Pediatric Adaptive Equipment Flashcards
What are the three classifications of adaptive equipment?
→ Assistive technology (to increase or maintain function)
→ Alternative technology (substitutes for similar end functions)
→ Augmentative technology (supplements inadequate function)
List the types of adaptive equipment based on their tech level.
→ Low-tech (e.g., pencil grips, benches)
→ Mid-tech (e.g., powered toys, recording devices)
→ High-tech (e.g., computers with voice recognition, powered wheelchairs)
What are the common categories of adaptive equipment?
→ Seating and positioning
→ Mobility devices
→ Adaptive car seats
→ Bath/toileting aids
→ Adapted beds
→ Home/accessibility modifications
→ Adapted toys
→ Communication/computer technology
What is the main purpose of adaptive equipment in pediatric therapy?
→ Reinforce therapy positions
→ Prevent abnormal postures
→ Reduce caregiver demands
→ Enhance the child’s daily function
What are the benefits of using adaptive equipment?
→ Improved function
→ Increased independence
→ Enhanced social interaction
→ Better visual attention
→ Improved cognition
→ Facilitation of new skills
Who is involved in the collaboration process for adaptive equipment?
→ Therapists
→ Families
→ Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers
→ Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP)
→ Seating/mobility specialists
Name three precautions to consider when using adaptive equipment.
→ Safety (correct positioning, frequent inspections)
→ Therapeutic plan (balance of static vs. dynamic movement)
→ Psychosocial integration (reducing attention to disabilities)
What factors are evaluated when determining a child’s adaptive equipment needs?
→ Mat examination
→ Movement assessment
→ Environmental review
→ Family goals
→ Range of motion (e.g., pelvic alignment, hip flexion, knee extension)
How does muscle tone affect the use of adaptive equipment?
→ Hypotonia or hypertonia can affect postural alignment
→ Adaptive devices can help manage muscle tone to maintain positions
Why are primitive reflexes important in adaptive equipment use?
→ Reflexes (e.g., TLR, ATNR) influence motor patterns
→ Devices may restrict or inhibit these reflexes to support positioning
What aspects of sensory and skin integrity are assessed for adaptive equipment?
→ Areas of impaired sensation
→ Pressure relief for upright positioning
→ Potential use of pressure mapping to ensure proper distribution
How are cognition and psychosocial factors considered in adaptive equipment use?
→ Child’s cognitive abilities
→ Perception and social interaction
→ Judgment and problem-solving abilities
What is the role of functional skills in choosing adaptive equipment?
→ Assess current functional abilities
→ Identify barriers to more advanced skills
→ Ensure compatibility with home/school goals
What environmental factors influence adaptive equipment selection?
→ Home layout
→ School setting
→ Community factors (urban vs. rural, terrain, transportation)
→ Socioeconomic and cultural factors
What are funding options for adaptive equipment?
→ Private insurance
→ Medicaid
→ IDEA (if included in IEP/IFSP)
→ State waivers
→ Community organizations
→ Equipment lending libraries
What are the benefits of sitting positioning devices?
→ Improved upper extremity function
→ Stable base for movement
→ Tone inhibition
→ Better perception of surroundings
→ Social benefits
How should a chair be set up for optimal sitting?
→ Seat height: Support feet with hips flexed at 90 degrees or more
→ Seat depth: 2-finger space at the popliteal fossa
→ Backrest: Support at the appropriate height for trunk control
What are the benefits of standing devices?
→ Increased weight-bearing
→ Improved circulation
→ Enhanced bone density
→ Better GI function
→ Enhanced LE ROM and social interaction
What is the difference between static and multi-positional standers?
→ Static standers: One position, smaller, easy setup
→ Multi-positional standers: Offer prone, supine, or upright positioning, larger, more complex
What is a prone stander, and what are its benefits?
→ Allows hands-free standing
→ Facilitates LE weight-bearing
→ Enables peer interaction; can be moved via casters
What is a supine stander, and when is it used?
→ Allows weight-bearing through trunk/LEs in upright position
→ Does not promote UE weight-bearing
→ May trigger reflexes in semi-reclined positions
Describe the purpose of a sit-to-stand device.
→ Transitions between sitting and standing
→ Facilitates transfers
→ Promotes upright posture with varying support levels
What are side-lying devices, and what is their function?
→ Support neutral head/trunk alignment
→ Reduce abnormal reflexes
→ Allow midline play; benefit children with low developmental function
What are pre-wheelchair devices, and what do they help develop?
→ Devices like scooters, crawling aids, and tricycles
→ Develop early mobility, head/trunk control, and LE strength
What are key considerations for recommending wheelchairs?
→ Dependent vs. independent mobility
→ Manual vs. power options
→ Additional features: Recline, tilt, or power assist
What are upper extremity support surfaces in wheelchairs?
→ Trays that fit the chair without increasing width
→ Support good positioning
→ Aid in ADLs, schoolwork, and communication device use
Describe gait trainers and walkers.
→ Gait trainers: Provide partial weight support, aid ambulation
→ Walkers: Offer anterior or posterior support based on control needs
What adaptive equipment is common for infants and toddlers?
→ Standard high chairs, umbrella strollers, adapted bathing/toilet training aids, and specialized seating for better alignment
What are augmentative communication strategies?
→ Unaided (gestures, eye-pointing)
→ Non-tech (communication boards)
→ Neuro-assisted (activated by bio-signals)
How are neuro-assisted communication devices operated?
→ By bioelectrical or physiological signals (e.g., EEG, specific muscle signals)
→ Used for children with severe motor impairments
