Complementary Care
At the Washington University NF Center we believe in the value of taking care beyond the walls of the clinic and have partnered with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Jazz St. Louis to create complementary care programs for all age groups to address the ongoing needs of children with NF1.
Music Heals
Ages 2 – 5 years
In collaboration with Jazz St. Louis, this jazz music-motor therapy program (formerly known as “Beat NF”) is for toddlers and young children with NF1. It employs a small group approach to address the social, motor and behavioral delays specific to each child. Capitalizing on the collaborative, interactive and improvisational spirit of jazz, each session is creatively designed to strengthen parent/child relationships and to foster positive peer interactions through interactive and cooperative motor play.
Club NF
Grades K – 8
Club NF is our play-based therapy program for children with NF1 and their families. During these free therapy events, occupational and physical therapists work directly with each child to improve gross motor, fine motor, attention, sensory processing, executive function, and social skills by engaging in fun activities (e.g. swimming, bowling and ice skating). These events also provide an opportunity for children to form friendships with other children with NF1.
-
- Club NF Cook at Home
Totally TEEN
Ages 13 – 18 years
In collaboration with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, we are pleased to offer Totally TEEN – a FREE, bi-monthly, therapy program for teenagers with NF1. Specifically created to improve conversational skills and heighten executive functioning, this program aims to provide your child with the necessary tools to maintain healthy and successful relationships and improve independence in everyday tasks. Sessions may focus on: Handling embarrassing feedback and bullying, choosing appropriate friends and social activities, exploring career interests, managing your spending money, and preparing food.
The Washington University NF Center thanks the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Jazz St. Louis and the Saigh Foundation for their generous support!