When to consult a Child Life Specialist:
- Preparation and support for a child’s upcoming medical/dental visit or procedure
- Negative or traumatic past medical experiences
- Helping a child understand and process a new medical diagnosis for themselves or a loved one
- Support for telling a child about the death of a loved one (including a pet)
- Preparing a child for a funeral visitation
- Support for telling a child the news of a divorce
- Support in advocating for a child’s coping needs in medical settings
- Preparing a child for the arrival of a new baby/sibling
- Supporting a child’s reintroduction back to school after a prolonged/medical absence or new diagnosis
- Support with transition to a new city, home, family, or school
- Separation from parent/caregiver due to medical reason, incarceration, or other life circumstances
- Difficulty with medicine taking or compliance with medical regimen
What a Child Life Specialist can offer:
- Therapeutic play interventions
- Medical play and procedural preparation
- Grief support
- Memory making activities for self or loved one
- Coping strategies
- Desensitization/Role-playing activities
- Developmentally supportive activities
- Parent/Caregiver support/workshops
- Mindfulness exercises
- Self-expression activities
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