Audience
- Specialist
What makes JdVS kids unique?
Navigating the unique presentation and combination of underlying complexities is a challenge, as are the moments of unadulterated joy and happiness. Finding and then balancing the line between silliness and engaged learning was the most rewarding part.
What strategies have been helpful in working with someone with JdVS?
Use of patient specific activities that drew out an engaged learning brain were essential for the most impactful treatment sessions. Treatment flexibility, clear directions, and the opportunity for sensory breaks made sure clear communication was possible from patient to therapist. This helped me make sure I wasn’t having the child work through a treatment strategy that might not be the most beneficial. Ensuring that patient goals were based on functional performance, participation with peers, and safety also helped provide appropriate expectations.
Working with JdVS kids from a Physical Therapy perspective.
Coordination of care is essential to ensure you have all the information needed when seeing any child. With a child diagnosed with JdVS, this network of providers can be spread wider. The feedback and techniques from speech and occupational therapy sessions played direct roles in PT sessions I’ve had. Communication with physicians and specialists provide valuable information that shaped our PT goals. All of the techniques and information gathered can’t be carried out if you aren’t able to help shape them to the unique qualities that make up every child. Getting to know interests, fears, and coping mechanisms can take time, but this information is essential especially with a child diagnosed with JdVS. All of this together helps expedite reaching strength, balance, gross motor acquisition, and safety goals.
