Yet another speech Q - going from CPSE to CSE -LONG

My DS started getting speech therapy when he was 3. His artic was very low, 8th %. By the time he finished last June, bc of his age (he was 4 in May 2010) and his lack of progress, he dropped the the 2nd %. I went into the CPSE meeting prepared to do battle, his SLP was ready to discuss every reason she felt he needed more and needed PROMPT, which she couldn't provide. I didn't have to say a word, they handed me a PROMPT therapist list and immediately approved him for summer (2x a week) and school year (3x a week). He has made some progress but it breaks me heart, he still struggles. His current SLP is the first person to ever use the term apraxic with him.

So now he is going into K in Sept, he will be leaving CPSE sves & going into CSE. I'm not sure if it works the same everywhere but he will get speech services at school. I was at a SEPTA meeting and asked about PROMPT and they said his IEP will not specify a method, just that he will qualify for services if he does (he will). They could not say if they had anyone who is PROMPT certified or trained.

So...the person who handed me a phone # at age 4 and said we want you to bring him for PROMPT is going to tell us a year later that he has to get in house services which may or may not be PROMPT?? Will they actually tell me that with a straight face? I already feel ready to do battle and it's coupled with fear of him regressing & not being able to properly communicate in K with new teachers & peers.

Anyone have any experience?

1) I have a neurologist appt for him in 2 weeks. Is it to our benefit to specifically have a neuro diagnose him with apraxia?

2) Any thoughts on getting him the services he needs through the SD? How can I find out if they have a PROMPT therapist or what he will get? I hate to see him pulled out of classes only to not get the type of therapy he needs.

You always hear about going into these meetings and fighting for your kids but honestly, does anyone really think they can persuade them with argument or logic? I feel like they just look at whatever they already plan on looking at and decide beforehand if it's in the budget or meets the criteria. I don't have a problem with arguing the reasons but I am a cynic, I just seem them always prepared to shut you down unless it's in the budget or their parameters.

In the end, we might have to pay out of pocket but I just don't want to leave a stone unturned with the SD if possible.

Thoughts? I lay awake at night worried about it, as I'm sure we all do at times.

TIA

Message edited 3/23/2011 10:12:41 AM.

Re: Yet another speech Q - going from CPSE to CSE -LONG

I just want to say what I have learned in the past 8 months is that, it's all about the "diagnosis" because let's face it, money is tight and they can only allot so much. Also, the squeaky wheel always gets more. So you need to show your SD that you have done your research, know what you are talking about and want the best treatment plan for your child. That's the law. A diagnosis can help you prove whether or not your child is getting the appropriate therapies. I would say, that it's probably worth getting a diagnosis of apraxia. A PROMPT certified therapist can also diagnose your child. It doesn't need to be a medical professional. A child who has apraxia, needs one on one speech, very often. The tactile stimulation has to be affecting the muscles (tone) to fire up the correct motor planning. Honestly, I think few people even understand apraxia (but that's a whole other story).

Maybe you could ask for the names of the sLPs that your SD has. You can then call the PROMPT institute and see if they are in their databank, and what type of certification they hold.

Perhaps they could at least pay for a center based PROMPT therapist ?

Oh and just some info... many SLPs are PROMPT trained. It's not this intense training. However, if the therapist completed at least the second level "BRIDGE" then they may have a lot more understanding of the PROMPT method. The key is having a SLP who completely comprehends the motor planning componet which links to sensory integration.

Re: Yet another speech Q - going from CPSE to CSE -LONG

I would definitely get a diagnosis of apraxia.. It will help your son more services because of it.

I don't know what school district you are in but do they have an integrated classroom ( a mix of IEP kids and typical kids ) ? In my district, I knew this type of classroom was the best fit for my son Jacob. I needed a dx to get him into the class. He does receive speech services2x a week and it is pull out in a group setting. I would definitely look into the types of classes that they are.. I will tell you the integrated class innmy district is wonderful..

Re: Yet another speech Q - going from CPSE to CSE -LONG

A diagnosis would definitely help you get services. As for a specific type of therapy, that's tough. If the district doesn't have someone who is trained, it takes a long time to get an individual provider board approved. Maybe they'd be willing to send someone to the course. They usually have a few local-ish ones every year.