Child life specialists help children and teens maintain a sense of normalcy while living with a serious illness. Child life specialists explain what is happening in terms children and teens can understand and create opportunities to keep life as normal as possible.
Most pediatric hospitals have a child life department. Child life specialists have advanced education and specialized training in child development.
When getting ready for medical procedures or tests, medical play gives patients the chance to see or rehearse medical procedures and learn why they are necessary.
Child life specialists are there to:
Many of these goals are accomplished through play and activities because that is how children and teens best learn and express themselves.
If you are interested in your child receiving support from a child life specialist, ask your care team.
Most pediatric hospitals have a child life department. Child life specialists have advanced education and specialized training in child development.
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Reviewed: August 2022