therapy

Conquering the High Cost of Speech-Language Therapy

Laura LeBlanc MA, CCC/SLPLeave a comment

Families with a speech disordered child often face a financial burden due to the high cost of speech therapy and other needed treatments. In fact, a survey published in Public Health Reports found that 40% of American families with children with special needs report feeling the strain of the financial toll that those healthcare needs cause. The survey further reported that children with disabilities are more likely to grow up in single-parent households, and that those parents often hold lower-paying jobs. As pricey as speech therapy is, you may be able to reduce the high cost of speech therapy with these tips:

Insurance

If you’re not sure if your insurance will cover the cost of speech therapy, talk to your employer’s human resources representative. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, contact the appropriate department in your state for information on insurance programs.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Ask your employer if he offers a flexible spending account (FSA). An FSA allows you to designate a portion of your income for qualifying medical and childcare expenses. The income is not subject to payroll taxes, which can save you a nice chunk of change.

Sliding Scale

Many hospitals, clinics, and early childhood centers offer services based on a sliding scale. It’s always worth asking your child’s speech therapist if she offers a reduced fee or sliding scale program based on your income.

The Gardiner Scholarship (For Home-Schooled Children)

The Gardiner scholarship is for Florida students 3 years old through 12th grade or age 22, whichever comes first, with one of the following disabilities: Autism spectrum disorder, Muscular dystrophy, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Spina bifida, Williams syndrome, Intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment), rare diseases as defined by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, anaphylaxis, deaf, visually impaired, dual sensory impaired, traumatic brain injured, hospital or homebound as defined by the rules of the State Board of Education and evidenced by reports from local school districts, or three, four or five year-olds who are deemed high-risk due to developmental delays.

The term “hospital or homebound” includes a student who has a medically diagnosed physical or psychiatric condition or illness, as defined by the state board in rule, and who is confined to the home or hospital for more than 6 months.

  • Students need an IEP written in accordance with the rules of the State Board of Education or with the rules of another state OR the diagnosis of a Florida physician or psychologist or a physician who holds an active license issued by another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  • Students must be at least 3 or 4 on or before Sept 1. Students entering kindergarten must be 5 on or before Sept 1. Students entering first grade must be 6 on or before Sept 1.
  • Students can participate in the Gardiner Scholarship program as part of home education. However, they cannot be enrolled in a public school or receive any other state-sponsored scholarship (McKay Scholarship or the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship).

As always, if you feel that your child is in need of speech-language services, be sure to contact an ASHA Certified provider.

 

 

10 Signs Your Child May Have Asperger’s Syndrome

Laura LeBlanc MA, CCC/SLPLeave a comment

Asperger’s syndrome is a neurological disorder which falls under the category of autism spectrum disorders- a group of disorders characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. About 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by this disorder. Although exact symptoms may vary from child to child, there are many behaviors that may be signs of Asperger’s syndrome.  Here are the most common:

1. Unusual Body Language

Your child may make unusual facial expressions or stare at others a lot.  More likely, however, a child will avoid making eye contact all together.

2. Fixation on One Activity

Many children with Asperger’s are preoccupied with a single or few interests for hours on end and do not engage in play with other children.

3. Overly “Formal” Speech

Children with Asperger’s have advanced verbal skills and tend to speak more formally than expected for their age or prefer talking with adults.

4. Difficulty Reading Social Cues

Social difficulties is one of the most “obvious” of the Asperger’s symptoms.  Reading body language may be hard, as well as turn-taking or accepting others point of view and sticking to a topic of conversation.  A child may talk incessantly without giving others a chance to speak, or notice that others are becoming bored with the conversation.

5. Lack of Empathy 

Many child with Asperger’s have a lack of empathy for others and have no idea that others have feelings or wants.

6. Delayed motor development

From fine motor (ie writing) to gross motor (ie riding a bike), poor or delayed motor skills could be a sign of Asperger’s syndrome.

7. Sensory Sensitivities 

It’s possible for a child with Asperger’s to have heightened sensory sensitivity.  Things such as loud noises, strong lights, or even certain textures can cause them to become overstimulated and overwhelmed.

8. Can’t Understand Speech Subtleties

Some people with Asperger’s have a hard time understanding speech tone, pitch, and accent.  They may take words very literally and not comprehend humor or jokes.

9. Strong Need for Routine 

Many people with Asperger’s prefer to adhere to a strict routine for everything from bedtime to meals and showers.  Having structure is very important, otherwise they may feel unsettled or confused.

10. Emotional Meltdowns

When a child with Asperger’s becomes overwhelmed they often have a meltdown.  This is a common result of routines or plans not going as expected.

Articulation in Children Top 5 Speech Questions

Laura LeBlanc MA, CCC/SLPLeave a comment

What is articulation?

Articulation is the ability to make speech sounds clearly. Children learn correct sound production by listening and imitating appropriate speech role models. Articulation develops gradually over a period of 8 years.

When should I be concerned about my child’s articulation?

Under the age of 3, it is common for children to make quite a few sound errors and substitutions.  By age 3, a child should be using at least 200 words, using 3-5 word phrases and be understood at least 80% of the time.  By age 4, a child should be 100% intelligible even if they continue to have some articulation errors.  Sounds which are “later developing” include “sh”, “ch” “j” and “th”.  Sometimes the “s” and “r” sounds are more difficult to remediate and require more speech therapy.

What sounds do children learn to produce first and in what order?

Most children are able to produce the “bilabial” sounds (made with the lips) of “b”, “p” “m”and “w”. They may also produce sounds such as “d”, “t”, and “n” early on as well.  Child acquire sounds developmentally and by age 8 should have mastered all of the sounds.

What causes an articulation disorder?

Although the cause is often unknown, the following are may cause an articulation disorder:

  • Hearing loss
  • Illness
  • Developmental Disorder (ie Autism)
  • Neurological Disorder (ie Cerebral Palsy)
  • Genetic Disorder (ie Down Syndrome)

How do you treat an articulation disorder?

If you feel that your child is in need a speech evaluation, it is vital to seek treatment from an ASHA (American Speech Hearing Association) Certified provider who will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide services as needed.