If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

My son is currently getting speech and I am not sure if he has the best match for him. We have been meeting 2x a week for 6 months now and when she comes over he wants nothing to do with it. She recommends that I put a table in his room so that they can be alone and not have free range. We have tried this in the past and he screamed his head off the whole session. Now she wants to try it again. Today he sat on the couch and wouldnt even look at her so she went through some stuff with my other son (twins) and didnt even attempt to go over to him to try to work and get him involved.

This morning I had my other son evaluated and both sat there and followed directions and was completely involved.


I have never been through this before so I am wondering how does your child react when they see their therapist? What does your therapist do to keep them involved?

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

DS really likes his therapist (but he's easy to please, if you treat him well and bring him toys, he's your friend for life). I think she is good with him though--she plays one on one with him the whole session and encourages him to use his words to while playing. When she arrives they have a hello song they sing which he likes, and sometimes they'll sing another song. When she leaves she has a good-bye song and he gets stickers.

If he is drifting or moving around the room, she will pull out a different toy and encourages him to come back and check it out. He almost always does. I've started sitting in another room nearby though since I've notices when I'm in the same room, he will sometimes run between the two of us--if I'm not in sight he give her more attention.

If you really feel this isn't a good fit, I would look into switching. Is your child happy when she comes (sounds like no)? Is he learning?

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

We started DS in his high chair. He would not look at her. Listen to her. nothing.
I told the ped. I think we'll try the booster seat at the kitchen table.
I cannot tell you the improvement!
DS knows I'm right in the den. If he really needs me, he can see me.
I "listen in" to the sessions, but, don't sit in.
I think DS doesn't feel as restricted than he was in the high chair. They have the whole kitchen table to work at.
I was just about ready to look into switching therapists and now, I wouldn't even think twice.
They both "clicked" and DS is really improving!

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

My DD gets speech and special ed both 2x a week. We are actually in the process of switching spec ed therapists. Her speech sessions go well and she is making progress. Her spec ed sessions for one reason or another have turned into nothing but tantrums. I felt if she was crying the whole time she is not getting the help she needs. So we are going to switch.

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

Every time the doorbell rings Ale yells "Taaawaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!" and runs to the door - in other words she loves her therapist to bits.

Ale sits in a chari at the dining room table and "Tawa" sits catty-corner to her. They play and have a great time - Ale loves her.

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

Depends what they are working on.

DS LOOOVES his speech therapist. They work at the table. When she needs real eye contact, she sits on the floor and put him in his bean bag. She likes to be at eye level with him.

Sometimes he is on her knees and she sings a song or do oral motor imitations.

They are everywhere in the room.

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

she sounds just like Jack's old therapist - wonder if it's the same one

The old one was very rigid - he hated it and screamed the entire time. She wasn't making it very fun IMO

This new therapist is amazing. They sing together, play tons of games, she goes with the flow of what he wants to do. He cries when she leaves! It's a world of difference!

ETA - Do a search on my name - I just asked this same question about a month or two ago - and I was amazed at what the therapists do with the kids bc Jack's did nothing even close

Message edited 10/22/2009 10:58:50 PM.

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

my ds LOVED his speech therapist. I wish he did cpse, I'd insist that he continue on with him but he only does ei. matter of fact, just yesterday, ds came home from school and was asking for him. I thought that was so cute, especially since he hasn't seen him since the last week in August. fm for his info (he was AMAZING)

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

I love our therapist and so does Noah.

She is very interactive with him...I do tend to leave the room as he is more engaged with her when Im not there....

But if he didnt seem at least a little excited, I would change. It sounds lkike you might just be wasting time kwim? Might as well find the right fit and I bet there is one out there....After 6 months he should enjoy the sessions, they are suppossed to be fun for the kids.

Re: If you child gets Speech..what does the therapist do?

josh loves his. only speaks to her if i have a present on the counter for when session is over, but he gets along well with her.

he graduated already, but i feel bad for her and she begged to stick around till his 3rd b-day...so now they just play go fish and with his cars.