Making therapy fun: Beaumont Children's Hospital's adaptive programs for children

When Suzy MacDonald of West Bloomfield gave her 4-year-old“girly-girl” Isabelle a choice between swim or dance classes in Beaumont Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Adaptive Groups, the tutu won out over the Speedo.

Isabelle, who receives therapy for low muscle tone and possible coordination disorder at the Center for Children’s Rehabilitation at the Beaumont Medical Center, West Bloomfield, is a candidate for a regular dance class but her mom liked the fact that physical and occupational therapists teach the adaptive groups.

With special attention from the instructor and a volunteer assigned to help the young ballerina throughout, Isabelle not only participated in the six-week session, she gave her mom goose bumps when she danced to“Baby Take a Bow” during a recital in July.

Registration for the fall season is ongoing through Sept. 30. The season is from Oct. 12 through Dec. 18. Call 248-655-5660 for information and specific prices on groups that meet at the Beaumont Health Center in Royal Oak. Call 248-855-4480 for information and specific prices on groups that meet at the Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation at the Beaumont Medical Center , West Bloomfield. Prices range from $150-$243.

While parents may register their child, a physician must certify he is appropriate for the program.

“Participants may be in a wheelchair, visually impaired, autistic or have general developmental delays,” says Therese Scarpace, social worker and program coordinator.“Most of our kids couldn’t take part without these programs.”

In addition to swimming and dance, the medically supervised programs include:Martial arts (sensory integration focus) Ready for Fall Fun (social interaction focus) Buddy Group (life skills development) Handwriting (adapted from Handwriting Without Tears program)Chatty Chefs (to work on verbal, motor and math skills while cooking)Not all classes are offered at each location.