RIYADH: When a 9-year-old boy recovering from a kidney transplant refused to turn on the lights or speak to anyone, a child life specialist entered his room and comforted him by playing in the dark. Weeks later, she watched him take his first steps to recovery, both physically and emotionally.
Raghad Al-Salamah, among the first Saudis to work in the child life field, said the genre plays an important role in preparing children and families for the experience of hospitalization.
She told Arab News: “The main focus of child life is helping families and children cope with their hospitalization and cope with their negative experiences.”
Child life specialists provide support tailored to the child’s age and emotional needs, aiming to reduce anxiety through preparation and play-based methods.
Their work includes explaining medical procedures in ways children can understand while creating a more supportive environment in clinical settings.
