Children sometimes need a helping hand in developing the skills to communicate and engage fully in daily life. At Sentara, our pediatric therapy specialists provide a range of services designed to help young people thrive at home, in school and at play.
Why choose Sentara?
Our pediatric therapy programs offer individualized care when children need support with feeding, learning, playing, communicating and developing motor skills. Our program highlights include:
Demonstrated expertise: Our licensed therapists have specialized training in occupational, physical and speech pathology therapy for children of all ages. Our team also includes early intervention certified therapists.
Community-based care: Your child can get care right away and close to home, with no need to wait. We offer pediatric services at Sentara therapy centers throughout Virginia and eastern North Carolina. Some are located inside nonprofit centers for easier access to related services.
Collaborative approach: We work with you and your child’s other health providers to develop the best possible care plan.
For some individuals with neurodivergent diagnoses or developmental delays, we can provide services throughout the lifespan.
Note: For early intervention patients, newborn to 3, our therapists will come to your home, your child’s day care center, the park - wherever they are most comfortable!
We use therapy to treat conditions that affect children's ability to communicate, eat, play and learn. Among the conditions we treat are:
- Aphasia: A loss of the ability to speak, read or write due to brain injury
- Apraxia (or dyspraxia): An inability to move, gesture or make facial movements because of injury or illness in the brain
- Autism: Refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
- Cerebral palsy: A group of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination
- Cognitive impairment: Trouble with thinking, remembering, concentrating or learning
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing food or liquids, including saliva
- Sensory integration issues: Trouble with receiving and responding to information gathered through sight, smell, sound, taste and touch
Pediatric therapy helps children develop the strength and skills they need to feel confident and independent. We help children:
- Accomplish daily self-care tasks
- Build physical strength
- Communicate effectively
- Manage their feelings
- Participate meaningfully in daily routines