Therapy
Therapy is one kind of early education for the baby with special needs, and will usually continue through much of the child's school career as well. There are several kinds of therapy, and some babies will need more than one kind. The kind your baby should have depends on her unique needs.
A doctor or other specialized professional conducts an evaluation or test before therapy begins. For example, a baby with a suspected hearing loss is evaluated first by a doctor to rule out infection, then by an audiologist. A baby with a hearing loss would be eligible for speech and language therapy.
Physical Therapy
Perhaps your baby suffered trauma at birth. Maybe during a routine visit, your pediatrician discovered that your baby has low muscle tone or restricted movement of limbs. Possibly you were concerned as your baby passed the developmental milestone for sitting up or crawling. Then you followed up with a doctor's evaluation and physical therapy was recommended.
Physical therapy deals with “big muscle movements” like sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Physical therapists are educated in how to exercise and strengthen the large muscles of the body. If your baby receives physical therapy services, you will also be shown exercises to help your child better develop large muscle skills.
Fact
Physical therapy services typically are scheduled from once to several times a week. Following through with the “homework” is important for your baby, so make this a regular part of your family schedule. Take the PT's lead on how to make the exercises fun. Add your own love, and you will see your baby excel.
Some physical therapists work for doctors, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. It may be necessary to take your baby to office-based physical therapists. Others work for services that come to your home. To find a physical therapist for your baby, talk with your baby's doctor or specialist, or contact a children's hospital in the area where you live. A doctor must prescribe the physical therapist's services.
Occupational Therapy
Some babies are known from birth to need occupational therapy. Perhaps the physical malformation of a hand requires therapy to perform day-to-day tasks like playing with a toy (and later feeding herself, dressing, and writing). Other babies are not identified with a need for occupational therapy until they become toddlers, and have difficulty with play activities or self-care tasks.
How much do therapy sessions cost?
There is no definite answer. If the therapy is part of your baby's Individual Family Service Plan, there will not be a fee. For other kinds of therapy, your family's health insurance and income will be a factor as well as the agency (or individual professional) providing the service.
As with physical therapists, an occupational therapist must have a doctor's prescription before working with a child. Occupational therapists work in offices and, in some cases, provide services in the home.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language milestones for babies and toddlers are perhaps the most misunderstood. Many parents react too quickly and are anxious to begin speech therapy when it is not needed. Other parents are sure that words will come sooner or later. They fail to seek valuable help during the time their child is developing speech and language skills. It's important to remember that developmental milestones are general guidelines and many babies do not mature according to schedule.
If your baby goes beyond the age when most children say their first word, it does not necessarily mean that she needs speech therapy. It is a good idea to touch base with your pediatrician, who may refer your baby for a hearing test or conduct other developmental testing. The important thing is to be aware of your baby's development and to share questions and concerns with appropriate professionals.
