It’s an unfortunate truth that some children have experienced trauma early in their lives. But with the help of expert pediatric therapists, your child can get the developmental support they need in a way that respects what they have experienced and how that can impact their life.
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in overcoming their developmental challenges and reaching their full potential. Today, I want to discuss the importance of specialized care for children who have experienced trauma and how trauma-informed care can significantly improve their recovery.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care in pediatric therapy refers to an approach that considers the unique needs of children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. It involves recognizing and properly responding to the effects that trauma can have on a child’s development.
Trauma-informed care focuses on the physical and emotional safety of children who have experienced a traumatic event. The goal is to create opportunities for children to rebuild a sense of control over their lives while working on their developmental goals.
Many Children in Foster Care or Who Have Been Adopted Have a Special Need for Trauma-Informed Care
Children who have been in the foster care system or those who have been adopted often have histories of physical or emotional trauma. These children can greatly benefit from pediatric therapy delivered by experts who are trained in trauma-informed care.
This is because children who have experienced trauma face specific challenges beyond any developmental delays or other disabilities. By understanding these challenges, trauma-informed therapists can help children achieve their developmental goals in a supportive and safe environment.
Making Children Feel Safe and Respected Is Vital
Providing trauma-informed care means creating an environment where children feel safe and respected. This involves earning the child’s trust to effectively push them toward achieving their developmental goals.
Key aspects of trauma-informed care include:
- Respecting your child’s bodily autonomy and individual choices
- Addressing any food insecurity by creating a safe environment around food
- Being mindful of the language used, as certain words or phrases can be triggering
- Ensuring that the child feels a sense of safety and security in all interactions with their therapist
Trauma-Informed Care Can Be an Essential Part of a Child’s Pediatric Therapy Journey
Children who have experienced trauma but who also need pediatric therapy to address developmental delays or disabilities can benefit immensely from working with a therapist who is well-versed in trauma-informed care.
Whether your child needs physical, occupational, speech, or feeding therapy, our team can help with trauma-informed care. This specialized approach helps address the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, supports their recovery, and empowers them to achieve their developmental goals.
Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies, our therapists have specialized training in trauma recovery. If you believe your child could benefit from our services, call us at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation.
Let us help your child grow beyond their limitations and reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.
About Terrica
Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
