden. Many have a strong genetic basis and are associated with significant morbidity, premature mortality, and long-term disability, with far-reaching consequences for affected children, their families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Clinical heterogeneity is a hallmark of these disorders, as pathogenic variants in the same gene can give rise to diverse phenotypes with variable severity, age at onset, and disease course. In children, ongoing brain development and somatic growth further complicate diagnosis, often leading to nonspecific or atypical presentations that differ from classical adult neurological phenotypes. Advances in genetics and genomics have fundamentally transformed the understanding, diagnosis, and classification of pediatric neurological diseases. The widespread use of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and integrative bioinformatics approaches has enabled the rapid and precise identification of disease-associated genes, even in sporadic and complex conditions, facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnoses and highlighting the role of genetic background and gene–environment interactions in disease pathogenesis. Here we provide an overview of the genetic and genomic landscape of key pediatric neurological disorders with well-characterized molecular etiologies, including neuromuscular disorders, epilepsies, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and movement disorders. Current knowledge is synthesized with emphasis on clinical presentation, genetic architecture, and genotype–phenotype correlations. Gene-specific management strategies and emerging precision therapies are discussed for selected conditions, underscoring the central role of genetic diagnosis in guiding clinical decision-making and improving outcomes in affected children.

Background: Communication, language, and speech disorders are highly prevalent in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and substantially impact social, educational, and community participation. However, few studies have systematically characterized communicative and linguistic profiles using standardized assessments. This paper outlines the work of the ‘Italian CP & Language Network’ over the last two years, focusing on identifying research priorities, developing specialized assessment protocols, and proposing a shared classification system for speech and language disorders in children with CP. Methods: A survey was sent to 11 specialized centers to investigate clinical practices and assessment tools. Based on the results and an extensive literature review, the group developed three age- and complexity-based diagnostic protocols and a shared classification system. Results: The survey highlighted high variability in test selection, especially for speech and pragmatic assessment, and a significant need for ad hoc tools for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Three standardized protocols were defined: (1) early language (<48 months), (2) school-age language and pragmatics (4–12 years), and (3) minimally verbal children (6–12 years). A multi-level classification system for language and speech disorders was proposed to improve diagnostic consistency. Conclusions: Standardizing assessment is a critical step toward early identification of communicative vulnerabilities to guide tailored interventions and promote participation and quality of life across developmental stages. The group provides a framework for prospective multicenter data collection to correlate linguistic and speech phenotypes with neuroradiological features and motor outcomes.