The Lanterman Act and the Early Intervention Services Act (the state laws that govern how services may be provided for children and adults with developmental disabilities) have been ammended effective July, 2009, to require that before a regional center may provide needed therapy or medical services, the families must first seek coverage from their private insurance company. The regional center may provide needed therapy services, as determined in an individual/family service plan, if the family provides documentation that the service is not covered by their insurance policy.
Occupational therapy (OT)
Sometimes referred to as “therapy by activity,” employs purposeful activities, including the tasks of daily living, to help the child with developmental disabilities become more functionally independent. OT aims to help children achieve the self-help, play, and learning skills appropriate for their age by improving their physical abilities, and giving them skills that will help them adapt to their surroundings. The therapist may also work on improving gross (large) and/or fine (small) motor skills. Occupational therapy usually occurs one or two times per week. Sensory integration is a specific treatment modality used by specially trained occupational therapists. Sensory integration focuses on organizing the child’s five senses so he can better interpret incoming sensations and respond appropriately to his environment.
Speech Therapy
This therapy employs specific techniques to improve a child’s receptive language (the ability to process and understand spoken messages) and expressive language (the ability to create and communicate spoken messages). Speech therapy is provided in group settings as well as one-to-one. Therapy sessions usually occur one to two times per week.
Augmented and Alterntative Communication
For children who do not have functional speech or who have difficulty understanding spoken language, augmented and alternative communication methods can help them compensate. A vareity of methods and tools are employed, depending upon the unique strengths and needs of the child. A simple and commonly-used system of this type is the Picture Exchange and Communication System (PECS), that allows the child to communicate and express his needs using pictures. This tool is effective and easyfor the child, parent, and others, such as teachers, to use. Nonverbal children who use PECS to communicate often subsequently develop speech.
Other methods of augmented or alternative communication employ more sophisticated technology that is adapted to the child's specific abilities. Typically, this involves the use of computerized equipment. Children who have communication difficulties may be assessed to see if they could benefit from an augmented or alternative communication method. You may request an assessment for your son or daughter from the HRC Assistive Technology Lab. Information about this service can be found in the HRC Notebook, the Family Guide To Services.
Intensive Early Autism Treatment
These services apply principles of behavior in intensive and highly structured exercises designed specifically to help children with autism develop functional communication and social skills. For more information also see:
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