Speech Therapy FAQ’s
Q: I am worried that my child’s language skills are delayed. Everyone says language develops at different rates, but how can I tell if my child’s language skills are truly delayed or developing at a typical rate?
A: It is true that language develops at variable rates for different children. Please see the developmental language milestones section for specific information about language abilities at your child’s age. If your child does not demonstrate 3 or more of the skills listed within the age bracket, you may consider pursuing a language evaluation.
Q: My child’s teacher says his or her reading skills are weak. I notice he/she has difficulty sounding out words when we read together at night. Should I just wait to see if my child grows out of these difficulties?
A: If you and/or your child’s teacher have concerns regarding reading or spelling abilities, your child will likely not grow out of the difficulties he or she is experiencing, rather will continue to have frustration mastering grade-level skills. A screening or evaluation will likely be indicated to assess your child’s academic skills.
Q: How much does speech therapy cost?
A: Please contact Erin Huntington, M.A., CCC-SLP for information about hourly rates and length of treatment. Payment plans are available.
Q: How long does treatment last?
A: Depending on various factors (age of child, severity of deficits, and frequency of treatment), treatment usually takes 6 – 8 months. During this time, it is common for children to make years of gain and catch up to grade-level expectations. Erin has extensive experience implementing treatment plans in an effective, time-efficient manner in order to make the greatest gains in the most time-sensitive manner.
Q: What happens after treatment ends?
A: Erin works closely with the student, family and teacher(s) in order to help the student generalize his or her skills to the academic work. It is common for students to need some assistance with applying their newly developed skills to their schoolwork. Erin has years of experience coordinating care with families and professionals to ensure the student is best able to perform to his or her potential in school and at home.
Psychiatry FAQ’s
Q: My child’s teacher says that he can’t pay attention more than a couple minutes, but I see him focus on his video games for hours. How could he have AD/HD? Maybe he is just lazy.
A: Your son would need an evaluation to clarify what is going on, but attention is not static. Attention varies with the context. Appropriate regulation of attention is the main problem with AD/HD. There may be times when a child is underfocused, hyperfocused or has trouble shifting attention.
Q: Why would I want to put my child on AD/HD medication? I have heard that it is overprescribed and may have terrible side effects.
A: The decision to place a child on AD/HD medication (or any medication) can be a difficult one. You would need to hear the options and decide what you think is best. As part of the discussion of options, you would learn about when it is appropriate to consider medication (and when it is not) as well as learn about potential side effects, which in many cases can be minimal or easily managed.
Q: My daughter’s tantrums have continued past the Terrible Two’s. She is now 7. Weren’t they supposed to stop?
A: There could be many reasons why your daughter is having tantrums. In addition to taking a patient and family history, it would be useful to look at the antecedents, what happens during the tantrums and the aftermath to try to discover what may be causing them to continue.
Q: My son had been a top student in elementary and middle school, but is now struggling in high school. What is the problem?
A: Problems with mood, attention and planning, substance abuse, previously undetected mild learning disorders and/or thought processing would all need to be considered in an evaluation.
Q: How much does a psychiatric evaluation and/or treatment cost?
A: Please contact Joan B. Pincus, MD for information about assessment and treatment costs. Dr. Pincus offers flexible pricing options.
General
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Dr. Pincus and Erin Huntington, M.A., CCC-SLP are seeking to join insurance panels but are currently fee-for-service providers.