BLOG POST 12: CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC ILNESSES

It would have been a painful experience for Adisa to travel to a new country
accompanied by her father only. Both Adisa and father could not speak English
which was another challenge for them. She stayed in CCU for several weeks due to
her heart surgery. She was going through one of the toughest phases in her life at a
very young age. She had been suffering with mental and physical trauma. Children
usually have stronger attachment with their mothers as compared to their fathers.
At this time, she is deprived of her mother’s emotional support which is very
important for her mental and physical health. At this age children also tend to be
timid and oversensitive. According to Koller (2008), “Conversely, some
researchers found that younger children were more likely to be anxious and fearful
compared to older children” (pg.5)
Adisa was transferred from CCU to hospital unit where she was again exposed to
strange faces, new environment and unfamiliar language. That multiplied her pain
and anxiety. According to Nader & Reif (2016), “The presence of unfamiliar sights
and sounds, an increase in strangers, a fear of pain and procedures, and a lack of
normalization may trigger anxiety in hospitalized children” (pg.1). She is confined
to bed most of the time which limits her social life. She is also away from her
sibling which has further isolated her. She is also at-risk child since she has
language barrier. As Adison was looking out of the window in darkness showed
that she is intensely missing her family and she feels insecure in a strange country
where she cannot even talk to anyone except her father. Another issue with Adison
was that her inability to speak English due to which she is deprived of her right to
communicate her feelings. UNICEF (n.d.), “ Children have the right to give their
opinions freely on issues that affect them. Adults should listen and take children
seriously.” As far as her father is concerned, it is a tough phase for him too. He is
without his wife who could be a strong moral support for him. He too has language
barrier which is complicating his interaction with others.
Child life specialist will begin with the assessment of Adison and her father to
determine the best interventions for them, and it will be a first step towards
building a trustworthy and positive relationship with them too. According to
Dolidze, Smith, & Tchanturia, (2013), “ An accurate assessment can lend valuable
information to the healthcare professional that can allow for an individualized
preparation” (as cited in Robertson,2022). Play therapies will be recommended for
Adison. As she is withdrawn and distressed , therefore she needs to release her
pent-up emotions. Drawing can be used as a therapy where she can draw different
pictures to express her emotions. Her family picture should be kept beside her bed
so she can feel the presence of her mother and brother. These techniques will start
healing her pain. She should be provided with several dolls and puppets, so she
does not feel lonely anymore. This is distraction technique which diverts the focus
of the child from her loneliness, insecurity and anxiety. Nader & Rief (2016)
explain, “Distraction is a commonly used behavioral intervention by child life
specialists that entails teaching and assisting children to focus their attention from
the source of fear, pain, or anxiety to something more neutral” (pg.3). She can also
watch cartoons and can be provided with storybooks which can keep her engaged.
There are normalization activities too which make Adison and her father feel relax
and comfortable. Nader and Rief (2016) emphasize that, “normalization activities
make the hospital environment more similar to life outside the hospital”(pg.3).
Adison’s father can take her outside within hospital premises while she sits on the
wheelchair. This is good for socializing. His father should also be provided with
counselling support by the hospital.

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Koller, D. (2008). Child Life Assessment: Variables associated with a child’s ability to cope
with hospitalization. Child Life Council Evidence-Based Practice Statement

Robertson, J (2022). Module 8:Why assess for psychological risk: Children and Chronic
illness, Toronto, ON: Toronto Metropolitan University. CCLD446, Module 8 - Why Assess for
Psychosocial Risk? (ryerson.ca)

Sherwood Burns-Nader & Maria Hernandez-Reif (2016) Facilitating play for hospitalized

children through child life services, Children's Health Care, 45:1, 1-
21, DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2014.948161

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UNICEF (n.d.) Convention On The Rights Of The Child.
www.unicef.org/media/60981/file/convention-rights-child-text-child-friendly-version.pdf