Describe a time when you used your creativity to develop a unique therapeutic plan for a child.

I remember a time when I worked with a 7-year-old girl who was feeling anxious and scared about her upcoming surgery. To develop a unique therapeutic plan for her, I decided to incorporate art therapy into her care. I asked her to create a drawing of herself going through the surgery and transforming into a superhero afterwards. We talked about how superheroes are strong and brave, and how she can be a superhero too. This activity not only allowed her to express her fears and anxieties but also empowered her by focusing on her strengths and resilience. It helped her feel more confident and prepared for the surgery.

During my time as a Child Life Specialist, I had the opportunity to work with a 5-year-old boy who was diagnosed with cancer. He was experiencing significant distress during his medical procedures, making it challenging for the healthcare team to provide adequate care. To address this, I developed a comprehensive therapeutic plan that incorporated various creative strategies. Firstly, I collaborated with the child's parents, his favorite cartoon character, and a local artist to create a customized cartoon strip that depicted the child as a superhero fighting cancer. We used this cartoon strip to explain the medical procedures, helping the child understand and feel more in control. Additionally, I organized weekly art therapy sessions where he could express his emotions through painting and clay modeling. This allowed him to explore and communicate his thoughts and feelings while providing a sense of empowerment. The child's engagement and increasingly positive coping mechanisms were recorded in his medical records and shared with the multidisciplinary team during regular meetings, ensuring continuity of care and informed decision-making.

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and outcomes of the therapeutic plan. It demonstrates collaboration with the child's parents, favorite cartoon character, and a local artist to create a customized cartoon strip. The answer also mentions the organization of weekly art therapy sessions to further support the child's emotional expression. Furthermore, it emphasizes the documentation of the child's progress and sharing of information with the multidisciplinary team. However, it could be enhanced by discussing the specific goals set for the child and how the plan aligned with the overall treatment process.

As a Child Life Specialist, I encountered a unique case involving a 10-year-old girl with autism who was resistant to participating in any therapeutic activities. It was a challenge to develop a plan that would engage her, but I knew creativity was key. After careful observation, I noticed her fascination with puzzles and ordered a custom-made puzzle featuring her favorite animals. I incorporated this puzzle into her therapy sessions, gradually introducing therapeutic activities using the puzzle pieces. For example, I used animal-themed puzzle pieces to create social stories that focused on important aspects of her hospital experience. These social stories addressed topics such as the importance of hand hygiene, visiting hours, and wearing a hospital gown. The visual and interactive nature of the puzzle motivated her to engage with the activities and allowed her to learn crucial information about her environment. As a result, she became more comfortable during her hospital stay, and her communication and socialization skills improved significantly.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by describing a complex case involving a child with autism who was resistant to therapy. It showcases the candidate's keen observation skills and ability to identify the child's interests as a starting point for therapeutic engagement. The answer details the use of a custom-made puzzle and how it was incorporated into therapy sessions through the creation of social stories. It highlights the specific goals achieved, such as improved comfort, communication, and socialization skills. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's understanding of the importance of visual and interactive approaches for children with autism. One area of improvement could be the inclusion of collaboration with other professionals, aligning the plan with the multidisciplinary team approach.