I was just told today that my 3yr old nephew( just turned 3) needs speech therapy and that his fathers insurance does not cover it.
I really dont know too many details cuz i hardly see them but i am not suprised he needs therapy sine her hardly talks at all.
When i do see him he is at grandmas and he says very few words and really doesnt talk at all. WHen he wants something he tries to say things but it makes no sence so he then grabs your hand and takes you and you have to try to figure out what he needs.
He also according to his mom gets mad easily and we feel that it may be the lack of communication. They tested his hearing and that came out ok, his pediatrician said he should have speech therapy . They are going tomorrow to a place, dont know the name but all i know its by Provena Mercy center. I'm not sure if that is a office or a actual clinic. Now like i said i dont know all the details but why would a health insurance not cover speech therapy?
Is there any programs out there that i can tell her( sister in law) about that maybe do it for free or a reduced reasonable price?
In the meantime is there something we can do including grandma when she babysits him to help him? Are there certain books we can read to him,games, etc? IF so what are they........ THanks for you advice in advance.
The school district should pick him up for free, if he qualifies. It sounds like he needs to have a hearing test.
She should contact her school district. If he qualifies(which it sounds like he would) the school would provide speech therapy and possibly even free preschool. What district are they in?
Unfortunately most insurance plans do not cover speech therapy unless it is warranted because of a medical condition.
If he is over 3 then the school system is required to provide services for him. Under 3 they go through Early Intervention. Typically you have your child tested at age 2 and get services right away. AFter 3 they go through your public school system. If there are other delays he will qualify for hte preschool program. Get and IEP through the school.. all this is FREE!
I wish I could explain why insurance doesn't cover things like this but I can't.
I would tell your sister-in-law to look to the state for help. I know that they have programs for kids that need therapy. The therapists will come to the house to evaluate the child and for therapy.
She could try searching the internet under Illinois. That should put her in the right direction.
Good Luck!
I have a two year old boy who sounds a lot like your nephew. My son has had speech therapy through Early Intervention for a year now. Try using some simple sign launguage for him. It has helped my son a lot. Simple signs like Thank you, please, sorry, I want. You could look online for some ideas or check out a book at the library. It is really hard when your child does not communicate with words back to you. Give it some time. Definetely call the school district and get him screened for preschool.
Check with the local school district where the child lives. They should have preschool screenings that will test him to see if he is eligible for speech therapy - this is a free service. My son at age three had a year of speech therapy through Batavia school district and he is fine - they do a wonderful job.
They do all sorts of screenings,too so that might help with the frustration level.
Have them go to their public school. They should do preschool screenings for the district. If his evaluation proves he needs speech therapy, which it sounds like they would agree if his Doc is saying that too, the district would do it for free. The state pays for him to get it. My daughter had a couple of years of therapy through our school. I just set up a weekly appointment with the therapist and brought her in.
