Kevin P Murphy, David W Pruitt, Susan Apkon, Carolyn L Kinney, Mikaela M Raddatz, Siddiq M Kassam, Sherilyn W Driscoll
{"title":"Determination of core knowledge and skills for Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine certification: A systematic practice analysis.","authors":"Kevin P Murphy, David W Pruitt, Susan Apkon, Carolyn L Kinney, Mikaela M Raddatz, Siddiq M Kassam, Sherilyn W Driscoll","doi":"10.1177/18758894251353067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251353067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>In 2022, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) contracted with Professional Services Industries LLC to complete a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) practice analysis. The goal was to develop an updated examination content outline that accurately depicts the knowledge and skills expected for a competent PRM physician following completion of training. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of practice analysis and to present candidate perceptions of scope of practice and relevancy of content from the first two examinations in which the new outline was applied.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The practice analysis process was undertaken in four distinct stages: subject matter expert meetings to determine the tasks and knowledge areas; the development, issuance and analysis of a national survey; development of exam specifications; and results verification. Results were analyzed by a psychometrician and team to determine mean relative importance of task and knowledge items. A new outline was then created and used for the administration of the 2023 and 2024 ABPMR PRM Certification Examinations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All active board certified PRM physicians identified were sent surveys via e-mail. One hundred ninety six (61.1%) respondents completed the survey. The top five task statements in order of perceived importance were performing history and physical examinations, managing muscle and tone abnormalities, prescribing orthoses and equipment, prescribing therapy services, and making appropriate specialty care referrals. The top five knowledge statements in order of perceived importance were cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, abnormal growth and development, neuromuscular disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions. The new PRM Examination content outline created included six domains and 22 subdomains of knowledge content areas. A higher percentage of initial certification candidates sitting for the 2023 and 2024 ABPMR PRM Certification Examinations selected \"Strongly Agree\" or \"Agree\" when responding to the examination content reflecting both scope of training and relevancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A practice analysis process was undertaken resulting in a new content outline for the ABPMR PRM Certification Examination. Following the implementation of the new content outline, initial certification candidate survey responses showed improved favorability regarding content reflecting scope of training and relevancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251353067"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144553823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Virginie Aspirot-Buron, Charles Sèbiyo Batcho, Michèle Bisson, Bruno Michon, Marc-André Dugas, Isabelle Marc, Philippe Corbeil
{"title":"Safety of cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness assessment in two children with leukemia during early chemotherapy.","authors":"Virginie Aspirot-Buron, Charles Sèbiyo Batcho, Michèle Bisson, Bruno Michon, Marc-André Dugas, Isabelle Marc, Philippe Corbeil","doi":"10.1177/18758894251347128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251347128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeLimited data are available on the cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during chemotherapy. This pilot study evaluated the safety of testing the cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness of two children with ALL at different risk levels in early chem treatment.MethodsTwo girls with low- and high-risk B-cell ALL (DFCI-16-001) took part in two test sessions: T1 (induction, consolidation 1A/C) and T2 (consolidation 2). Each testing session included a maximal oxygen uptake (<math><mrow><mover><mi>V</mi><mo>˙</mo></mover></mrow></math>O<sub>2</sub>max) exercise test, muscular strength tests, physical activity and quality of life questionnaires, and a semi-structured interview. The parents agreed to these assessments at the start of chemotherapy treatment.ResultsThe participants experienced no significant adverse effects from undertaking the cardiorespiratory and muscular tests, and there was no impact on their chemotherapy treatment schedule. At their post-test interview, both participants reported that thigh pain and fatigue were the most difficult part of the <math><mrow><mover><mi>V</mi><mo>˙</mo></mover></mrow></math>O<sub>2</sub>max exercise test. Regarding physical performance outcomes, both participants exhibited low scores compared to their gender, weight- and age-predicted <math><mrow><mover><mi>V</mi><mo>˙</mo></mover></mrow></math>O<sub>2</sub>max and on most strength test values.ConclusionThe physical tests were safely and successfully conducted with these two participants during early chemotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251347128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144506027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A galvanizing event to promote improving health insurance.","authors":"Amy J Houtrow","doi":"10.1177/18758894251353071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251353071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For almost all Americans, having affordable access to quality health care in the United States requires health insurance. Inadequate insurance is