Rehabilitation for children--parents can't do it all

Management of disabling conditions in children differs from that for adults, with ongoing needs related to growth and development. Parents also vary in their ability to deal with the demands placed on the family by a child with a disability. Different disabling conditions require many of the same kinds of therapies, with more emphasis on some. Functional goals include mobility, communication, independence in activities of daily living, education and eventual appropriate vocational planning. Consultation, outpatient therapy, or intensive, inpatient management may be appropriate at different times. A rehabilitation team approach with other specialists as needed can assist the child, family, and school to achieve the best outcome possible.