SPD eval and therapy

[Rose-Roget]

Ds is almost 6. I've been thinking about potential SPD off and on for several years, more strongly over the past year. I'm not sure whether our insurance pays for OT for SPD, so I hesitate over pursuing. I'm pretty sure our school OT's don't evaluate specifically for SPD here, unless a general consultation for kids on the autism spectrum.

Can someone give me some insight into what a good OT SPD evaluation costs? I know that developmental peds or psychs can also assess; however, I'm thinking theirs is more questionnaire-based, and less observational in sensory settings...but I don't know for sure.

Also, can anyone with experience talk to me about what therapy does to help? I understand establishing a sensory diet for home, but what happens in therapy to create a change?

TIA

[laurata]

Originally Posted by Rose-Roget

Can someone give me some insight into what a good OT SPD evaluation costs?

I am sure it varies from one profession and one area to the next. But in my area (near Seattle), the recommended OT who does sensory evaluations charges $140 for the first 4 sessions (evaluation sessions) and then $115 per session after that. We haven't pursued it yet but I am in the process of filling out paperwork.

[SpottedFoxx]

Our developmental pediatrician diagnosed our son with SPD and the pre-school was providing OT. He starts Kindergarten in the fall and he has 2 OT sessions a week at school - we pay nothing. We also do a sensory diet with him as well.

[Rose-Roget]

Originally Posted by SpottedFoxx

Our developmental pediatrician diagnosed our son with SPD and the pre-school was providing OT. He starts Kindergarten in the fall and he has 2 OT sessions a week at school - we pay nothing. We also do a sensory diet with him as well.

Yeah, I can all but guarantee that our OT's won't do it. Educational impact. If kids can hold a pencil and function everyday, then our school OT's don't usually qualify them. He appears to be more of a seeker than the more obvious over-responder whose difficulties more clearly interfere in daily life.

Then again, it never hurts to ask.

Oh yeah - how did the dev'l ped diagnose? Questionnaire only?

[SpottedFoxx]

DS is a seeker too. It was diagnosed through several questionnaires (us, his teachers and his day care teacher) and observations. There is absolutely educational impact with SPD seekers.

I know there are long waiting lists but seeing a developmental pediatrician has made a HUGE difference in getting our son the services he needs.

If he has a diagnosis with recommendations from a developmental pediatrician for services, they really can't fight you... well, they can but it'll be cheaper to do what the DP recommends than for you to take them to court.