Pediatric rehabilitation and therapy
Your child's healthy development is our priority. When your child needs physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy, pediatric therapists at Studer Family Children's Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation - Gulf Breeze are here for your child and family. Pediatric therapists provide help and support for children with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Brachial plexus injury
- Brain and spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Communication disorder
- Developmental delay
- Down syndrome
- Learning difficulties
- Muscular dystrophy
- Orthopedic injury
- Speech and language disorder or delay
- Spina bifida
- Swallowing disorder
Each appointment starts with a conversation about your child. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions. By getting to know your child and family, we create a personalized care plan. Together, you and your child’s care team set short-term and long-term goals for your child.
Our connection to Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart means your child and family have access to more than 120 pediatric specialists and 29 specialty programs. If your child needs more care, we connect you with specialists that are right for your child and family.
A doctor’s referral is required for all pediatric rehabilitation services.
Pediatric speech therapy
Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, specialize in diagnosing and treating children with speech, language and swallowing disorders, such as:
- Apraxia (difficulty with lip, jaw and tongue movement)
- Articulation
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
- Lisping
- Muteness (refusing or being unable to speak)
- Speech delays
- Stuttering
At Studer Family Children's Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation - Gulf Breeze, our pediatric speech therapists are experienced in working with children of all ages. Children may work with a speech therapist once a week or a few times a week. How often your child will go to speech therapy depends on their specific needs and if they are seeing a speech therapist at school.
Pediatric physical therapy
Pediatric physical therapists at Studer Family Children's Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation - Gulf Breeze specialize in helping children improve their mobility, flexibility and strength. We provide help and support for children of all ages and treat many conditions, including:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Down syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Muscle stiffness
- Orthopedic injuries
- Prematurity
- Spina bifida
- Stroke
Your child will meet with their physical therapist weekly or a few times a week, depending on their needs. By using personalized stretches and exercises, we help your child improve their mobility and quality of life.
Pediatric occupational therapy
Pediatric occupational therapists are here for your child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. We specialize in helping children improve their fine motor skills, activities of daily living, social skills and confidence. Pediatric occupational therapists provide help and support for children with many conditions, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Behavioral concerns
- Birth anomalies
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Injuries
- Post-surgery recovery
- Sensory processing disorders
- Social skills at school, play and in the community
- Spina bifida
If your child needs specialized equipment such as a wheelchair or bathing equipment, we can help. Occupational therapists can evaluate your child to help fit the equipment for their needs. We show your child and family how to properly use these devices. Our goal is to support your child’s social and physical development, and help your child gain independence.
A family-centered approach to care
Your child’s therapist takes a family-centered approach to care. That means we involve you in goal-setting and take the time to explain your child’s care plan and update you on your child’s progress.