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The Right Resources Make All the Difference
By Karen Henry Limb loss or limb difference can be difficult to cope with for children and parents alike—albeit for different reasons. According to Rebeca Guajardo, CP, of the Amputee and Prosthetic Center at TMC Orthopedic, Houston, Texas, parents are often concerned with how their child will fit in with their peers and whether or not their child will be able to keep up with other kids. "Children will usually have no problem fitting in because they do so well with prostheses," Guajardo says. "They are strong and want to play rather than worry about all the other stuff."
Guajardo says that children are more concerned with whether or not they will be able to do a favorite activity. "I have a patient right now who has an amputation secondary to cancer. His only concern was, 'Will I be able to play soccer?'"
As a part of its comprehensive program geared specifically at addressing the needs of its younger patients, the Amputee and Prosthetic Center has a library devoted to pediatric resources. Providing parents and children with these resources is helpful, says Guajardo, because it "shows the parents and the child that they are not alone in this situation." One resource that Guajardo recommends is
Children with Limb Loss: A Handbook for Teachers
. "This is a wonderful resource on how to treat the child with an amputation and answer questions that other children have about it," Guajardo says. Robyn Skogman, CPO, agrees. "One mother told us later that due to the provision of this book to her daughter's teacher, her fears that her daughter would be labeled an outcast and never fit in have been alleviated. At school all of the kids were gathered around her and she was able to tell her story. She quickly made new friends and said she felt like a celebrity at her new school."
Helping children develop a positive body image is also a concern. "It is important that child amputees develop positive self-esteem and body images to achieve self acceptance," Skogman says. "Our combination of pediatric peer visitors, amputee dolls, and children's amputee books are useful not only as education aids but also as counseling tools and playful learning for our pediatric patients." Guajardo says she has seen an "incredible response" to toys such as Sew Dolling (East Greenwich, Rhode Island;
www.sew-dolling.com
) and the Amputeddy (Seattle, Washington;
www.amputeddy.com
). "The reaction on childrens faces when they see them is incredible," she says. "Seeing a doll or teddy bear 'just like them' helps in the process of developing a positive body image and healthy sense of self."
Other resources for pediatric patients and their parents include the following:
- Children with Limb Differences (birth to five years):
Nancy Bradley, et al, Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, 2003.
This booklet, for parents of children with limb difference from birth to five years old, provides a guide to normal growth and development, including a section on starting school. It also contains basic information on types of limb loss, medical care, and treatment issues, as well as prosthetic options.
- Children with Limb Differences (six to 12 years):
Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center.
- Adolescents with Limb Differences:
Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center.
- Children with Limb Differences: A Handbook for Teachers:
Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, 1989.
This booklet contains information teachers need to promote the childs positive adjustment to a prosthesis, encourage a successful school experience, and enhance feelings of self-worth.
- Children with Hand Differences: A Guide for Families:
Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, 1989.
This booklet covers some of the issues involved with caring for and raising children with any kind of hand difference. It discusses hand anatomy, normal hand function, and motor skill development through age six, as well as adaptive developmental considerations through adolescence.
- Guia Para Familias de Ninos con Extremidades con Diferencias:
Laurie L. Lynch, translated by Timothy J. Stoner, Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, c1997.
Adapted from
Children with Limb Loss: A Handbook for Families
and
Children with Hand Differences: A Guide for Families.
- My Brand New Leg:
Sharon Rae North, Northstar Entertainment Group LLC, 2003.
A young amputee girl with a prosthetic leg meets a new friend at school. She shows her new friend activities such as running, riding a bike, and hiking, which she can still do with a prosthesis.
- Your Personal Best:
Julie Honeycutt, Center for Limb Differences, Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, 2001.
A handbook intended for children to use under the guidance of physical therapists. The handbooks fun format offers several levels of exercises and guides the child through the healing process. 
Table Of Contents - April 2008
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