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Neuromuscular Disorders
Blythedale is widely recognized as a leader in treating children with rare conditions, spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders including muscular dystrophy and other myopathies, neuropathies, motor neuron diseases and neuromuscular junction disorders as well as complex genetic syndromes.
The goal of our Neuromuscular Disorders program is to help children maximize their functional abilities through comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, environmental modifications and adaptive equipment.
Following an intake evaluation, the child’s clinical team will work collaboratively with the family to identify developmentally important goals to improve mobility, foster independence in daily activities and self-care, and address the highly specific medical needs of children with rare and complex conditions.
Coordinated discharge planning provides families with detailed information regarding follow-up care, equipment needs, and support services to help our young patients return to their families, schools and communities.
Neuromuscular Disorders Team
Our interdisciplinary team includes full-time board certified pediatric physiatrists and neurologists, as well as distinguished experts in neuropsychology, physiatry, pediatrics, orthopedics and other medical specialties. Blythedale also has the largest and most experienced, hospital-based pediatric therapy department in New York State.
Related Departments
Pediatrics
Dedicated pediatricians for each of our units provide medical care while the child is in the hospital, coordinate the services of the other subspecialties, and supervise the discharge planning process. Family and pediatric nurse practitioners are assigned to the Hospital’s units, as well as...
Nursing
The focus of our care is on the possibilities of each child and family for healing, for learning and for progress. We individualize the plan of care to incorporate each family's goals as we recognize that every child and parent has unique needs and strengths. Our hands-on nursing approach...
Social Work and Care Coordination Services
When your child is admitted to one of Blythedale’s programs, your family is assigned a social worker who will work closely with you throughout your stay at Blythedale. We will help you cope with the emotional stress of the next phase of your child’s recovery while adjusting to a new...
Physical Therapy
Treatment plans often include exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. In addition, pediatric physical therapists promote development of normal components of movement and gross motor skills. Augmentative therapies provided by Blythedale’s...
Occupational Therapy
Our experienced pediatric OTs are proficient in working with children ranging from medically fragile infants to teenagers recovering from traumatic injuries. Our treatment sessions are child centered using a supportive and playful approach. Services include: Comprehensive evaluation of child’...
Speech Pathology & Audiology
Speech and Feeding Therapy Blythedale is skilled in diagnosing subtle developmental differences that are often difficult to identify. We provides services in the areas of language (understanding and expression of thoughts), speech (or clarity), voice, fluency (or stuttering), pragmatic (or social...
Therapeutic and Developmental Support Services
Child Life and Creative Arts Program Child Life Program The Child Life and Creative Arts program at Blythedale Children’s Hospital is dedicated to helping infants, children and their families cope through their medical journey. Our team of Certified Child Life Specialists are trained in the...
The Mt. Pleasant Blythedale Union Free School District
Mt. Pleasant Blythedale UFSD is a New York State public, special act school district, chartered in 1971 to serve the highly specialized needs of the patients of Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Children in grades K through 12, who require intensive rehabilitation and medical care, attend...
The Robert Stone Day Hospital
Following an evaluation by an interdisciplinary team at Blythedale (in coordination with the child’s family and community physician), an individualized treatment plan is developed to address the child’s unique medical, therapeutic and developmental needs. In addition, every child is...
Clinical Nutrition
Our dietitians create individualized meal plans for patients with allergies, dietary restrictions and specialized diets, while working alongside the child's speech therapist to ensure the best results. For the infant population at Blythedale Children's Hospital, the Clinical Nutrition team...
Pharmacy
The Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to patients and staff. Our pharmacists prepare compounds for both enteral and parenteral specialty medications, and provides individualized patient specific weight based unit doses. Our team reviews the appropriateness of all medication...
Navigating Nathaniel's Needs
Assistive Technology Empowers Exploration & Education
Nathaniel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other medical complications that left him with physical limitations and non-verbal. To unlock his world, assistive technology was introduced to empower exploration and education. Learn how Blythedale Children’s Hospital helped bring fun, function, self-expression and endless opportunities to Nathaniel.
Dancing David
Conquering Cerebral Palsy with Physiatry, Physical Therapy and K-Pop
Cerebral palsy didn't stop David from doing what he loves. With the help of #TeamBlythedale, his family and music by BTS, this "firecracker" was able to overcome his medical challenges and stand up so he could get down. Learn how David found his groove.
Tara's Triumph
Teen's Fierce Determination for Independence Drives Assistive Technology Training
Tara has cerebral palsy, but wants what any other teen wants... to spend time with friends and family, go to prom and graduate high school. With help from Blythedale's innovative Assistive Technology program, her dreams are becoming a reality. Learn how this former preemie triplet is gaining her independence and mobility, but on her own terms.
Brave Bentley
Health Home Helps Medically Complex Boy & Family Thrive in Community
Bentley is more than his power wheelchair, life-sustaining ventilator and assistive technology devices. Lovingly referred to as the "Mayor of Blythedale", Bentley is a trailblazing patient. Learn how Bentley and his mom overcame his progressive neuromuscular disorder and thrived, both during his treatment at Blythedale Children's Hospital and beyond.
Omouri's Odyssey
Tot Triumphs over Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Assistive Technology
Born seemingly healthy then diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive disease that weakens the body while leaving the mind intact, Blythedale Children's Hospital utilizes its state-of-the-art assistive technology program to help transform Omouri's small movements into big results.