Arkansas Children’s Hospital Offers Help for Families Raising Kids with Special Needs
Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) offers families of children with special needs several resources to help them on their journey. Below are a few services that patient families have found helpful, as suggested by the health system’s Family Advisory Board:
The Family Resource Center at ACH hosts a Safety Zone where families can get equipment such as helmets for children as they learn important information about preventing injuries. The center also includes a learning disability library for patients and families.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Dennis Developmental Center, adjacent to the Arkansas Children’s campus, cares for children with developmental conditions.
Camp Wannaplay inpatient playroom celebrates inclusive play with sensory-friendly tables and crafts for children.
ACH Child Life and Education Department offers music therapy and arts and crafts to help patients with the anxiety of being in the hospital.
For more information on any of these resources, visit archildrens.org.
Other Resources
Arkansas Children’s specialists often make referrals or provide information to families on the following external resources:
ACCESS offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities.
99 Balloons provides a recess for kids with special needs to give parents/caregivers a night out.
Camp Aldersgate serves children and youth with special needs in a camp environment in Little Rock.
Pediatrics Plus offers therapy options, including a summer camp program. The practice accepts Medicaid/TEFRA for children and youth with special needs.
The Arkansas Autism Resource & Outreach Center provides hope, direction and support to families of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder through a number of activities.