more common among children with disabilities and complex health conditions than other children. For children, insurance is considered adequate if the benefits must usually or always meet the child's needs and usually or always allow the child to see needed providers and the family reports no out-of-pocket expenses or out-of-pocket expenses deemed usually or always reasonable. After the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in front of a Manhattan hotel on his way to his annual investor conference in December 2024, there was an outpouring of stories on social media about how people felt their loved ones were harmed by health insurance companies denying care that their doctors recommended. While murder as a form of vigilante justice should not be condoned, this event highlighted how angry Americans are at health insurance companies. Pediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians are no strangers to the frustrations of insurance denials for their patients and feel the strain of having to work through prior authorizations and peer-to-peers just to get their patients what they deem important for their health and functioning. The national data confirms what pediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians knew from collective experience - millions of children with more complex health care needs have inadequate insurance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251353071"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lærke Winther, Camilla Milther, Sanne Miri Schroll, Emilie Tange Nielsen, Line Klingen Gjærde, Derek John Curtis, Jette Led Sørensen, Michelle Stahlhut
{"title":"Digital play and rehabilitation for children and adolescents in hospitals, outpatient departments and rehabilitation centres: A scoping review.","authors":"Lærke Winther, Camilla Milther, Sanne Miri Schroll, Emilie Tange Nielsen, Line Klingen Gjærde, Derek John Curtis, Jette Led Sørensen, Michelle Stahlhut","doi":"10.1177/18758894251341153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251341153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeThe growing interest among children in digital play provides new rehabilitation opportunities in hospital settings. There are, however, no published reviews on digital play interventions for the functional rehabilitation of children and adolescents across diagnoses and outcomes in hospital and rehabilitation settings. This scoping review aimed to identify and map the characteristics of digital play for functional rehabilitation in hospital and rehabilitation settings for children and adolescents to inform researchers and clinicians.MethodsStudies including participants aged ≤18 years investigating digital play and functional rehabilitation in hospital and rehabilitation settings were included. Reviews, text and opinion papers, conference papers, case studies, and studies with fewer than five participants were excluded. Five scientific databases were searched. The final search was conducted in October 2022. Four authors performed the study selection and data extraction.ResultsOf 13,663 references, 90 studies met the inclusion criteria. Digital play for rehabilitation was used in clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient departments, and rehabilitation centres. Some interventions were conducted in human movement laboratories or at home. The relevant studies involved a wide range of disease categories, primarily neurological. A conceptual framework comprising five categories for gaming technologies utilizing digital play and rehabilitation was proposed: (1) traditional gaming platforms, (2) extended reality, (3) robotics and assistive technology, (4) sensors, and (5) rehabilitation systems. One hundred eighty different outcome measures used to evaluate the interventions were identified, almost one-third of which were unvalidated. The studies generally failed to report limitations and barriers to implementation.ConclusionThis scoping review gives a practical overview to assist and inspire healthcare professionals and researchers in digital play and rehabilitation, elucidating technology for rehabilitation within specific clinical contexts. In addition, this scoping review facilitates the exploration of implementation prospects associated with various technologies. Digital play and rehabilitation are primarily initiated in outpatient departments targeting children with neurological diseases. Future studies should investigate the potential of using digital play for the early rehabilitation of hospitalized children with various diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251341153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria C Swartz, Eduardo Gonzalez Villarreal, Keri Schadler, Donna Kelly, Alakh P Rajan, Clark Andersen, Shiming Zhang, Stephanie J Wells, Amy Heaton, Karen M Moody
{"title":"Provider attitudes and perspectives on rehabilitation for pediatric cancer patients.","authors":"Maria C Swartz, Eduardo Gonzalez Villarreal, Keri Schadler, Donna Kelly, Alakh P Rajan, Clark Andersen, Shiming Zhang, Stephanie J Wells, Amy Heaton, Karen M Moody","doi":"10.1177/18758894251341150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251341150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeTwenty percent of childhood cancer survivors experience physical function impairments, and ∼75% develop a chronic health condition. Physical and occupational therapists (PT/OTs) can mitigate these late effects, yet few children receive cancer rehabilitation (CR). This research aimed to identify provider attitudes and perspectives towards CR services for children across inpatient and outpatient settings at a cancer center.MethodsThree cardiac rehabilitation instruments were adapted to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding CR delivery. