ITP Services

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Speech-Language Evaluation & Treatment (ST)

Our agency will evaluate, design an individualized Plan of Care (POC) based on evaluation results, and treat communication disorders in individuals 0-21 years of age. We have experience working with individuals with autism, mental retardation, hearing impairment, cleft palate, apraxia, dysarthria, and various genetic syndromes. Communication disorders we are able to diagnose and treat include articulation/phonological deficits, language impairment, stuttering, and voice disturbances. Not sure if your child may need speech therapy? Check out this table for typical speech developmental milestones:

A baby’s first words are music to a parent’s ears. But how can you tell if your child’s speech and language development are on track?

While every child learns to speak at his or her own pace, general milestones can serve as a guide to normal speech and language development — and help doctors and other health professionals determine when a child might need extra help.

Talk to your child’s doctor if your child hasn’t mastered most of the speech and language development milestones for his or her age or you’re concerned about any aspect of your child’s development. Speech delays occur for many reasons, including hearing loss. Depending on the circumstances, your child’s doctor might refer your child to a hearing specialist (audiologist) or a speech and language specialist.  In the meantime, encourage your child’s speech and language development. Read to your child. Talk to your child. Sing songs together. Teach your child signs or gestures for common items or phrases. Ask your child questions, and acknowledge your child’s responses — even if he or she is hard to understand.

Cited from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-development/AN01026

Developmental Therapy (DT)

Developmental Therapy (DT) is a title used interchangeable with Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) and Special Instruction, depending on the arena in which it is used.  On the most basic level, it is developmental intervention uniquely designed to enhance cognitive, physical, behavioral, self-help, social-emotional, and language skills. Developmental Therapists view the child in a GLOBAL way.  This rehabilitative therapy for infants and toddlers is “play with a purpose.” Developmental Therapy is one service available to support children and families from birth to age three who have been determined eligible by the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) for the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program. Visit the North Carolina Early Intervention website www.ncei.org for more information on the CDSA in your area and the NC Infant Toddler program.  DTs will work with you and your child to offer activities and helpful information tailored to the individual needs of each child and family.  Direct, play-based intervention and parent/caregiver education are provided through hands-on learning activities that are fun and focused. Children and families will develop together in a variety of natural settings including: at home, in a childcare facility, at church, at grandma’s house, at the playground, etc.   Basically any natural settings and within a partnership that respects individual family needs, beliefs, cultures, and values.

Use this checklist as one way to see whether your child is meeting developmental milestones during the first year. If you have questions or concerns about how your child sees, hears, moves, communicates, learns, plays or interacts with others, talk with your primary care physician or contact your local CDSA. Success in your child’s growth and development can benefit from EARLY action. The Earlier You Know, The Better They’ll Grow!