Parent Training and Coaching
Frequently Asked Questions:
What problems can Dawn help you solve?
I do not feel connected to my child.
My child does not turn and smile at me when I call their name.
My child does not play with me, his siblings, or peers.
My child does not share.
My child has frequent meltdowns when I take him out in the community.
My child does not like having his/her hair washed.
My child is not yet potty trained.
My child will only eat certain foods.
My child does not know how to chew or drink from a regular cup.
My child seems clumsy or uncoordinated.
My child does not follow simple directions like “put on your shoes” or “go get your coat”.
What is included in Dawn’s OT assessment?
Assessments focus on identifying whether or not a child has developmental challenges that are affecting his/her ability to participate in everyday activities. Areas of difficulty and strengths are identified. Assessments are completed over 1-3, one hour sessions and include parent interview, therapist observation and handling, and standardized testing as needed. Frequently video taping is also used. Upon completion of the evaluation, the results are shared with the parents/care-givers and recommendations are made regarding whether or not intervention is warranted. A typed report outlining the results is provided to the Parent/Care-giver and Primary Care Physician within approximately two weeks.
What do treatment sessions look like?
Sessions are primarily in the home or clinic, but can also take place in appropriate community settings. Therapy generally lasts 60 minutes with varied frequency (twice a week, weekly, monthly, etc.) based on the needs of the child and family. The initial few minutes of the session are spent reviewing the child’s progress since his/her last session, brainstorming specific challenges in regards to previous home programming, and discussing new concerns. Treatment continues with individually designed activities to promote development of specific skills targeted in the treatment plan. My philosophy is that you, as parents, are the experts on your child and consequently are the most powerful interventionists. Therefore modeling, parent coaching, and home programming are key ingredients used to maximize the benefit of therapy.
During the first treatment session, therapy goals are developed in conversation with the family. These goals should clearly describe the developmental changes anticipated with the child’s participation in occupational therapy and will be used to measure progress. In order for a child to continue to have on-going occupational therapy, the following requirements must be met: child must show measurable progress toward goals, parents must participate in therapy and demonstrate a commitment to following through with home programming, and a consistent method of payment for services must be available.
DIRFloortime, a fun, playful, and child lead approach is one of the most frequently used frameworks to guide treatment. Other approaches include sensory integration and the SOS Approach to Feeding.
What is DIRFloortime?
DIRFloortime is an approach aimed at addressing challenges in social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation. This model focuses on teaching parents how to support their child in building relationships and learning to engage, interact, and communicate with others. Children build the foundations for connecting with others through early experiences, beginning with interactions with their parents. Therefore this approach focuses initially on the parent-child dyad. Through this relationship, parents are also taught how to support their child’s development and encourage building relationships with others including: siblings, other special adults, and peers.
Many children can benefit from this approach including those with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, speech and language deficits, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and developmental delays, etc.
More information is available at the following websites:
What is Sensory Processing?
WHAT IS THE SOS APPROACH TO FEEDING?
How do I get started WITH OT?
Discuss your developmental concerns with your child’s primary care provider. If the PCP agrees with your concern, ask she/he to write a referral for occupational therapy evaluation and treatment and fax it to South Sound Pediatric OT at 253-292-6739. Fill out the Developmental Questionnaire and the appropriate Insurance Verification Form provided below and e-mail or fax it to South Sound Pediatric OT at dawnheino@southsoundpedot.com or 253-292-6739.
How do I pay for therapy services?
OT can be billed to your insurance company or you can pay privately. Currently, South Sound Pediatric OT has contracts with Cigna, First Choice, Premera, Regence, and Tricare. Some other insurances including Aetna can be billed as a non-preferred provider. I am unable to bill state insurances but can provide a Superbill.
You can also pay for services privately at a rate of $120/hour or $130/hour if you want a superbill to send into your insurance for reimbursement.