A Multifaceted Approach to Healing: Isaac’s Journey

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department places high value on multidisciplinary collaboration, resulting in enhanced emotional processing, stronger family support, improved coping mechanisms and a greater sense of mastery. When Isaac, a 5year old with a past medical history of autism, was admitted to the oncology unit with a new diagnosis, Kiara Mendez, drama therapist, and Abbey Meeks, child life specialist, identified an treatment.

Given his age and neurodiversity, Abbey assessed that traditional explanations might not resonate with him, and the unfamiliar medical environment appeared to be overwhelming. Together, Kiara and Abbey worked to create a safe space for Isaac and his family, with goals of normalizing the hospital environment, exploring and building coping skills, preparing Isaac for new sensory experiences and empowering the family to advocate for s needs.

They used projection – a core drama therapy technique – to create an imaginary friend who accompanied him in these experiences. Through Oscar, Isaac could explore his emotions. Was Oscar scared of needles? Did he miss his favorite toys at the hospital? By naming Oscar's experiences, Isaac could indirectly express his own anxieties. Kiara, fluent in Spanish, facilitated communication with the family to support cultural familiarity. “In using Oscar as a projection, Isaac allowed us into his world,” explained Kiara. Abbey provided medical education tailored to ’s needs. She used dolls, pictures and appropriate language to explain procedures like Mediport access and NG tube placement. She also introduced Isaac and his parents to facility dog Professor, who played a large part in the whole family’s coping and supported rapport-building between the patient and the clinicians. Kiara added that “Professor fostered a safe environment for Isaac to feel comfortable in his body. Allowing him to go from a supine position to a seated posture and the utilization of his upper body extremities.” The combined approach proved successful. Isaac, speaking through Oscar, expressed his fears and found ways to cope. He felt more empowered to voice his wants and needs and name challenging experiences. The family, empowered by education and cultural sensitivity, felt more equipped to support him. In collaboration with the medical team, Abbey and Professor supported Isaac in achieving significant progress in his mobility goals. Notably, he regained movement in his right arm with the motivation of petting Professor, and he was inspired to leave his room for the first time in a month when invited to visit the playroom with Professor, Kiara, and Abbey. The integrated approach of drama therapy and child life offers a multifaceted support system, addressing the diverse needs of families and improving emotional wellbeing during prolonged hospitalization.