Extensive Outpatient Rehabilitation for Children

A Multidisciplinary and Personalized Approach

The Extensive Rehabilitation Service for Children provides rehabilitation treatments for minors in an outpatient setting. Programs include neuromotor, phoniatric, cognitive, ortoptics, respiratory and speech therapy. Integrated rehabilitation plans may include hydrokinesis therapy, psychomotor therapy and pediatric cognitive therapy. Testing of orthopaedic supports and other devices are also provided. The number of weekly sessions, of medical interventions, psychological support to the family and school visits is based on the child’s needs.

Child Admission

Preferential admission is given to children below the age of 18 months with complex disorders including, cerebral palsy, severe prematurity, severe feeding and communication impairments, cognitive deficits, rare genetic and chromosomal syndromes like Down, Prader-Willi and Cri Du Chat.

Cognitive-behavioural Therapy, Psychological Support and Counselling

Cognitive –behavioural therapy is provided for children with cognitive and adaptive difficulties due to developmental disorders resulting in learning, speech and communication impairments, impulsive behaviour and attention deficits. The approach focuses on neuropsychological processes such as memory, speech, attention and executive functions necessary to organize one’s actions. Diagnosis and therapy are monitored by means of international standard assessment scales that record the child’s progress and the influence of environmental factors. Among other methods, the bio-psychosocial ICF approach is used. Cognitive –behavioural interventions performed by professional psychotherapists involve parents as active participants in the therapy and coordinate the child’s program according to a global approach strategy. Parenting counselling service is also offered to families if a need is identified. Pre-adolescents and adolescents are provided with a psychological support service as part of the program helping them cope with adaptive issues.

Neuromotor rehabilitation techniques:

• Craniosacral techniques
• Functional taping
• Kabath and Bobath neuromuscular rehabilitation
• Muscular manipulations
• Postural techniques
• Psychomotor techniques
• Respiratory therapy

Speech therapy techniques:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Dysphagia rehabilitation
• Dzora Dredzdanic method
• P.E.C.S. (Picture Exchange Communication System)