Do I need a referral to receive OT services?

Private pay clients do not require a physician referral or prescription; however, we do encourage our clients to consult with their primary care physician. If you are planning to receive OT services through your insurance provider or Medicaid, you will require a physician referral.

Does Helping Hands For Kids accept insurance?

Please contact us to discuss any specific questions regarding services covered by insurance.

Does my child need an OT evaluation?

There are many different circumstances that lead parents, physicians and teachers to seek an OT evaluation. Most commonly parents notice their child develop behavior problems, difficulty tolerating or responding to sensory information or a developmental delay that affects everyday tasks. School teachers may notice poor handwriting, pragmatic and reading skills that are coupled with emotional/behavioral outbursts. If you are concerned about your child's development of motor skills, responses to stimuli, or social skills, please contact us to discuss how OT will benefit your child.

How often will my child receive OT services?

Every child requires an individual plan of care. The frequency and duration of therapy is determined after a comprehensive OT evaluation and parent consultation. Generally, treatment sessions are scheduled in 60 minute blocks.

When does Helping Hands For Kids provide therapy?

Generally, our treatment schedule is Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact us to discuss your specific therapy schedule.

What is sensory integration?

Sensory integration is the process of producing an accurate picture of our surroundings through the collaboration of our senses (touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound and the pull of gravity). It is an important function of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to move and function in our environment. The organization of our senses develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. The adaptive behavior that is result of this organization is called motor planning. For most of us, effective sensory integration occurs automatically, unconsciously, and without effort. However, for some of us, the process is inefficient and inaccurate, requiring increased effort and greater consciousness with no guarantee of accuracy.

What are signs of Sensory Processing Disorder?

• Overly sensitive or under reactive to touch, movement, sights or sounds• Easily distracted• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness• Impulsive, lacking self-control• Inability to unwind or calm self• Poor self concept• Delays in academic achievement• Delays is self-care tasks • Takes a long time to learn a new task/skill• Not keeping up with peers• Presents as a behavior problem at school• Has trouble with handwriting• Demonstrates unpredictable behavior in social situations, especially new or highly stimulating ones• Acts restless/fussy when held • Displays short attention span• Seems overly dependent on routine or schedules and/or easily upset with minor changes • Angers easily or frequently accused of fighting, acting out or "bullying" others • Appears overly colicky or fussy• Exhibits "picky" eating behavior