These numbers should not scare parents into rushing their child over to All Children's, because he may be saying two fewer words than his older brother did at the same age. But Vitucci encourages anyone with any concerns to call the early intervention program. Nurses talk to many parents every day and help them decide over the phone if their child should come in for an evaluation. The pediatrician suggested a screening for Carolyn, and the child soon started speech and language therapy twice a week. She loved it.
Therapists use toys, bubbles, photo albums, kazoos, crafts and much more to teach children.
After just a year of therapy, Carolyn, now 4, was completely caught up if not ahead of her age group for speech and language use. If you want your child to be screened, you can set up an appointment at any of various screening points across the state or plan to attend free screening days scheduled throughout the year at area churches and hospitals. If your insurance won't cover the evaluation or therapy, a federal program known as Part C funding will provide 100 percent coverage for children from birth to 3 years old. Part B funding through the school system pays for children 3-18. Medicaid will cover most types of early intervention therapy, but most private insurance won't.