Making The Most of Your Child’s Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

By Ellen Stern, M.S. CCC-SLP & Monica M.Weller, M.S.OTR/L

As funding within the school systems is being cut, it is becoming more and more difficult for new students to qualify for occupational and speech therapy services. Those students who have been fortunate enough to be made eligible for services are also finding that services are being reduced. In an effort to meet the needs of so many students, OT and SLPs often provide services in groups. Because of this, families often find that outpatient therapy supplements the services being provided within the school system.

The fundamental difference between school based and private or outpatient therapy lies in the long term or ultimate goal of the services. School based therapy goals must be educationally relevant and are specific to the classroom setting they are participating in. Private, outpatient therapies, look at the child as a whole person. This means the therapist assesses the child’s strengths and difficulties within the classroom, home and the community. Outpatient therapists have the opportunity to work with family members and provide training, support and home programming for carry over and long term progress and success.

Therefore, school based services were never intended to replace the need for outpatient therapies. The two can ideally work together to best meet all the needs of the child and the family. At Therapy SPOT Inc, we collaborate with school based therapist, as well as the classroom teachers, to promote the best quality care and consistency between settings. Our therapists regularly consult with school based therapists and teachers to discuss and share strategies and techniques to be utilized in both environments. We also support the families and therapists in attending IEP meetings when needed. School visits are also performed to provide assistance to classroom teachers and support the school based therapist in providing extra time and consultation on such things as, behavior management to support language and social development and encourage classroom participation, sensory integration strategies, organizational and time management strategies, and methods to promote focusing and classroom independence.

Therapy SPOT Inc is a private, outpatient facility in Boca Raton and easily accessible to clients in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek and Coral Springs. We provide individual occupational and speech/language therapy services. We also offer play groups and social groups for children preschool age through elementary age. During winter and summer break, we offer a full day social camp to address social development, play skills and independence. Our therapists are highly trained and have extensive experience with a variety of disabilities and diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, sensory integration dysfunction, as well as speech and language delays and disorders . Our clinic is equipped with the most up to date materials and a sensory gym to adequately meet the individual needs of all of our clients.

Ellen Stern, M.S. CCC-SLP (561-859-2010) and Monica M.Weller, M.S.OTR/L (561-859-2100) at Therapy SPOT Inc. or visit www.therapyspotinc.com.