Serving Children and Adolescents

Jackson’s Child and Adolescent Rehabilitation program provides a warm and friendly environment for pediatric and adolescent patients. This program is an integral part of the Holtz Children’s Hospital (link) and outpatient medical and rehabilitation care. The expert team provides treatment to patients with a wide variety of conditions including:

• Arthritis
• Congenital or spinal deformities
• Multiple sclerosis
• Near drowning
• Organ failure
• Orthopaedic injuries or disabilities
• Spinal cord injuries
• Strokes
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Transplants
• Tumors
• Ventilator dependence

Jackson’s rehabilitative team encourages a home-like atmosphere where family participation is an integral part of the healing process, speeding a patient’s recovery. 

Pediatric rehabilitation services begin with a thorough evaluation to identify the child’s needs and determine the most effective program of individual and group therapies. Both children and parents provide their own input regarding goals, concerns and treatment preferences.

Throughout the rehabilitation program, patients learn to be as independent as possible in mobility and self-care activities. Advanced technology tools are used to address any problems with speech, reading comprehension and other language disorders. Young patients are encouraged to express their feelings through painting, sculpture and writing. In addition, the staff uses medical play techniques to reduce a child’s anxiety.

Miami-Dade County teachers work one-on-one with pediatric rehabilitation patients, helping them with their academic skills. Because education is an essential part of Jackson’s rehabilitation program, parents receive extensive information about their child’s condition, likely outcomes and resources for short- or long-term support. Family members are given the opportunity to share their feelings and find solutions to common problems.

Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital has a coordinated comprehensive pediatric program for children with spinal cord injury, brain injury or other neurological trauma. This program includes pediatric physical, psychological and cognitive rehabilitation services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Jackson’s pediatric rehabilitation program assists with the community re-entry process. Jackson’s therapists and specialists provide young patients with opportunities to practice newly learned skills in real-life supervised situations, supported by staff experienced in the special challenges encountered by young patients. Therapists also conduct visits to the child’s home and school, when appropriate, to assure accessibility.

After pediatric patients leave the hospital, they receive follow-up rehabilitation and support services in an outpatient setting.