Children Services
(250+ children served annually)
- The Home-Based Early Intervention Program offers weekly in-home sessions with developmental interventionists and occupational, physical, and speech therapists as needed. Families are involved so that activities may be repeated with the child on their own time.
- The Sensory Integration Program offers specialized, unique stimulation services to children with a variety of disabilities. For children dealing with "sensory defensiveness", therapists work to help them respond and explore their environment more effectively .
- Intensive Arena Evaluations, in conjunction with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital for Developmental Pediatrics, offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations from our professional team - a developmental pediatrician, a developmental educator, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Findings are discussed immediately with caregiver(s) and a written report details next steps for the family in providing the best treatment for the child.
- Bridging the Gap Summer Program provides basic preschool readiness and continuation of therapy for children who will enter school in the fall. To learn more about this program, contact Christina Barth at 849.344.9322 or email to cbarth@newperceptions.org.
- Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic Treatment Program (EPSDT) - eligible, medically fragile children from birth to 21 years old receive in-home therapy above what is available through the school. Child must have Kentucky Medicaid card to be eligible.
Parent Information and Tips
by Misty Haas, Parent and Associate Board member, New Perceptions
“As a parent of a child with developmental delays I can tell you that the first couple of years were very hard. I often felt overwhelmed and didn’t understand what was in store for my son and my family. I know that you are likely feeling the same way and wanted to help you by sharing what I’ve learned. Here are a few tips and website links to help you along the way
For Parents of Children 0-3
If you have any concerns about the development of your child you DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT for a doctor’s referral. Every child in Kentucky from the ages of 0-3 years with developmental delays is eligible for early intervention services through First Steps (http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/firststeps.htm). Early intervention has been proven to help maximize your child’s potential and should begin as soon as possible!
As a parent you can call them directly at 800-442-0087. Your call will be returned and you will go through a phone survey to determine where your child is with their developmental milestones. If the phone survey indicates that your child may have delays you will receive a home visit from a Point of Entry person. For a list of developmental milestones visit this PBS site. www.pbs.org/wholechild/abc/index.html
First Steps Contact Information
Serving Northern Kentucky counties: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton
2014 Eastern Avenue
Covington, KY 41014
Main Line: 859-655-1195 – press Option #1
Toll-Free: 888-300-8866
Fax: 859-655-1194
Manager, Mary Garamy, RN
Your child will then receive a complete evaluation of his or her developmental level at your home and may also receive an Intensive Arena Evaluation with Dr. Susan Wiley from Children’s Hospital here at New Perceptions, Inc. At this time, based on the individual diagnosis, your child may be assigned a case manager, and then also as needed, a Physical Therapist (someone who helps them coordinate and strengthen large muscle groups: walking, running, riding a bike, throwing a ball), an Occupational Therapist (someone who helps your child learn to use small muscle movement: writing, scissors, they also help your child with sensory integration issues see below for a description of this term), a Speech Therapist (someone who helps your child learn to speak and develop early language skills), or a Developmental Interventionist (this is a person certified as a preschool teacher who helps the child learn good cognitive and interaction skills, which will lead to better school readiness and classroom success.) The therapy session time and days are determined based on the need of your child. Therapy sessions are done in your home to help you learn the techniques and are available at multiple times of day. The cost for these services is very low; it depends on a sliding scale based on your income level. Your Point of Entry person will be able to tell you what your family responsibility will be.
All Children with Developmental Delay
All children with developmental delays are not the same. For some children there is a clear diagnosis. But for others a diagnosis or a cause for their delays is unclear. Many websites are available for individual disorders such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome, but many children do not fall within these categories. One thing that seems to be common with children diagnosed with developmental delay is that they tend to have Sensory Processing Disorder.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Children can either be oversensitive to things or undersensitive. For example, children who are oversensitive tend to seem high strung, they may not like the way their clothes feel, sounds or lights may be irritating, they may have problems eating certain types of foods. Whereas, children who are undersensitive crave deep pressure, like to constantly be moving or jumping, may hurt themselves and not sense it immediately. Below are a couple of guides for understanding and dealing with the issues of Sensory Processing Disorder. Of course, your Occupational Therapist specializes in this and is your best resource.
The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz (most libraries in NKY have copies of this book. Written by an occupational therapist it explains what sensory processing disorder is and what the treatment recommendations are.)
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Kranowitz. (most libraries in NKY have copies of this book. It has great ideas that are age appropriate on how to give your child the input that they crave.)
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com (Pro-parent site) provides general information on sensory processing disorder.
www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/firststeps (Kentucky First Steps link)
www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/ (A comprehensive, family friendly website/link)
www.cdl.unc.edu/familyResources.aspx (TEACCH site)
www.dramakinetics.org , this is an organization in Cincinnati that provides programs for kids with processing disorders. Their mission is to maximize each person’s developmental potential through performing arts.
Autism
www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/k/pervasive-disorders The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital provides diagnostic, treatment and support services for children with autism.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whattodo/index.php Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a treatment often used to help children with autism.
www.autismspeaks.org Online parent support, education, and research opportunities
www.autism.org
Cerebral Palsy
Program: Conductive Learning Center in Covington, KY. http://www.clcgc.org Conductive education is an intensive, multi-disciplinary approach to education, training and development for individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor challenges.
http://gait.aidi.udel.edu/gaitlab/cpGuide.html For information on Cerebral Palsy
www.1800wheelchair.com/news/post/cerebral-palsy-information.aspx (A great overview of cerebral palsy - including causes, different types, equipment, and therapy.
www.leapbeyondtherapy.com A pediatric physical therapy center that offers intensive physical therapy to children ages 3-18. They also have classes such as yoga, karate and group exercise. They serve multiple diagnosis but mainly cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. They are the only Tristate dealer of adaptive bikes for children who have special needs.
Deaf Culture Resource
www.deaflinx.com
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
www.apraxia-kids.org This is a national group that sponsors research, parent training, and yearly conferences to give parents access to many of the master clinicians in the field. Their website also links to online family support groups.
www.apraxiaeducation.org St. Rita’s School for the Deaf has a program specifically designed to work with children who have been diagnosed with Apraxia. Whether or not your child is attending St. Rita’s they have a parent support group that you can attend.
www.aslpro.com (sign language site: click on “ASL for Babies”)
Places to Purchase Therapy Materials
www.abilitations.com
www.lakeshore.com
www.discountschoolsupply.com
The School Years: How to Advocate for your Child
Although New Perceptions, Inc. does not provide services for school age children we believe it is important to let parents know what to expect during that time. The information being shared here is coming from parents who have been through it and want to help you be the best advocate for your child. Your child’s education is greatly affected by the way you advocate for them. So take some time to make yourself familiar with the terms you will encounter.
IEP Individual Education Plan – http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html#closer
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – http://idea.ed.gov/
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) – http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/
Wright’s Law – http://www.wrightslaw.com Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
KDE.STATE.KY.US
Download copies of: “What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know and Do”
Download copies of: “Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards”
Parent Advocacy Training
Advocacy Institute: www.advocacyinstitute.org
Parent training as well as parent support: www.kyspin.com
“I hope this information is helpful. While searching for information if you find other resources that are not listed, that parents may find helpful, please email them to me at the address below!”
Misty Haas, Parent and Board Member at New Perceptions, Inc.
misty_d_haas@yahoo.com