Special Needs Car Seat Program

When you bring your child to CHKD’s special needs car seat program, occupational and physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment and recommend safe transportation solutions. 

Our therapists have been trained by Safe Kids International as certified child passenger safety technicians. They also have training in Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Healthcare Needs, a curriculum developed by the Automotive Safety Program at
Riley Hospital for Children. 

CHKD’s program focuses on the family vehicle, but our therapists can also provide guidance on transporting children with special needs on school buses, public transportation, and in other vehicles.

Some common medical conditions served by this program are:

• Prematurity and low birth weight (we perform car seat tolerance tests for infants currently using car beds).
• Orthopedic conditions, including casts and scoliosis.
• Respiratory complications; positional airway compromise.
• Developmental delay, including Down syndrome.
• Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Autism.
• Behavioral concerns, such as a child who escapes a
  regular car seat.
• Obesity.

Why Choose CHKD for Your Child's Special Car Seat Needs?

• Our car seat program is the region’s longest-running program of its kind.
• Experienced therapists remain up to date on new products and recommendations.
• Comprehensive evaluation focuses on the patient, family, and unique travel needs.
• Our stock includes most specialty equipment available on the market for trial.
• Evaluations include letters of medical necessity and follow-up services.
• Our collaborative team ensures high quality care for patients of all ages.

Car Seat Evaluations

Car seat evaluations are available for children who need short or long term travel solutions. Evaluations are available on an inpatient basis with a doctor's order. Outpatient evaluations require a prescription from the doctor and will be authorized through the patient's insurance. Those who are denied by their insurance will not be turned away. The evaluating therapist will work with the family, provide a loaner restraint if appropriate, and complete paperwork to request a permanent seat through insurance if needed.

Therapists who perform these evaluations and who may assist with installation of these car seats are certified child passenger safety technicians who have received further training in transporting children with special healthcare needs.