I called to set up and speech therapy evaluation through Oakwood Hospital, and they said I am on a waiting list, didn't even give me an appt, and said it would take "a couple months" to hear back from them. I just don't know where to go from here, should I try another place? Are they all like this?
Re: Has anyone had to do Speech Therapy? Advice?
First- have you checked into your insurance? Speech therapy is one of those things that aren't always covered (unless it's due to an injury) and if it is, it's sometimes very limited. I'd hate for you to go through the evaluation process and then find out speech therapy sessions aren't covered.
Have you tried calling other hospitals in the area to see about their program? A couple months seems like a long time to wait. Even if you did have to wait, they should be able to schedule the appointment in their books. We did sessions through a hospital and had an evaluation set-up within a week and then started classes the following week.
You can also call your county's intermediate school district. The type of program offered is a little different depending on how old your child is. I'm sure it differs by county too. This is a free program offered to anyone. I wasn't really impressed with it initially (hence why I went through the hospital), but now that Noah's old enough, he's in a preschool program at the local elementary school which I love! It's been an awesome program
If you don't like what the hospital has to say, or you can't afford it, your son isn't too young for the school district. It's called Early-On,(and it's free) they service children ages 0-3, they will do a screening on him and tell you if he needs services, and they even come right to your house to do the services. Google Resa and contact them, they will get you the information you need. Or you can contact your Health Department.
But when he does go to the hospital, make sure they check his hearing, being a teacher of 0-3, I have learned that a lot of speech, issues stem from hearing problems, and once they get that issue resolved, the child starts talking really quick!
Speech difficulty must be solved as soon as you recognize that in your child. If you delay in this then it will become more difficult to reduce this problem. As soon as age increased this problem increases, the child will start hesitate in speaking in front of anyone. So it is nice that you will try at another place.
Speech Therapy