What Is Episodic Care?

It is a research-based therapy model in which your child takes scheduled breaks from therapy and returns when needed. The therapy is not continuous. It happens in “episodes” based on your child’s needs, growth, and goals. Episodes are a focused cycle of therapy in which children work towards specific goals. The number of visits in one “episode” varies.

Why Do We Use Episodic Care at Children’s Wisconsin?

Children learn and grow at their own pace, so they do not always need continuous therapy to make progress. The breaks from therapy give your child time to use their new skills in everyday life. This may help your child be more excited about therapy too. It also supports long-term progress, not short-term results.

When Do Breaks From Therapy Occur?

The breaks are planned by the therapists to meet your child’s needs. Children are not always ready to work on new goals, so waiting for the right time to take a break helps keep them engaged. The breaks also allow therapy to be more effective.

Breaks May Occur When Your Child:

• Meets their current therapy goals.
• Is making good progress without therapy.
• Is returning to school and will be getting school-based therapies.
• Needs time to focus on home exercises or routines.
• Has a pause in development.

How Can You Help Your Child With Episodic Care?

• Complete the home program provided.
• Ask questions if you do not understand something about the home program.
• Let the therapist know if you are having problems with the home program.
• Share your needs and what you want to learn from therapy.

When Should Your Child Return to Therapy?

• New challenges come up with gross motor, fine motor, and language skills.
• Your child is ready to learn a new skill.
• Following a period of rapid growth and development.
• After surgery or Botox.
• You or your child’s provider feel therapy is needed again.
• Goals are updated or previous goals have not been met.

Reach out to your child’s primary care provider or therapy team if you’re not sure. You can always request a new evaluation.

Questions?

We are here to help! Connect with your therapy team by phone or MyChart if you need support during a break or think your child is ready to return to therapy. Ask your therapist if you want research articles supporting this therapy.