WWYD - speech therapy from public school or private speech therapy X-posted in The childhood years

[dex_millie]

I am trying to figure out the difference between the both and if one is "better" than the other. Last August DS was evaluated for speech (the ones that come to your house) but they said he didn't qualify (which in my opinion he needs it). They said wait and see if things progress, which they did but it is still not as good as I hear other three year olds. His preschool teacher also said he needed it.

If you had the choice would you go to the public school or have it done privately (it says we have to pay a $10 copay, so I am assuming for every visit we pay it, but that is something we can do).

[amydiane]

I think it depends on a few things. Is this a situation where all the circumstances are equal? Like, do both options have you taking him somewhere (as opposed to being in the home)? Are both options the same as far as being one on one or group settings?

I don't know if the therapists are "better" in one place than the other, and it probably depends on your area, so you may want to see what you can find out about that. Do you know anyone who's done either and could make some recommendations?

If you have the option of having therapy in the home, that's an advantage IMO. Our Early Intervention program has stressed to us (and we agree) that it is preferable, when possible....kids are generally more comfortable on their own turf and are more responsive. On a logistical note, it's also a lot easier on us, especially now that we have another baby.

We personally think DS does very well with one on one therapy, and we're not sure he'd do as well in a group setting. But, YMMV. If one option is group and one is individual, you should probably take that into consideration as well.

I hope I said all that clearly, I've been sick all week and my head is still a little fuzzy!

[shanniesue2]

I teach in a public school... and in our district, a child must have a 50% speech delay to qualify for services. If your district is anything like that, and a private therapist said your child doesn't qualify, then it's likely you will have difficulty getting the pubic school to serve your DS.

My experience with private therapists (and I've only had experience with one therapy group) is that they are more willing to qualify a child than public schools are (expecially if insurance will cover it).

[dex_millie]

Originally Posted by shanniesue2

I teach in a public school... and in our district, a child must have a 50% speech delay to qualify for services. If your district is anything like that, and a private therapist said your child doesn't qualify, then it's likely you will have difficulty getting the pubic school to serve your DS.

My experience with private therapists (and I've only had experience with one therapy group) is that they are more willing to qualify a child than public schools are (expecially if insurance will cover it).

He has never been to a private therapist. It was a different public service that came to the house(I don't know what it is called). It seem there are two types..the one at the house is for children under 3, when they are over 3 then you have to go to the public school. He did have a low score for the last one but not low enough. He needed a 25% delay and I think the score was like a 22%. But I am not sure if that included the overall review as they tested for alot of other things than speech.

[dex_millie]

Originally Posted by amydiane

I think it depends on a few things. Is this a situation where all the circumstances are equal? Like, do both options have you taking him somewhere (as opposed to being in the home)? Are both options the same as far as being one on one or group settings?

I don't know if the therapists are "better" in one place than the other, and it probably depends on your area, so you may want to see what you can find out about that. Do you know anyone who's done either and could make some recommendations?

If you have the option of having therapy in the home, that's an advantage IMO. Our Early Intervention program has stressed to us (and we agree) that it is preferable, when possible....kids are generally more comfortable on their own turf and are more responsive. On a logistical note, it's also a lot easier on us, especially now that we have another baby.

We personally think DS does very well with one on one therapy, and we're not sure he'd do as well in a group setting. But, YMMV. If one option is group and one is individual, you should probably take that into consideration as well.

I hope I said all that clearly, I've been sick all week and my head is still a little fuzzy!

I think the public school would be in a group setting while the private will be one on one.

OH..what does YMMV stand for?

[alexsam]

If YOU think he needs it, it doesn't hurt to get a second oppinion.

Personally, if I was in your shoes, I'd explore a private option.

[amydiane]

Originally Posted by dex_millie

He has never been to a private therapist. It was a different public service that came to the house(I don't know what it is called). It seem there are two types..the one at the house is for children under 3, when they are over 3 then you have to go to the public school. He did have a low score for the last one but not low enough. He needed a 25% delay and I think the score was like a 22%. But I am not sure if that included the overall review as they tested for alot of other things than speech.

Sounds like the Early Intervention program (in my state, it's called Early Steps), and that sounds like exactly how it works here. We've been trying to decide what to do when DS turns 3 in May....if we want to continue with one on one, in home therapy, we'd have to do it on our own and likely have to pay out of pocket, since so far none of his therapists have been in our insurance network.

Originally Posted by dex_millie

I think the public school would be in a group setting while the private will be one on one.

OH..what does YMMV stand for?

For us, the one on one is an advantage. Between that and the advantages of the home setting, I would definitely go with the private therapy. But if you think your DS would do better in a group, then that could be an advantage for you. YMMV = your mileage may vary.

[elmh23]

In my state, Early Childhood Intervention (the ones who come to your house) require a 25% delay, while the public school system requires a 30% delay. It's entirely possible your son wouldn't even qualify for therapy. However, I do encourage you to at least have them do an evaluation. Then, you'll know where he stands. If he doesn't qualify, then go the private route.

My ds has been in ECI since 16 months old for a severe speech delay. It has done wonders and he's to the point where they think the only reason he'll qualify for the public school (he turns 3 in Feb.) is because his articulation is still VERY poor.