The Nemours Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation evaluates and treats children with any number of therapeutic needs, ranging from the relatively simple to the extremely complex.
We see children who have conditions that are present at birth (such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and spina bifida); those that occur due to disease (such as muscular dystrophy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or tumors); and those that are acquired through injury (such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injury). We also treat children who have sensory processing difficulties, which are commonly seen in children who have autism or other related disorders involving social, behavioral, and/or receptive and expressive language impairments, as well as deficits related to prematurity or developmental delay. Nemours also provides a specialized program for children with sports injuries at several of our locations.
Nemours programs include an inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital, a comprehensive outpatient program, and a variety of outpatient clinics. Whatever your child’s reason for referral, we will provide a complete assessment of your child’s functional abilities and design a plan of care that addresses your child’s individual needs. Our services include:
- Assistive Technology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Wheelchair Clinic
- Child Life
- Audiology
- Cochlear Implantation Program
Rehabilitation engineers (scientists who specialize in assistive technology and coordinate our department’s Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic) are a core part of our team. We also work closely with other members of your child’s health care team, which may include specialists such as orthopedists, neurologists, audiologists, ophthalmologists, pulmonologists, behavioral health experts, orthotists (specialists who fit and fabricate braces and other supports), and prosthetists (specialists who fit all types of artificial limbs and body parts). Rehabilitation nurses and Child Life therapists also play an important role in your child’s care.
In addition to the professional degrees of our staff, there are many who’ve pursued other types of advanced training, including certificates in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Certified Hand Therapy (CHT), Interactive Metronome Certification, Lymphedema Certification, and Therapeutic Listening Certification.
This allows our department to offer a variety of innovative therapies, including Interactive Metronome (which uses a laptop and a specialized software program to improve attention and coordination as well as fine motor skills); Therapeutic Listening (which uses headsets and a prescribed type of music and beat to improve attention and sensory processing issues); and the Astronaut Program (which combines music and vestibular function to improve coordination and attention)
All of your child’s caregivers (including his or her primary care doctor) will have access to the latest information about your child’s evaluations, medical management, and progress through an electronic medical record that spans all disciplines. This system allows your child’s team members to be “on the same page,” so to speak, and to review and revise treatment goals collaboratively to provide the best outcome for your child.
Our care extends beyond Nemours as well, to your child’s siblings and family, teachers, and community-based therapists. Family is central to our process. We provide education and guidance about how to carry over the techniques your child learns in therapy to every setting. We also offer health and wellness programs that are specially tailored for children with special needs and their siblings (though all children are welcome). Some of these activities include adaptive karate, yoga, dance, and aquatics. Additionally, we facilitate communication and referrals with outside services so that your child has access to all the community and educational resources available to him or her.
In February 2009 we will be moving to a new and greatly expanded location within the hospital. This new space will include a rock climbing wall and state-of-the-art sports medicine, conditioning, and strengthening equipment. There will also be observation rooms, so parents can observe their child’s therapy sessions, as well as comfortable family consultation rooms. It is our belief that these improvements will allow us to further our goal, which has always been to help your child achieve his or her greatest potential and empower you to be your child’s best advocate.