Pediatric Intensive Physical and Occupational Therapy Program

The Pediatric Intensive Therapy Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital combines individualized occupational and physical therapy that helps children with special needs and their families by focusing on specific goals. Intensive therapy is frequent and for a limited length of time with emphasis on targeted skills and function.
The Pediatric Intensive Therapy Program is for children from birth to 21 years of age who are quickly moving toward their goals, who may be at risk of losing function due to a current medical condition, and/or have been diagnosed with conditions, such as but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Diagnoses with presentation of Hypertonia or Hypotonia, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Genetic Syndrome(s).

What to Expect During a Session

• The program provides therapy 2 hours a day, four days a week for four weeks. Your child will work with a Physical Therapist for 1 hour and an Occupational Therapist for 1 hour each day.
  • While we encourage you to prioritize the 4 weeks of therapy treatment, we understand that life can be unpredictable. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan for missed sessions to the best of their ability, but cannot guarantee that missed sessions will be made up.
  • Parent(s) or caregiver(s) are expected to attend the therapy sessions and participate when needed to help support the child’s progress.
• Therapists will use various techniques to help improve flexibility, strength, and how well they move based on goals set by your family and therapists.
• Parents and caregivers will learn important skills to support the child’s progress during and after the program ends, empowering you to be an active part of your child’s journey.
• Snack, water, and restroom breaks are built into each session to ensure your child does well.

What to Wear/Bring to a Session

• Please dress your child in comfortable clothing so that they will be able to move around easily
• If wearing full-length clothing, wear short sleeves and shorts underneath
• Wear or bring a pair of sneakers
• Bring healthy, energy-fueling snacks and water
• Extra diapers and a change of clothes, if needed
• Braces, orthotics, or any assistive devices, such as walkers or crutches, if needed

After the Intensive Therapy Program

During and after the program, it is crucial to practice activities and skills in your own daily life. This practice is especially important after therapy ends. You and your child are encouraged to continue practicing these new skills at home, school, and in the community. Regular practice helps your child use these skills effectively in different situations. Therefore, our program recommends a minimum 3-month break from therapy services at Children’s Specialized Hospital after completing the program. This break supports the best outcomes based on research, even though we understand it is a common concern.

How to Apply

Please click the link below to fill out and submit an application. A representative from Children’s Specialized Hospital will be in touch with you once the application has been reviewed to discuss if the Pediatric Intensive Therapy Program is appropriate for your child.

Apply

Next Steps

If your child is determined to be eligible for the Intensive Therapy Program, a representative from Children’s Specialized Hospital will advise you of the next steps which may include obtaining prescriptions or documentation from your child’s medical team and scheduling therapy evaluations.
This may include:

• New prescriptions for physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluations to complete program related assessments and establish patient goals.
• Copies of most recent x-ray reports (if applicable)
• Medical clearance forms to be completed by your child’s medical team

Offered at the following Children’s Specialized Hospital locations:

• Hamilton - 3575 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
• Monmouth - 200 Wyckoff Road, Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness, Eatontown, NJ 07724
• Toms River - 1251 Highway 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755
• Union - 2840 Morris Avenue, Kenneth Esdale Pavilion, Union, NJ 07083
• West Orange - 375 Mount Pleasant Ave 100, West Orange, NJ 07052

For more information contact Children’s Specialized Hospital by calling (888) 244-5373. Thank you for choosing Children’s Specialized Hospital for your child’s care!