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant survey results.ResultsTwenty administrators, 20 physicians/advanced practice providers (APPs), and 20 PT/OTs completed surveys. All disciplines strongly agreed on the value of CR for patient outcomes and care quality. Barriers to CR access included insurance models that disincentivize healthcare systems from providing CR, lack of a standardized screening and referral process, and inconsistent patient participation. Physicians/APPs (81%) endorsed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to promote CR referrals, and 90% of PT/OTs agreed hybrid CR delivery, which includes both supervised and unsupervised exercise, would increase patient participation.ConclusionThis study identified opportunities to increase CR access for childhood cancer survivors, including CPGs, streamlining referral processes, hybrid CR delivery, and closing insurance gaps. Future research should address these factors to improve CR access and ultimately improve outcomes for pediatric survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251341150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144248326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A pediatric rehabilitation therapy audit study: A brief report.","authors":"Amy Houtrow, Natalie Silverman, Matthew Mesoros, Kristyn Felman, Molly Fuentes, Alyson Stover, Gina McKernan","doi":"10.1177/18758894251341160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251341160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeChildren with disabilities benefit from physical, occupational, and speech therapy, but families identify unmet needs for these services. The purpose of this study was to audit access to therapy services in a tri-state region. It was hypothesized that children who were publicly insured and children from minoritized identity groups would face greater access barriers and longer wait times than children covered by private insurance and non-minoritized White children.MethodsThis prospective audit study utilized callers who posed as mothers seeking outpatient therapy services for their child. Access difficulties were identified based on the number of phone calls required to obtain an appointment or determine if services would be obtained at all, as well as the number of days to the earliest available appointment.ResultsTherapy appointment access was a problem for 47.4% of simulated families. After 251 phone calls, 91 simulated families were able to schedule appointments in 76 clinics. Black and Hispanic simulated families had a harder time getting appointments, but days to appointment did not differ by telegraphed minoritized identity (F(3,88) = 1.474, p = .227).ConclusionSimulated families experienced substantial barriers to arranging therapy appointments with Black and Hispanic families experiencing more barriers than their White and Muslim peers.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251341160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jose A Cruz Ayala, Shahrukh Khan, Holly Monk, Emma Cole, Alison Smith, Scott Schultz, Lindsay Elliott, Jessica Zagory
{"title":"Characteristics of pediatric patients with sports-related concussions: A single site retrospective review.","authors":"Jose A Cruz Ayala, Shahrukh Khan, Holly Monk, Emma Cole, Alison Smith, Scott Schultz, Lindsay Elliott, Jessica Zagory","doi":"10.1177/18758894251341146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/18758894251341146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Sports-related concussion (SRC) cases have increased among children in the last decade. Differences in concussion symptoms, presentation, and follow-up care exist when comparing demographics. The aim of this study was to explore SRC within the pediatric population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective chart review of patients ≤18 years old diagnosed with SRC at a New Orleans stand-alone children's hospital from January 2007 to December 2021 was performed. T-test and Fisher's exact test were used for relationship between outcomes and sports, demographics, setting, insurance, and follow-up care.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children who sustained SRC at practice were more likely to be male (p = 0.0311) and younger (p < 0.0001). Cheerleading was more likely to have injuries during practice (p < 0.0001). Medicaid/uninsured patients were more likely to be referred from the emergency department (ED) (p = 0.001), have longer length of follow-ups (p = 0.0489), and have more missed appointments (p = 0.0062). However, the total number of follow-ups between insurance types did not differ (p = 0.3084).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SRC incidence is situation and time dependent. Medicaid/uninsured patients are more likely to be evaluated at the ED, miss appointments, and have a longer length of follow-up to attain the same number of appointments. Exploring the nuances of SRC within this population will improve management and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"18758894251341146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Castillo, Mary M Locastro, Romain Corroenne, Anjali Malhotra, Alexander Van Speybroeck, Grace Lai, Michael A Belfort, Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Heidi Castillo
