Resources
Blog Posts
How to get speech therapy and occupational therapy covered when your insurance won’t cover it
Many times when someone calls, the first question they ask is “Do you take our insurance?”, which is sad, because the first question really should be, “What kind of therapy do you provide and are you the best place to help my child?”. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go to...
Teletherapy WILL Work for Your Young Child and Here is Why
During the Coronavirus pandemic, many of us have had to become familiar with video conferencing and online learning. A year ago, I would have thought “Zoom” was a website for race cars now it’s the new “Google.” It’s become part of our lives whether we like it or not....
What is AAC and will it help my child?
AAC stands for Augmentative Alternative Communication. It is an alternative way to communicate without words. It can include gestures, sign language, picture exchange, and communication devices. If your child is over the age of two and is not talking or very...
Encouraging the use of a Speech Generated Device at Home
The day has arrived! Finally you've received your child’s speech generating device (SGD) in the mail. You open the box with anticipation and turn it on. You hand it to your child ready for their world to open, and they throw it on the ground?!?. This is not an...
PROMPT Speech Therapy, Looking at the WHOLE Child
PROMPT therapy stands for PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets. During PROMPT therapy, the speech therapist will touch and move the patient’s tongue, lips, jaw, and cheeks to help elicit and correct certain sounds. All the PROMPTS are done on the...
What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many schools of thought on the diagnosis and treatment of Apraxia of Speech. While Speech Apraxia affects people of all ages and manifests itself differently from one person to the next, Speech Apraxia in adults is...
Community Referral List
Early Steps
Early Steps is a free state-funded program for children under 3 with developmental delays. It provides comprehensive testing and support in your child’s natural environment, independent of medical insurance. https://floridaearlysteps.com/contact/ Phone: 1-800-218-0001
FDLRS/Child Find
FDLRS/Child Find serves children 3 to Pre-K with developmental delays. This free school system service offers therapy and early intervention programs, with transportation provided. https://www.fdlrs.org/find-a-centerPasco/Pinellas: 850-638-6131 Ext. 2222 Hillsborough: 813-837-7777
Children’s Medical Services (CMS)
CMS is a specialized Medicaid plan for children with complex healthcare needs. This program offers enhanced services tailored to your child’s specific requirements, including:
- A dedicated case manager who checks in monthly
- Comprehensive coverage for specialized treatments
- Coordinated care across multiple providers
You can switch to CMS at any time without waiting for re-enrollment. To explore this option, call Medicaid at 1-877-711-3662 and ask to speak with a representative about switching to CMS. Your child may qualify for this program, which could provide valuable additional support for their healthcare needs.
Unique Abilities Scholarship
The Unique Abilities Scholarship is a program designed to support children aged 3 and older with specific diagnoses, including speech delays, language delays, and autism. This scholarship is available for families choosing private school or homeschooling options. It provides approximately $9,000-$10,000 per year, which can be used for private school tuition, academic supplies, and therapies. This financial support can significantly help families access specialized education and support services for their children with unique learning needs. For more information and to apply, visit the Step Up For Students website at https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/unique-abilities/.
Mileage Reimbursement
Did you know Medicaid plans offer mileage reimbursement for medical appointments, including therapy sessions? https://mtm.mtmlink.net/#/
Free Genetic Testing
Genetics can be hard to get into and also very expensive. Here is a site that helps parents get the testing they need for their children: Probably Genetics
Autism Diagnosis
Autism evaluations are available from Developmental Pediatricians, Neuropsychologists, or Neurologists. Some providers include:
Developmental Pediatricians
- Dr. Joel Shulkin – John Hopkins All Children’s
- Dr. Ryan Baker – Pediatric Health Care Alliance
- Dr. Adam L. Huillet, MD – BayCare
Neuropsychologists
Neurologists
Tongue Tie Specialists/Airway Specialized Dentists
Orthodontists
Psychologists/Counseling
Want to be added to our community referral list? Contact us and let us know how you can help serve our patients.