Blakely Durham is a certified child life specialist (CCLS) with the craniofacial team. Child Life Specialists are trained in child development and the impact of healthcare on children and their families. Utilizing their expertise to promote coping and understanding, Child Life Specialists facilitate developmentally appropriate education, play, and self-expression activities to help children feel informed and desensitized to medical experiences. In addition, Child Life Specialists can employ appropriate distraction techniques, comfort holds, and pain management methods that encourage healthcare compliance and relaxation.
Child Life Specialists are also there to support the other members of the family dealing with pediatric healthcare experiences. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to ask their Child Life Specialist for more information regarding child developmental milestones, health maintenance, or social/emotional support. Child Life Specialists recognize the needs of the patient’s siblings as well. Siblings of pediatric patients can gain a greater understanding of the diagnosis or dynamics that affect them and their family by partaking in developmentally appropriate education and play led by Child Life Specialists. In recognizing the individual needs of each family member, Child Life Specialists can foster a secure network of support that promotes pediatric patient’s healing and well-being.
