Our Early Intervention Program offers a “first program” for the family and children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or other significant physical motor delays. Within the small-group model, our team of occupational, physical and speech therapists and a developmental specialist works with your family and your child to lay the foundation for successful growth and development. The care team provides one-on-one therapy combined with focused parental education to address your child’s physical and developmental needs, as well as equipment needs.
The program provides opportunities for parent-to-parent support and information sharing, which often results in long-standing relationships. As with all Perlman programs, care and resource coordination is provided by the team social worker.
Children with cerebral palsy and other physical conditions often require more than one therapy during their critical preschool years. The Perlman Center offers a one-of-a-kind holistic approach that recognizes the unique needs of kids during this age. The program offers a quality preschool environment with opportunities for your child to engage in activities and interact with peers. However, the primary focus of the program is to provide the occupational, physical and speech therapy that your child needs to improve function and maximize participation.
To get the best possible outcomes, therapies are integrated, coordinated and comprehensive. Our therapists work together and focus their attention on assessment and implementing a variety of individual and group treatment options aimed at improving active participation and overall health and development. The following are key components of every child’s plan of care:
We infuse your child’s program with the most advanced assistive technology and therapy equipment and apply it in innovative ways to maximize participation.
Therapists work with small groups for extended 2½-hour sessions two or three times a week. Our therapists are better able to see how children apply new skills, identify target areas that need attention and stay connected with you as parents. Working closely with their team, therapists understand and support the treatment goals of each other’s discipline. Social workers provide the care and resource coordination that is so important to your family and child. As your child approaches kindergarten, the Perlman team works with your family and school to ensure a successful transition.
Technology can be life-changing for children and adults with cerebral palsy and many other physically limiting conditions. Applying technology to enhance participation in everyday life is what the Perlman Center does best.
We are a regional resource for the most advanced assistive technology applications. Our state-of-the-art lab and expert interdisciplinary teams combine to offer families the very best comprehensive evaluations and training. We match the right technology to individual needs and support ongoing use and integration in everyday life. We provide a comprehensive evaluation, funding support and training for:
We offer specialized programs to enhance skills in using technology for school-age kids and adults and supporting school-based therapists.
We recognize the important role that siblings play in the lives of their brothers and sisters who have disabilities. That’s why we offer a special program just for them. Sibshops is a nationally recognized program that celebrates the unique contributions of siblings. We provide the program quarterly on Saturdays. We provide a fun, relaxed group environment where we share feelings and fun. Each Sibshop is different, carefully designed by a team of Cincinnati Children’s professionals and volunteers and led by a Perlman social worker.