Rehabilitation Services - The Detroit Institute for Children

Rehabilitation services are provided for children and adolescents with a variety of disabling conditions, such as cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, genetic syndromes, spinal cord injury, brain injury, as well as other diagnoses. Expertise is available in all types of rehabilitative care, including physical and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, augmentative communication, seating and mobility, Botox injections (available through our Physician's Clinic), serial casting and splinting.

The focus of treatment is to help a child realize their maximum potential for age-appropriate, independent function in the areas of gross and fine motor skills, mobility, activities of daily living, and communication. These goals are achieved through direct therapeutic treatment sessions or modalities, parent/caregiver training, and the fabrication of appropriate equipment to enhance or substitute for lack of functional ability. Specialized treatment approaches and modalities are combined with input from parents/caregivers when developing a child's individualized treatment plans.

Through a cooperative arrangement with the Abilities Center, some rehabilitation services are available at their location. www.abilitiescenter.com

Occupational Therapy

Registered occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants evaluate and establish treatment programs for children, focusing on gross and fine motor skills, self-care activities (including feeding, dressing and bathing), coordination, visual motor skills and sensory processing dysfunction. This service is also available at the Abilities Center.

Physical Therapy

Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants evaluate and establish treatment programs for children, focusing on postural control, movement patterns, flexibility, mobility, strength and gross motor skills. This service is also available at the Abilities Center.

Speech and Language Pathology

Certified speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat children in the areas of auditory comprehension, expressive communication, social language, speech production, oral motor weakness and feeding/swallowing. This service is also available at the Abilities Center

Serial Casting

Serial casting is a method used by specially trained physical and occupational therapists to increase the range of motion (ROM) in tightened or contracted muscles and to inhibit muscle tone. Limitations in upper and lower extremity ROM that impair gait, orthotic fit, or hand function are addressed by the physical or occupational therapist. Orthotic or splinting devices are usually used after the casting series is completed to assist in maintaining achieved ROM, standing, walking, or hand function. Serial casting is often performed in conjunction with Botox injections to decrease spasticity. This service is not available at the Abilities Center.

Splinting

Therapists evaluate for appropriate splint use to facilitate improved hand function, prevent or decrease contractures and deformities, and inhibit spasticity. Occupational therapists will either fabricate custom splints for upper extremities or assess appropriateness of commercially available splints. This service is not available at the Abilities Center.