Commentary on "Perceived Barriers of Modified Ride-On Car Use of Young Children With Disabilities: A Content Analysis".

Abstract

“How should I apply this information?” The innovative idea for modifying ride-on cars originated from a desire to address common barriers to the use of powered mobility for children. Ride-on cars are a fun, lightweight, and less-expensive alternative for providing children with early, self-directed mobility. It has since become an established intervention technique contributing to development across multiple domains. As with all interventions, dosing is vital to effectiveness; thus, an analysis of all barriers is critical. The authors have identified and coded 43 such barriers in the literature, but pediatric clinicians should instead see these as 43 opportunities to collaborate with a family to mitigate barriers, initiating the process as early as possible to design an intervention specific to each child's unique circumstances. As with the origination of the ride-on car itself, addressing barriers is what drives innovation and tapping into a creative collaboration between the therapist and the family can make the difference between success and failure. “What should I be mindful about when applying this information?” As a parent of a 6-year-old child with cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment, and cognitive delay, I have learned the only thing I can count on is unpredictability and the need to continuously alter and adapt our daughter's environment to meet her changing needs. When determining the modifications needed for our daughter's ride-on car, our physical therapist first addressed how we would be using the car, helping us think outside the box on making the equipment fit our needs and our lifestyle. Our daughter's car was then truly tailored to her needs, providing her first experience in sharing the same playing field with children developing typically. An important part of a clinician's role is to first understand parents' goals and dreams for their children and then assess options for achieving them. From there, the next step is to implement solutions by applying flexibility, ingenuity, and a bit of elbow grease. Allison Yocum, PT, DSc, PCS Waypoint Pediatric Therapies Redmond, Washington Sara Hyatt Parent of a child with cerebral palsy Sammamish, Washington