Partner Sites:
Frazier Rehab Institute/
    Jewish Hospital

Clark Memorial Hospital

Floyd Memorial Hospital
    and Health Services

Learn more about SIRH and our unique partnership

Pediatric Therapy

Outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as psychological services are available to pediatric and adolescent (ages birth to 18) patients throughout the region. SIRH therapists providing pediatric treatment are highly skilled and experienced in working with developmental challenges, which may range from orthopedic and sports related injury, to genetic and prenatal related diagnoses, such as Cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome. SIRH therapists recognize and address the special challenges associated with childhood, mentally as well as physically. Pediatric therapies at SIRH are not adult treatment applied to children. Treatment methods vary based upon different diagnoses, and the fact that children are, learning, growing, and developing.

Although many diagnoses are recognized by their most visible symptoms, pediatric specialists recognize the importance of considering the psychosocial and secondary issues associated with atypical childhood development. A child with cerebral palsy, for example, typically requires therapy to address the dysfunction of muscles and joints, that results in impairment of movement and motor skills. Orthopedic treatment to improve limb function for walking, and performance of daily activities is required. However, attention to developing a sense of accomplishment and positive self-image is also necessary. Significant psychosocial issues are often part of having a “physical” disability. Success is more than physical performance, or the ability to perform tasks. Children often need special help learning to use ability to overcome disability.

Pediatric services are provided at the primary hospital location. An entirely separate site, however, is dedicated to pediatric treatment. SIRH at Bridgepointe is specifically focused on the treatment of children and includes specialized programming. Sensory Processing Disorders are associated primarily with children, who may experience difficulties registering, modulating, and/or integrating sensory information. As a result, they may appear “oversensitive”, “hyperactive”, or present with emotional and behavioral problems in addition to difficulty performing motor skills or tolerating certain situations. Identification and treatment of sensory Processing dysfunction can be an important part of the comprehensive pediatric treatment plan, and requires specialized skills for successful treatment.

The diagnostic and treatment program for Autism Spectrum Disorders at SIRH utilizes a specific treatment model. Developed specifically for use with the pediatric patients at SIRH at Bridgepointe, it recognizes a “best practice” approach gained through many years of study, combined with the specific strategies and techniques determined to best suite each patient. It is a highly specialized program at SIRH and is the only one of its kind in the Southern Indiana area. Therapists working with these disorders use years of experience as well as advanced specialty training and continuing education to address this complex disorder. SIRH is also credentialed by the state of Indiana with the First Steps program to provide therapy services for children from birth to three years of age.