The Pediatric Rehabilitation and Accredited Education Program of Lakeside Neurologic specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury, neurologic injury, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Lakeside serves children and adolescents ages 4 to 17 with varying degrees of impairment, diagnosis, and diverse cultural backgrounds. The rehabilitative treatment of children and adolescents with acquired brain injuries and neuropsychiatric disorders differs greatly from rehabilitation of adults with similar diagnoses. In addition to having knowledge regarding the rehabilitation process, pediatric professionals must have an in-depth knowledge of the growth and development of children. This is because children are constantly growing, changing, and developing.
The Pediatric Program strives to employ a family-centered approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that the family plays an integral part in the rehabilitation process. Since parents often know their child better than anyone else, Lakeside strives to develop collaborative working relationships with parents that build on the strengths and beliefs of the family. Our services are designed to help children successfully re-integrate into the family, home school district or alternative discharge setting. Lakeside Neurologic is accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) in consort with the NCPSA Member Association, Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). This accreditation allows credits earned at Lakeside to transfer to the student’s home district as they continue their education post-discharge. Individualized Education Plans (IEP) are developed for students attending school at Lakeside Neurologic. These plans focus on the individual educational, physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of the student to help them receive an appropriate educational experience. An Education Plan is developed for each child that identifies and outlines individualized long-term goals and short-term objectives. IEPs are reviewed and modified as student needs change.
Family-Centered Pediatric Rehabilitation and Accredited Education Program
Through a family-centered approach, Lakeside is dedicated to developing individualized treatment programs designed to teach children the skills necessary to live in the least restrictive environment and successfully re-enter their home community and educational system.
Medical Management
Comprehensive medical evaluation and pharmacologic assessment completed by the Board certified Medical Director (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).
Forensic Evaluation
Designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation to assess the nature, extent, and etiology of a client’s deficits, estimate damages, analyze a client’s current functional status in relation to the pre-injury level of function and post-injury presentation and evaluate the potential for improvement.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychological evaluation is a priority to identify deficits related to the neurologic injury, identify preferred learning style, and assist with setting appropriate academic and rehabilitation goals when developing an Individual Education Plan.
Interdisciplinary Services
Rehabilitation services are provided by: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologists, Neurologist, Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychiatrist, Rehabilitation Nurses, Registered Dietician, Recreational Therapist, Certified Behavioral Analysts, Case Managers, and Certified Teachers.
Residential Services
Consistent assignment of staff encourages familiarity with specific client needs and cultivates a trusting relationship facilitating successful rehabilitation. Staffing ratios are designed to foster independence while ensuring adequate safety and supervision.
Behavioral Intervention
Behavior Specialist develop individualized behavioral/motivational programs for each client. Behavior protocols are designed and implemented with the goal of effectively working towards an increase in desired behaviors and a decrease in inappropriate behaviors and responses.
Education
Educational Services are provided by Florida Certified Teachers, many specializing in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), in classrooms with low teacher to student ratios. Lakeside Neurologic is a fully accredited school by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) in consort with the NCPSA Member Association, Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). Individual Education Plans (IEP) are developed and modified collaboratively with a child’s home school district, facilitating transfer back to the home community.
Vocational Services
Pre-Vocational activities similar to household chores are encouraged in clients under the age of 14 and reinforced through the earning of a weekly allowance. Clients over the age of 14 can earn a weekly paycheck by appropriately participating at one of several vocational sites specifically tailored to the pediatric population. Both groups participate in a weekly budget group coordinated by an Occupational Therapist to learn and improve money management skills.
Recreation & Leisure Activities
Clients are encouraged to participate in the advisory committee which meets weekly to make recommendations for on- and off-campus activities. Participation is encouraged to promote appropriate socialization and interaction.
Community Integration
An essential component of the rehabilitation program, community integration and interaction provide children with the opportunity to express and engage in pro-social behaviors in the community facilitating transfer of these behaviors to other settings.
Family Training
Education and counseling are offered to family and caregivers which address child development, behavioral management, medication management, and other areas pertinent to successful community integration.
Pediatric Rehabiltation and Education Admission Process
Survivors of traumatic brain injury and neurologic injury are referred to SMRC at Lakeside Neurologic on a national level. Individuals are qualified for admission individually on a clinical, medical and financial basis.
Family members and other concerned parties are encouraged to tour the program prior to admission in order to make informed placement decisions. SMRC assists in lessening the financial burden placed on family members by absorbing some of the costs associated with travel expenses, meals, and overnight accommodations.
The Admissions Department is available to assist all concerned parties with any questions. For assistance in making a referral, please call (800-697-5390) and ask to speak to the Admissions Department.
Pediatric Admission Criteria
Individuals who are most likely to benefit from the pediatric rehabilitation services of the Lakeside Neurologic:
- Neurologic dysfunction
- Have achieved a stable level of medical recovery
- Age 4 – 17
- Are functioning at a cognitive level on the Ranchos Los Amigos Scale of 4 or above
Our Program has the expertise, resources, and experience required to accurately diagnose and treat the most complex manifestations of neurologic impairment and dual diagnoses.
