First Steps is Indiana’s early intervention program that provides services to infants and toddlers from birth to third birthday who have developmental delays or disabilities. First Steps brings families together with a local network of professionals from education, health and social service agencies.
What is a Speech therapy and what does a SLP do?Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency. Speech therapy focuses on receptive (understanding what is said) and expressive (being able to speak so that others can understand) communication. It may include the use of sign language, augmentative communication devices or other assistive technology. The SLP may also be involved with the child’s feeding program.Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving disorders. A speech therapist must hold at least a Master’s Degree and uphold a National license as well as a State license.
What is occupational therapy and what does an OT do?In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, and helping people recovering from injury to regain skills. Occupational therapy may include intervention activities to improve a child’s fine motor skills, oral-motor/feeding skills, and assist in regulating a child’s sensory system.Occupational therapy services typically include:an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goalscustomized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, andoutcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. One must earn a master’s degree or a more advanced degree in occupational therapy to work as an occupational therapist as well as hold a National and State license.
What is Developmental Therapy?Developmental Therapy focuses on infant/toddler development and ways to promote development. This includes designing learning environments and activities to promote development across all domains: cognitive; physical; communication; social/emotional; and adaptive. Specialized Instruction is a required service of IDEA, Part C. Indiana designates its providers of specialized instruction as Developmental Therapists. Since there is no one pre-service academic degree for this category, the state has defined multiple categories of Developmental Therapy, each with its own entry level qualifications.
What is Physical Therapy and what does a PT do?Physical Therapy focuses on gross motor skills and the ability to move and effectively use his/her arms, legs, trunk and head.Physical therapists apply research and proven techniques to help people get back in motion. All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree – either a master’s degree or a clinical doctorate — from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. They are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life.
TTLC can provide 1:1 therapy on for those families seeking services beyond what they receive through the First Steps Program (0-3 year olds) or their child’s Early Childhood Program (school system program for 3-5 year olds).Talking Time Learning Center can schedule Private Outpatient therapy only as an option. TTLC is an In-Network provider for Anthem Insurance and United Health Care. Our office manager takes care of turning in the claim to Anthem/UHC for your therapy sessions. Please call our office to schedule an appointment for outpatient services.