Therapeutic Exercise for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Therapeutic Exercise for Children With Developmental Disabilities is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide designed for students, clinicians, and therapists working with children who have developmental disabilities. The Fourth Edition emphasizes critical thinking, individualized assessment, and problem-solving, framed around the American Physical Therapy Association’s Guide to Physical Therapist Practice 3.0 and the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY). Through case studies, practical exercises, and therapeutic activities, this text supports participation, empowerment, and functional outcomes for children rather than solely focusing on impairments.

Key Features

• Case-Based Learning: Follows 5 children with different developmental disabilities (cerebral palsy GMFCS I & V, myelomeningocele, Down syndrome, developmental coordination disorder with ADHD) to illustrate real-world application.
• Evidence-Based Approach: Updated with the latest research, clinical recommendations, and references in pediatric rehabilitation.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Examines assessment, evaluation, and intervention with clearly defined treatment objectives.
• Therapeutic Techniques: Includes NICU practice, early mobility strategies, aquatic therapy, upper extremity constraint-induced therapy, mirror therapy, and lower extremity treadmill training.
• Family & Communication Focus: Emphasizes effective strategies for working with children and their families.
• Multimedia Resources: Companion website with 17 videos totaling 90 minutes, demonstrating therapeutic exercises and interventions.
• Participation-Oriented: Focuses on empowering children to participate fully in daily activities rather than just addressing body function or structure.
• Accessible & Practical: Rich with figures, illustrations, and practical guidance suitable for both students and practicing clinicians.