Support for Sickle Cell Disease

Children with sickle cell disease often need ongoing care from a number of experts at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, including physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists.

Our specialists coordinate your child’s care in the hospital and at home. They can offer access to resources and services designed to help your child overcome complications of sickle cell disease. These child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Our hematologists—doctors who specialize in blood disorders—work with your family to ensure that your child continues treatment and therapy into adulthood.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapists at Rusk Rehabilitation offer exercises to restore balance, strength, and range of motion for children with sickle cell disease who have had a stroke. These specialists may also recommend exercises and assistive devices to improve range of motion and mobility for children who have bone problems caused by a buildup of sickle cells in the arms and legs.

Our therapists can demonstrate deep-breathing techniques to help your child increase his or her oxygen levels and to prevent complications, such as acute chest syndrome. The therapists also provide recreational therapy, speech therapy, exercises, and other treatments for children who have learning disorders or developmental delays caused by complications of sickle cell disease and frequent hospitalizations.

Financial Assistance

Sickle cell treatments—including hospitalization for complications—can be expensive, especially if you don’t have health insurance. Our social workers can help you determine your coverage and identify additional resources to ensure that your child gets the life-saving care he or she needs to prevent long-term complications.

Emotional Support

Specialists at the Child Study Center, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, are available to help families cope with the demands of caring for a child with sickle cell disease. Our counselors can also suggest support groups for children with sickle cell disease and their families.