Office Location Location: 5F Telephone: 860.545.9222 Fax: 860.545.9201 Contact Person Ann Riley, RN, MSN, Intake Coordinator E-mail ariley@ccmckids.org

A Developmental Pediatrician is a doctor of pediatric medicine with training in child development and rehabilitation. The developmental pediatrician serves as the leader for the CCMC rehabilitation team and makes referrals to the various therapies and medical specialists as needed. The developmental pediatrician works with the rehabilitation team, the child with a brain injury, and the family to develop the best possible treatment plan.

Physical Therapists (PT) evaluate and treat a person’s ability to move the body. The physical therapist focuses on improving physical function by addressing muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination. Functional goals include such things as independent ability with walking, getting in and out of a chair or bed, on and off a toilet, or in and out of a tub. Physical therapists provide training with assistive devices such as walkers. Physical therapists can also use physical modalities, such as heat, cold, and water to assist with pain relief and muscle movement.

Occupational Therapists (OT) use activities as a means of preventing, reducing, or overcoming physical challenges aiming for the highest level of independent functioning in daily living. Areas addressed by occupational therapists include: self-feeding; grooming; bathing; dressing; toileting; stabilizing one’s body in sitting; thinking skills; vision; sensation; fine motor (movement of small body muscles, such as in the hands). OT’s provide certain adaptive equipment assessment and training (such as use of a universal cuff or wrist support in self-feeding). The OT also fabricates splints to reduce deformities and optimize muscle functioning.

Speech/Language Pathologists evaluate a person’s ability to express him/herself (speech, written language, or otherwise communicated) and comprehend what they see and hear. The speech/language pathologist focuses on the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat. They also address feeding and swallowing issues. If needed, a speech/language pathologist trains a person to use assistive technology as an alternative form of communication.

Nurses monitor all body systems. The nurse attempts to maintain the child’s medical status, anticipating potential complications. Our nurses also serve as traffic controllers, helping to balance structured therapy times with each child’s need for rest and recreation. A nurse is responsible for the assessment, implementation, and evaluation of each individual patient's nursing care and family educational needs based on specific problems. The nurses are responsible for coordinating with physicians and rehab team members.

The Psychologist provides psychological consultation to the children and their families, and works in collaboration with all members of the rehab team. The primary interventions of the psychologist include assessment of emotional and psychological functioning, and impact of the injury on the family. As they cope with the demands of rehabilitation, the psychologist provides emotional support to the patient and family. Often that support is provided through psycho-education about the recovery process, as well as helping the patient and family anticipate the challenges of re-entry to school and the community.

The Academic Tutor is a Connecticut certified teacher who provides educational instruction in all academic areas (Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, English, Spelling, Handwriting) using computer technology, texts, and/or assignments from the child’s school. Materials are individualized and based on each child’s ability and academic needs. The tutor focuses on the same curriculum that the child would be receiving in the classroom. Often there is communication with school personnel to assist in making the child’s transition back to school smooth.

The School Liaison contacts the child’s school, and with permission, shares information about the child’s status while in the hospital. As discharge nears, she assists the team and family in delineating the child’s academic needs. She also assists the school in devising an appropriate re-entry plan.

Child Life Specialists focus on the emotional and developmental needs of children and families. Using play and other forms of communication, they seek to reduce the stress associated with healthcare experiences and enable children to cope in a positive manner. Part of their role on the rehabilitation team is to prepare children for medical treatment and surgery. They can clarify misconceptions and provide emotional support during painful or unpleasant procedures. Child Life specialists provide age appropriate play and therapeutic activities for individual children and groups.

The Neuropsychologist focuses on thinking skills, behavior, and emotional processing. The neuropsychologist’s evaluation provides valuable information to assist with school and community re-entry.

Utilization Managers are responsible for assuring appropriate and cost-effective treatment and the facilitation of discharge planning. They maintain regular contact with the patient's insurance carrier and family to assure that treatment goals are understood and achieved.

A Physiatrist is a doctor of physical medicine rehabilitation. Our physiatrist serves as a consultant to the rehabilitation treatment team. The physiatrist is an expert on muscle tone management and other specialized aspects of rehabilitative care.

Would you like to keep track of your own team?
Click here to print out the form to take with you on your visit to CCMC.