Pediatric Stroke Task Force
The mission of the Stroke ISIG Pediatric Stroke Task Force is to advance clinical practice and scientific knowledge related to rehabilitation of pediatric stroke. Stroke affects 25 in 100,000 newborns and 12 in 100,000 children under 18 years of age, including those with arterial ischemic stroke, vascular cerebral hemorrhage and venous thrombosis. Stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in children. Fifty to 80% of survivors suffer long-term functional sequelae including motor, communication and neuropsychological impairments, and epilepsy.
The needs of children with stroke are unique across the continuum of care, from acute hospital care to in-patient rehabilitation to community reintegration. The Pediatric Stroke Task Force aims to organize experts from multiple disciplines and from around the world to promote best practices and research to meet the needs of children recovering from stroke and their caregivers.
CALL FOR MUSIC THERAPISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, & NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS
The Pediatric Stroke Task Force is looking for music therapists, psychologists and neuropsychologists to join the mission of advancing clinical practice and scientific knowledge related to rehabilitation of pediatric stroke. If you are interested, please contact Todd Levy.
UPCOMING MEETING
Thank you for being a part of the Stroke-ISIG Pediatric Stroke Task Force! We love that the ACRM attracts the most passionate interdisciplinary mix of rehabilitation pros from around the world. What an honor to collaborate with such driven individuals. We hope to meet with you at our upcoming networking group meeting to discuss current projects and opportunities for contribution and collaboration.
Stroke-ISIG Pediatric Stroke Task Force
Save the Date! This group meets the second Thursday of each month.
Date: Thursday, 13 October
Time: 11:00 AM ET
CO-CHAIRS

Todd J. Levy, MS, OTR/L, CBIST-AP
CO-CHAIR
Clinical Specialist in Occupational Therapy
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Rebecca Ichord, MD
CO-CHAIR
Director, Pediatric Stroke Program
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
VISION
To be the leading forum for knowledge translation and research related to rehabilitation of pediatric stroke.
MISSION
To advance clinical practice and scientific knowledge related to rehabilitation of pediatric stroke.
GOALS
Identify shared interests and opportunities for collaborations. Publish and disseminate knowledge including patient and caregiver materials. Stimulate research related to rehabilitation of pediatric stroke.
OBJECTIVES FOR 2023
- Increase membership by 20%.
- Formalize a strategic partnership with the International Pediatric Stroke Organization.
- Generate a proposal for a multisite study relating to intensive therapy for hemiparesis.
2022 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Submitted 2 Information Education Pages (Selecting UE Rehab Models, Return to School) for a total of 4 under review.
- Identified 2 areas of study (components of UE intensive programs, cognitive factors of UE intensive programs) for possible multisite collaborations.
2019-2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Present 3 symposiums on pediatric stroke
- Waiting on input from the communications committee on a Return to Learn IEP. We have a draft of an NMES I/EP. We have an outline on for an I/EP on choosing interventions and dosing for UE chronic hemiparesis based on some new reviews. A few others are in early states.
- Prepare a white paper to demonstrating gaps in pediatric stroke research, required funding, and a pathway towards progress. We seem to have a direction (apply for NIH funding for meeting)
GOALS FOR 2020-2021
- Continue with progress on goals