Do you accept insurance?

At this time we are 100% private pay.
To give each child and family that we see more support outside of just the one hour of therapy a week, we are not accepting insurance. We also want to be able to spend our time helping YOU and not on the phone with insurance. With that being said, we can provide you with a “superbill” for you to send to insurance where they may cover some, if not all, of the cost.

What do I need for the evaluation?

When assessing your child’s language, we use a dynamic assessment. Prior to the evaluation, we need a copy of the most recent IEP, initial evaluation paperwork, and would appreciate reports from professionals (or people you deem important— babysitters, daycare providers, coaches, etc.).

Do I need to be present for all of the session?

Nope! Sessions can be done at your child’s daycare, home, favorite community location, etc. While we want you to be a part of the therapy process, that doesn’t mean you need to be present for the session. Detailed notes will be written each week and family meetings can be scheduled so we can support you as communication partners for your child.

Do you require a doctor’s referral?

No doctor referral required!

What is Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and Gestalt Language Processing?

Alexandria Zachos from MeaningfulSpeech.com explains it best, saying,
”Most people are only familiar with Analytic Language Development. Analytic language processors start speaking by babbling, move onto words, then two word combinations, phrases, sentences and eventually conversation while developing grammar. In Gestalt Language Development children arrive at the same place- original, flexible language but the steps to getting there are much different. Gestalt language processors (or GLPs) start out with a phrase, complete sentence or word that holds larger meaning for them and usually is intonationally defined. They then move on to mitigated echolalia where they are able to mix and match parts or chunks of language from the original gestalt (or script). In stage 3 they begin to process words as units and "free" single words from the larger chunks or gestalts and begin to create two word combinations. In stage 4 gestalt language processors begin to create novel utterances with beginning grammar. After this, in stages 5-6, child are using advanced and more complex grammar. So, same ending but much different process!”

Why is sensory integration important?

If someone is dysregulated and communicative pressure is placed on them, it only furthers the dysregulation. Often times when Autistic individuals are dysregulated, they cannot access all, if any, of their words. So better understanding your child’s sensory needs is important for their language!

Do you require an evaluation before starting services?

Yes! We don’t use strict standardized tests normed on neurotypical children. By using a dynamic assessment with language samples and time playing with your child, we are able to build an individualized treatment plan for your child. The evaluation is necessary to discover how to best support your child’s way of learning language and where we will begin!