For children with autism, a trip to the physical therapy gym can mean more than building muscle - it can mean climbing to the top bunk for the first time.
Kelly Johns, director of physical therapy at MetroEHS, says the work is as unpredictable as it is rewarding, and that’s exactly what draws her to it.
“Physical therapy with children is the same no matter the diagnosis. We’re there to help strengthen the children, work on their balance and coordination, and help them grow and play with their peers.”
Johns recalled one patient whose family had a simple but meaningful goal: help their son climb safely to the top bunk of the bed he shared with his sibling.
“He slept in bunk beds with his sibling, and mom and dad had asked, can we work on climbing up to the top bunk? And so that was something we started to work on, and lo and behold, he did great with it. A few weeks later, he’s able to climb to the top safely and independently on his own,” she said during an appearance on Live in the D.
At MetroEHS, therapists from multiple disciplines work under one roof - speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavior analysts - all focused on the same child.
“I feel spoiled to be there because we have therapists from almost every discipline under the roof.”
For those considering the field, Johns is candid about the commitment required - a doctorate degree - but says the payoff is worth it.
“It is one of the most rewarding jobs. And I personally just love it because there’s such a variety.”
MetroEHS is hosting a career event on April 30. Those interested can register at metroehs.com/wdiv.