Some families may experience delays in getting therapy services for their children under 3 years of age in New York City.
This article describes a study of 14,623 children in New York City who had developmental delays that required therapy services in 2004. The children were under 3 years of age. In New York City, children with developmental delays are given an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to define the services that are needed for that child. Ideally the child would start therapy services within 21 days of getting their IFSP. The authors said that some children had to wait longer than 21 days to get therapies. The percentage of children who had to wait varied for different therapy services. The highest was 13% for speech therapy, and the lowest was 4% for physical therapy. People in this study who lived in low-income or Spanish-speaking neighborhoods had more service delays than people who live elsewhere.









Please comment on this autism topic.
Responding to insurance
Sep 13, 2011 by AnonymousWe have private insurance for which we pay a premium and deductible. It covers occupational therapy, language therapy, physical therapy and psychological therapy but at a combined 75 visits for calendar year. This is not for each therapy but rather 75 total for all together. Thus, even with illness or vacation times taken, we do not have enough alotted time slots covered to continue therapy for a full year. Once we run out of the 75 covered slots, we must pay out of pocket. We pay a copay of $20 per visit. So, for example, if my child sees a language/speech therapist and the ot once per week it is $40 out of pocket until we hit the magic 75 allowed under the insurance. Then we woud have to pay $150 for one therapy and $160 for the other per week. The psychology/psychiatrist appointments are monthly. All of these therapies would be available more frequently and I am told by the therapists very helpful if we could do more than once a week for 1/2 a session but we cannot afford to do this. The children on the autism spectrum benefit greatly from these therapies and it is something that should be covered under the insurance policies, just as any health or mental health issue should be.
Responding to animal-assisted therapy (AAT)
Jun 2, 2011 by AnonymousThank you for this article. It is such a great reminder of how invaluable of a resource AAT is for children! We've seen such great responses to our program and we're just in training stages. Children in speech/occupational/and physical therapy are just in love and work extra hard to communicate. It's just amazing. AAT is just a treasure that many people aren't familiar with.
Dorshan
President/Founder of Pawsitive Therapeutic Consulting Services
Your partners in creating BiG PaWsabilities through Animal Assisted Therapy & Activities
Meet Berlin our Great Dane in AAT/AAA training (click here)
Responding to sports
Feb 22, 2010 by AnonymousI have had my child enrolled in gymnastics as a form of physical therapy. I have lots of experience teaching swim lessons, and I use "aquatic therapy" as a means of therapy for her sensory problems and speech and social skills.