Language and OT Services before age 3 | Autism PDD

How in the world are people finding professionals to come to their homes for these different therapies??? It sure would be nice IF I could find that! Here I am driving again (against my fear) just to seek out someone to help my son! We hafta to go LA just to get proper help! I have no clue as to where I am as I stem from MN. When we do go there, OR anywhere like the city territory, I freeze! I am used to finding a gas station to where you can relieve yourself....not HERE! I "feel" like my world has been turned upside down and the waves are thrashing me into the rigid rocks!

Thank you for all of your responses. My dilemma is that we are wait listed for services here. I will look at the link.

Hi emilysmama,

I googled autism alaska speech therapy and came up with www.autismlink.com

They offer therapy providers using insurance etc. for your area. They also have an in home support pack for all types of therapy so you can do it yourself.

I agree with Tammy about the difficulties in getting services in her area. Have you considered that leaving her home may make Emily regress? Right now being in an environment she knows well will support her learning.

The other benefit in starting at home is that then you will be building a support network now that will continue to be helpful for a long time to come.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
Another suggestion that maybe you've already looked into:
Sometimes universities with speech therapy and occupational therapy programs will offer services, especially if you're willing to pay out of pocket. May be cheaper than moving to another state temporarily and having to pay out of pocket there anyway.

Good luck!!
Kellie

Have you contacted your insurance company to see if they cover private st and ot? Or you can contact the private places themselves and see if they take your insurance etc. My insurance pays for private and some insurance companies will pay for it if its not available through the state or school district. Just an idea. Don't know if this helps.

Karrie

I have a two year old with PDD-NOS whom will not be three until december. We will start in the school district preschool program at three, but we need language and OT services now. I'm in Alaska and there are wait lists for care in Fairbanks and in Anchorage (our two largest cities). I am considering leaving Alaska for treatment just until December because I think four months is too long to wait. My child is really improving right now and I don't want to loose ground. I have family in Phoenix and in Minneapolis and am considering services in those areas. Does any one live in those areas that could tell me if services are available now and how to find them/contact them?

With some services in Minneapolis the waiting list can be anywhere from six months up to two years. Some places will not take a child for day treatment if they are under 3. If you need financial assistance you might have to wait 30 days before applying. Also crime is on the rise here. That is something you won't see in the national news. And don't get me started on the school district here. But even if you went through the school district for services here, they would still be in home services, since the child is not 3 yet.

Tammy

What about private care? We have insurance and are in the long drawn out process of applying for TEFRA. I wouldn't be working so I could be the chauffer! I am willing to do whatever I have to, I think she should have language therapy now, so do her providers. We are currently working with Project teach who come into our home with an educator... very nice. They normally offer speech and OT, but like the private care, have wait lists. Thanks for your response!

Tefra is state specific so you would have to start the whole process over once you move. Each state has their own qualifications for each different program or programs that they have. Plus rents are on the rise, along with gas. Approaching 3 bucks a gallon. And I would expect the cost of living to go up here.

Tammy

Suggestion: pay out of pocket for a private st to help you develop a simple program focused on your child specifically. You could work out follow-up with 15m phone calls, or half hour in persons. Be creative. Just an idea.

good luck.

pat