When will I see changes in my child’s behaviors/skills?

 

Every child differs with his progress in a therapy program. While some parents see positive changes after only a few sessions, others may see changes after a month or two of intervention.  Since every child’s needs are different, results will be dependent on many factors, and therefore, the rate of progress will be different for every child.  Consistent attendance and completion of suggested home activities will facilitate progress. Progress toward treatment goals will be reviewed every 12 weeks.

 

 

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How long will my child need therapy?

 

Since every child enters Leaps and Bounds with different goals and different skills that need to be developed, it is difficult to predict how long a treatment program may last.  We will be reviewing the goals you have made for your child, as well as his therapeutic goals, every 12 weeks to monitor progress.  A re-evaluation will be completed after 12 months of therapy.  When you are satisfied with your child’s level of progress and skill development, and/or the therapist determines that therapeutic benefits have been maximized, then together you will decide when it is appropriate to terminate the therapy services. 

 

In the event that you choose to terminate your child’s therapy program prior to achievement of his goals, we ask that you notify your child’s therapist at least one week prior to the last scheduled session.  It is important for a child to complete a final, planned session with his therapist.

 

 

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Are there activities I can do at home?

 

Your child’s therapist will offer ideas for home activities.  These may include sensory regulation strategies, reflex integration exercises, fine motor skill activities, core strengthening exercises, visual activities, oral motor activities, etc.  We understand that implementing additional tasks can be challenging when kids have school, homework, and extracurricular activities; however, we also know that progress will be expedited with additional activities outside of therapy.  Please talk with your therapist if you feel you are not able to implement additional activities, OR if you would prefer even more strategies.

 

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Will I need to buy any equipment?

 

There are many different treatment strategies that are used at Leaps and Bounds to facilitate maximum progress. Some strategies are most effective when completed at home on a daily basis.  Implementation may require the purchase of appropriate equipment.  Your therapist will make any recommendations that are appropriate for your child.  Some equipment or tools may include: sensory-motor equipment, therapeutic music programs, oral motor tools, and/or fine motor tools.

 

 

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Why does it look like my child is just playing?

 

One of a child’s “jobs/occupations” is to play.  Therefore, the use of play-based activities during therapy is important for motivation.  When a child is motivated and engaged in an activity, the therapeutic benefit is more powerful, as the nervous system is more responsive to change.  Therefore, when a child is swinging, not only is he most likely having fun, but he is also engaging in a therapeutic activity that will enhance changes in the nervous system, facilitate language, and promote skill development.  Therapists at Leaps and Bounds are highly trained to use play-based activities for motivation, while simultaneously incorporating a therapeutic benefit into the activity.

 

 

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Will my child need any other therapies?

 

Therapy services at Leaps and Bounds are comprehensive.  We are continually assessing a child to determine what will be the most effective treatment strategies and interventions to best meet your child’s needs.  Sometimes, a therapist may determine that a different type of therapy will be beneficial for your child. 

 

For instance, an occupational therapist may determine that your child’s speech and language skills are impacting his performance and may discuss this as an option.  Other times, a speech-language pathologist will observe that your child may have sensory needs that are impeding progress with speech and language therapy, and therefore, she may recommend adding occupational therapy (OT) services.  Some children benefit from  co-treating, which is when two therapists are working together at the same time. Other children might benefit from an occupational therapy session prior to his speech and language session to help him respond better to the therapy.

 

Additionally, there may be times when your child’s therapist believes that seeking additional interventions outside of Leaps and Bounds may be beneficial for progress. Sometimes, children benefit from vision therapy, play therapy or counseling, nutritional therapy, or other types of referrals or interventions.

 

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Will my child ever need therapy again?

 

As children go through growth spurts, transitions, or other changes in life, they sometimes may need a “boost”.   Therefore, some children may return for a short course of therapy to help them with regulation and organization during those times.

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Will insurance cover therapy services?

 

Insurance coverage is dependent upon your specific healthcare plan.  Some plans offer a limited number of visits per calendar year, while others are unlimited.  Some plans will cover only a small percentage, while other plans will cover the entire cost of therapy.  Some insurance companies will only cover therapy services if they are deemed to be medically necessary or if the need for therapy arises as a result of an injury or accident. 

 

The Leaps and Bounds office staff works with your insurance company to determine what services are covered.  Periodically, an insurance company may require you to communicate with them instead of the Leaps and Bounds office.  Your child’s therapist may also be required to write specific progress notes, medical letters, or other documents that are requested by the insurance company to ensure that services are covered.

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Will my child’s therapist have any communication with his school teacher or therapists?

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We are eager to communicate with school teachers, school therapists, counselors, and any other professionals who are a part of helping your child be successful.  Communication can begin upon your signing our Consent to Release Information form. We are able to observe your child at school (with school permission), attend IEPs and other school meetings. 

 

If at any time you are interested in having a therapist complete a school observation or attend a school meeting, hourly charges will apply.  These charges cannot be billed to insurance.  The front office can discuss this with you.