Child life specialists at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego help patients and their families understand and cope with the hospital experience.
How We Help Kids 
Based on the child’s individual needs and developmental level, child life specialists can provide:
- Psychological preparation for surgery, procedures and medical tests.
- Pre-operative tours and education to help patients and siblings understand and cope with upcoming medical events.
- Emotional support and coping techniques, such as relaxation, diversion and deep breathing.
- Medical and therapeutic play to help patients become more familiar with medical equipment and procedures and encourage expression of feelings.
- Activity Room programming to promote healing, creativity, peer interaction, and independence, all which are all vital to normal growth and development.
- School visits or consultations to promote classmates’ understanding of illness and healthcare.
- Resources on child development.
Amazon Wishlist
We believe in the power of play and therapeutic activities to help children cope with their hospital experience. Our Amazon Wishlist features a carefully selected collection of items, such as sensory tools, stress balls, and various creative supplies, that directly benefit our patients. Please consider supporting us by contributing through the link below.
Support Our Program
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gift benefits Rady Children’s.
In the News
10News Leadership Award: Corinne Gerstein, 10news.com, features Lisa Tweed.