{"title":"Maternal-fetal surgery for myelomeningocele longitudinal follow-up model: Mitigation of care fragmentation through care coordination and outcomes reporting.","authors":"Jonathan Castillo, Mary M Locastro, Romain Corroenne, Anjali Malhotra, Alexander Van Speybroeck, Grace Lai, Michael A Belfort, Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Heidi Castillo","doi":"10.1177/18758894251331335","DOIUrl":"10.1177/18758894251331335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeFollowing the Global Health Symposium at the Spina Bifida World Congress in 2023, the purpose of this work is to provide a historical overview and a state-of-the-art update on the current global practice of myelomeningocele (MMC) closure and to highlight the importance of care coordination and outcomes reporting to mitigate care fragmentation through a multidisciplinary approach.MethodsPanelists from the Spina Bifida World Congress Global Health Symposium reviewed their institutions' history and experience with risk for fragmentation of care following prenatal repair and proposed solutions to address fragmentation of care.ResultsNew and rapidly evolving in-utero approaches to MMC repair are increasingly accessible for patients worldwide but bring more complexity to follow-up care. There is a consensus that unifying multidisciplinary practices and evaluations across institutions and countries will help make care coordination more comprehensive and longitudinal, and that meeting these standards may decrease care fragmentation.ConclusionRegardless of the open spina bifida repair technique, longitudinal follow-up must be established after fetal surgery, not only for the optimal care of individual patients but also to mitigate care fragmentation, transparently evaluate and compare techniques (for example, through the North American Fetal Therapy Network, the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry, etc.), engage health care professionals, and provide evidence-based multidisciplinary care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"146-154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144000887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annie Pouliot-Laforte, Claire Cherrière, Margaux Hebinck, Jessica Tallet, Catherine Donskoff, Louis-Nicolas Veilleux, Martin Lemay, Maxime T Robert
{"title":"Towards a successful teledance program for youth with cerebral palsy: A mixed-method study with the instructor's perspective.","authors":"Annie Pouliot-Laforte, Claire Cherrière, Margaux Hebinck, Jessica Tallet, Catherine Donskoff, Louis-Nicolas Veilleux, Martin Lemay, Maxime T Robert","doi":"10.1177/18758894251324317","DOIUrl":"10.1177/18758894251324317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeDance is a leisure time physical activity (LTPA) known to improve motor, cognitive, and psychosocial functions in youth with cerebral palsy (CP). Online exercise or tele-programs are promising in overcoming the environmental barriers of accessibility to LTPA. To ensure successful implementation, it is necessary to identify limitations specific to dance in a pediatric population. The aim was to explore the perspectives of the main stakeholders, i.e., dance instructors and youth, to implement such a program.MethodsIn a mixed-method design, feasibility indicators were assessed by participation and retention rates, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and the Children's Effort Rating Table (CERT). Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after the intervention with youth with CP [n = 15] and dance instructors [n = 3]. Interviews were analyzed with an inductive approach.ResultsParticipation and retention rates were 86.7% ± 10.7 and 100%, and the PACES and CERT average scores were 91% ± 11 and 3.7 ± 1.3, respectively. Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) Technology; 2) Pedagogical Approach; 3) Participant's Environment; and 4) Social Relations.ConclusionThe teledance program is feasible and enjoyable, requiring minimal equipment and travel. However, there is a need to consider and provoke social interaction, to enhance the social and relational dimension of dance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"120-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144015497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shreya Singh Beniwal, Neetika Sharma, Mohammed Sulaiman Khan, Krithi Pichiah John, Kopila Gyawali, Daniela Castro Calderón, Prashasti Dahiya, Meenakshi Reddy Yathindra, Muhammad Saeed, Akash Rawat, Muaaz Ather, Ayush Dwivedi
{"title":"Transitioning from pediatric to adult multiple sclerosis care: Challenges, strategies and therapy.","authors":"Shreya Singh Beniwal, Neetika Sharma, Mohammed Sulaiman Khan, Krithi Pichiah John, Kopila Gyawali, Daniela Castro Calderón, Prashasti Dahiya, Meenakshi Reddy Yathindra, Muhammad Saeed, Akash Rawat, Muaaz Ather, Ayush Dwivedi","doi":"10.1177/18758894251329690","DOIUrl":"10.1177/18758894251329690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition causing damage to the protective covering of nerves in the central nervous system. Pediatric multiple sclerosis is a rare form of the disease that affects 3-5% of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) has a rather different clinical profile from the more prevalent adult multiple sclerosis. Alongside the classic symptoms of multiple sclerosis, children tend to present with various atypical symptoms that can impact motor milestones, speech development, and cognitive functions. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and progression of Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis into adulthood, address the challenges accompanying this transition and identify strategies and therapies to overcome them. Pediatric multiple sclerosis patients transitioning into adulthood face many challenges, such as difficulty in school and social life, and dealing with uncertainties especially due to changes in healthcare providers from pediatric to adult settings. These challenges can be overcome by an emphasis on a well-structured transition plan, early planning, personalized care, proper counselling of the patient as well as the family and caretakers, a multidisciplinary approach with good communication and coordination between all healthcare personnel a robust support network with a gradual transition rather than an abrupt one. Proper care during the transition period is crucial to enhance patient adherence and deepen the understanding of the disease for both patients and their families. This will empower them to seek timely assistance when needed, reduce loss to follow-up, and ultimately improve overall quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"158-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144187206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}