Pediatric Rehabilitation
Helping Your Child Build Strength, Confidence, and Independence
When your child faces developmental, physical, or sensory challenges, finding the right support can make all the difference. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our pediatric rehabilitation programs are tailored to your child’s unique needs, and your family's goals. Whether it’s improving movement, communication, or feeding skills, we’re here to help them thrive at home, in school, and throughout their daily life.
Our services are available across multiple locations throughout New Jersey, giving families convenient access to compassionate care close to home.
A Family-Centered Approach to Pediatric Therapy
Our pediatric rehabilitation team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists with extensive experience working with children, from infants to teenagers. We work closely with your family and your child’s healthcare providers to create a personalized plan that supports long-term progress.
We help children with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Torticollis
- Positional foot deformity
- Developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Prematurity
- Poor posture or low muscle tone
- Brachial plexus injuries and other nerve conditions
- Seizure disorders
- Cerebral palsy (including hemiparesis, diplegia, quadriplegia)
- Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
- Balance or vestibular difficulties
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Pain syndromes (including reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
- Childhood cancer and blood disorders
- Bone and joint injuries or orthopedic conditions
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Our goal is to help your child move more confidently and function more independently. Therapy sessions are designed to be playful and engaging while targeting key developmental goals.
Individualized programs may focus on:
- Building strength, coordination, and mobility
- Improving balance, motor planning, and body awareness
- Supporting fine motor skills like writing and dressing
- Encouraging independence with daily activities such as feeding and self-care
- Addressing sensory processing needs
We also offer resources and home programs to help your child continue progressing outside of therapy sessions.
Speech and Language Therapy
Children may benefit from speech-language therapy for many reasons, including difficulty communicating, swallowing, or expressing thoughts. Our speech-language pathologists support children with:
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Cleft lip or palate
- Developmental delays
- Apraxia, dysarthria, and other motor speech disorders
- Receptive or expressive language challenges
- Stuttering
- Dysphagia (feeding and swallowing issues)
- Hearing loss or cochlear implants
- Vocal concerns (hoarseness, vocal nodules, chronic strain)
We tailor evaluations and treatment to your child’s age, needs, and developmental level, using a mix of structured activities and play. Family involvement is key. We’ll support you with strategies and coaching so you can feel confident continuing progress at home.
Contact Us
The Institute for Child Development
at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-2000
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Audiology: 732-776-4558
Physical Therapy: 551-996-5525
Occupational Therapy: 551-996-5525
Speech Therapy: 551-996-3538
Spanish Language Line: 551-996-5001
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
2100 Route 33, Suite 2, Neptune City, NJ 07753
732-776-4558
Specialized Services We Offer
- Aphasia therapy
- Oral-motor therapy
- Pediatric feeding evaluations and therapy
- Swallowing retraining and exercises
- VitalStim® therapy
- Stuttering therapy
- Cognitive-linguistic retraining
- Paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction management
Feeding Therapy for Infants and Children
Feeding challenges can be frustrating for both children and their caregivers. Our feeding therapy program begins with a detailed evaluation and continues with personalized strategies to help improve oral-motor coordination, reduce mealtime stress, and support healthy eating habits.
We’ll work with your child to improve their ability to chew, swallow, and tolerate different food textures. Our team also provides practical guidance on equipment, routines, and behavioral approaches to make mealtimes more successful.
