Resources for Juvenile Arthritis
There are a number of organisations and groups available to provide support and resources for kids and teenagers with arthritis, their families and those that work with them. The health professional team working with the childs doctor are a great source of information and support:
- occupational therapists can advise on activities of daily living, assistive equipment, school activities, splints and joint protection, self image and confidence, and may provide information and education to teachers or school students
- physiotherapists can provide information on managing pain, exercise and physical activity, hydrotherapy, symptom management, pre- and post-surgical advice, mobility and walking aids, and other strategies for preventing the arthritis causing excessive damage to the body
- social workers can help families adjust physically, socially, emotionally and financially to life with juvenile arthritis with a variety of strategies and resources
- opthalmologists, dentists, dieticians, psychologists and podiatrists also have valuable skills to offer the family
- rheumatologists are usually responsible for the medical management of adults and kids with arthritis - paediatric rheumatologists work exclusively with kids and teenagers with arthritis, however due to their scarcity may not be geographically accessible to all families
Organisations and groups who provide support and resources for juvenile arthritis include the following.
- Arthritis New South Wales runs camps and events for children and teenagers and their families, provides information and resources via phone, post and email/internet, and raises awareness of juvenile arthritis in communities and schools.
- Arthritis Foundations throughout Australia provide similar services to those provided by Arthritis NSW. Some State or Territory offices have support groups for parents.
- For teenagers who are approaching 18 years of age there are support groups for young adults with arthritis.
- Independent Living Centre NSW and around Australia can provide information and advice on assistive devices, wheelchairs and other equipment to help with everyday activities.
- The Northcott Society (NSW) has many services available to children with disabilities, including assessment for equipment for home and school, therapy services and support.
- Centrelink Disability Officers and Social Work Services can provide assistance with financial, employment and training issues.
- There are a variety of books and videos available on juvenile arthritis - contact your local Arthritis Foundation for further information.
- Websites which provide further information on juvenile arthritis include:
How does the 'Resources for JA' section relate to your own work setting? By clicking on the pencil image you will be linked to the 'Working with a Child with Arthritis Plan' - you have the opportunity to make notes about the relevance of this material to your own setting, and to any children with arthritis that you may be working with.
Once you have completed this section move on to 'Contact Details' and the final word for this Juvenile Arthritis Package.
