Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
What is Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease?
Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of being soft and round, red blood cells become hard, sticky, and shaped like a crescent (or sickle). These abnormal cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, reducing oxygen delivery throughout the body and causing pain and other serious health complications.
Sickle Cell Disease is inherited, meaning a child is born with it when they receive the sickle cell gene from both parents. It is typically identified through newborn screening shortly after birth.
Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from child to child and may become more noticeable after infancy.
Physical Symptoms
- Episodes of severe pain (“pain crises”)
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Fatigue or low energy
- Pale skin
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth and puberty
- Chronic anemia
- Shortness of breath during activity
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Leg ulcers (more common in older children and adults)
Developmental & Functional Concerns
Children with Sickle Cell Disease may also experience:
- Delayed gross motor milestones
- Decreased endurance during play
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Fine motor delays
- Difficulty keeping up with peers during sports or recess
- Trouble concentrating because of fatigue or pain
- Learning challenges if strokes or silent strokes have occurred
- Increased school absences
Possible Complications
Because Sickle Cell Disease affects blood flow throughout the body, children may be at risk for:
- Stroke
- Silent cerebral infarcts (small strokes without obvious symptoms)
- Acute chest syndrome
- Splenic sequestration
- Kidney problems
- Bone and joint damage
- Delayed healing
- Vision complications
- Pulmonary hypertension
Early medical management and therapy services can help children maximize their development and quality of life.
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with Sickle Cell Disease
While therapy does not treat the blood disorder itself, pediatric therapy can help children overcome developmental, physical, communication, feeding, and emotional challenges that sometimes occur alongside Sickle Cell Disease.
Physical therapists help children improve mobility and safely increase endurance while respecting fatigue and pain levels.
PT may focus on:
- Improving strength
- Increasing endurance for daily activities
- Balance and coordination
- Walking and running skills
- Gross motor development
- Safe exercise recommendations
- Flexibility and posture
- Energy conservation strategies
Occupational therapists help children participate more successfully in everyday activities.
OT can address:
- Fine motor skills
- Handwriting
- Self-care skills (dressing, bathing, grooming)
- Energy conservation during daily tasks
- Sensory processing challenges
- Executive functioning
- Visual-motor integration
- Adaptive equipment recommendations when needed
Some children with Sickle Cell Disease experience speech, language, or cognitive changes—especially if they have experienced silent strokes or neurological complications.
Speech-language therapy may help with:
- Speech clarity
- Language development
- Attention
- Memory
- Executive functioning
- Problem solving
- Reading comprehension
- Social communication
Living with a chronic medical condition can be emotionally challenging for both children and their families.
Therapy can support:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Coping with chronic pain
- Emotional regulation
- Building resilience
- School-related stress
- Family adjustment
- Self-esteem
If concerns arise about learning, attention, memory, or behavior, psychological evaluations can help identify a child’s strengths and challenges and guide appropriate educational and therapeutic supports.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Down Syndrome support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
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