The Adaptive Care Program

Children's Hospital Colorado's Adaptive Care Program improves care for children with developmental and behavioral challenges. Our experts support families and children who struggle with coping and cooperating in a healthcare setting. This program is available to eligible families at no additional cost.

How does adaptive care work?

If your provider refers you to the Adaptive Care Program, a child life specialist will contact you before your child’s next planned visit. Our specialists gather information about your child's stressors, triggers, experiences, communication styles and behaviors. Then, we create a personalized plan that becomes part of your child's medical record. Every time a team member accesses your child’s chart, they receive an alert about the plan.

If your family has experienced difficult visits to the doctor's office in the past, you can request assistance when making your appointment or during your visit. Please ask a team member for more information or connect with a child life specialist.

What adaptive care resources will my child receive?

Once your child is enrolled in the Adaptive Care Program, we provide resources that you and your child can use at home, such as:

• Photos or a visual support schedule
• Short stories about the hospital and medical visits that help your child know what to expect)

Based on the recommendations outlined in the care plan, we may also provide additional supportive care during your visit, including:

• Tours of unfamiliar areas
• Rehearsal of the steps of your visit
• Distraction with items your child enjoys
• Adapted communication
• Modified exams

Our multidisciplinary team also offers additional support from a child life specialist and other individualized strategies based on your child's needs.

Who can participate in the Adaptive Care Program?

To participate, patients must be:

• Age 3 or older
• Diagnosed with or being evaluated for a developmental disability or behavioral condition
• Having a hard time coping or cooperating during a healthcare visit without additional support

Why use the Adaptive Care Program at Children's Colorado?

Children's Colorado is proud to be one of the few hospitals in the region proactively addressing the adaptive care needs of patients. We aim to provide safer, more efficient and patient-centered healthcare experiences for children and families. Our program leads to improved patient and family experiences, increased care compliance and high engagement from patients and providers.