FAQs

My child is not talking as much as he should be. What are some activities I can do to promote language development?

Socializing your child is a great way to promote language development. There are many great ways to socialize your child in the community. Some examples include: dance lessons, camp, daycare, story hour, playing at playground, mother’s morning out, etc. Check out Lowcountry Therapy’s Pinterest Page for more tips and ideas.

I talked to a professional regarding my child’s speech and language development. They do not recommend therapy but I still have concerns.

You as a parent know your child the best. If you continue to have concerns, we provide free speech and language screenings. The speech-language pathologist will make the referral to your doctor if necessary.

My child does not qualify for speech and language services at school. Can I still receive private therapy?

Academic and medical therapy models differ. Although speech-language services may not be provided in the school, they can still be targeted within the clinic. Lowcountry Therapy’s model focuses on how the child function communicatively in all environments and thus therapy may be recommended.

How long will my child need therapy?

The developmental milestones for children are constantly changing. Each child is different in their abilities which makes it difficult to predict how long a child will need therapy.

How many minutes should my child be able to attend to one activity?

According to research, a child should be able to attend to preferred objects in minutes approximately the same amount of years for their age (1 year= 1 minute).

What exactly is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps children to develop the underlying skills necessary for learning and performing specific tasks, but it also addresses social and behavioral skills. It can help with the child’s self-concept and confidence. Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the basic sensory awareness and motor skills needed for motor development, learning and healthy behavior. These include the following:
body awareness (proprioceptive sense)
coordination of movements between the two sides of the body (“crossing the midline”)
fine motor control and organization
motor planning
motor movements and coordination
gross motor coordination
ocular motor skills
visual perceptual skills
self-regulation
sensory modulation (reaction to stimulus)
Occupational therapists not only work directly with the child, but also with the family, parents, caregivers and teachers in order to educate and reinforce specific skills and behaviors which will be used to improve and facilitate the child’s performance and functioning.

How can an Occupational Therapist help my child who is having academic difficulty in school?

Occupational therapy addresses the necessary foundational skills that support academic success including visual spatial, ocular control, fine motor and environmental processing skills.

Can Occupational therapy help my child with ADD/ADHD?

Yes! Occupational therapists are specially trained to address issues with sustained attention, frustration tolerance, impulse control, prioritization, planning, working memory and organizational skills as well addressing commonly co-occurring sensory processing issues.

Can Occupational therapy help with children gaining independence in self-help skills?

Yes We help individuals with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and higher level home management and community functioning skills in order to support independence.

Can Occupational Therapists help with children who have difficulty with transitions, excessive melt downs and other mental health related concerns?

Occupational therapists work in conjunction with behavioral therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professional to address the underlying functional and sensory issues that impact your child’s ability to participate in everyday activities.

How can an Occupational Therapist help with the transition to becoming independent in the community?

Occupational therapists have training in time management , money skills and money management, as well as functional living skills to help children and adolescents achieve maximal independence in daily life.

Why is ‘W’ sitting bad?

Many times ‘W’ sitting is an indicator of core weakness. When we ‘W’ sit, our core muscles do not have to work to hold us up.

How long does a baby need tummy time?

Tummy time is not an activity, it is a position to play. Infants and babies can spend up to half their awake time on their belly playing. This is critical for development of spinal curves; gross motor; arches in the hands; and strength.

How long does my child need to wear their orthotics?

Unfortunately there is no easy answer for this. There are many different types of orthotics that are prescribed for different reasons. Typically we are looking to change a foot position or a gait pattern, so they need to be worn for several months or possibly years as they grow and change.

They get therapy in school, what is different?

School-based therapy addresses how a child functions in school only. With physical therapy, it looks at whether or not a child can access their school environment and curriculum. Outpatient therapy addresses actual impairments such as weakness; decreased range of motion; or a delay of skills.

How long will my child need therapy?

Children typically need therapy longer than adults because they are growing. What they are expected to do for their age is constantly changing, so it takes longer to get to age level.

How do I know if therapy at LTC is covered under my insurance?

When we receive your referralwe will give you a call and verify your insurance information. Your insurance company is contacted and coverage is verified. We try our best to obtain accurate information from your insurance company. Final coverage verification is made after your initial claim is submitted. It is always recommended that you contact your insurance company as well to verifybenefits.

How long will my child need therapy?

This is a discussion you will have with your child's therapist after the initial evaluation.

Can you come to my child's school or to our home for therapy?

Why yes, we can! Lowcountry Therapy Connections was launched in 2014 as an answer to issues associated with parents and caregivers being able to get their child to the clinic on a regular basis. We are contracted Baby Net providers for home and daycare services. No worries if your child is not receiving Baby Net services, we can see children of all ages in daycare, preschool and home environments. Want more information? Call our Intake Specialist at (843) 815-6999, x3 for Lowcountry Therapy Connections.

I think my child needs therapy. What do I need to do to bring them to Lowcountry Therapy?

Please discuss your concerns with your child's physician. If they agree, and you want to use your health insurance coverage, they will forward a referral for therapy. We do not need a referral from your pediatrician for private pay. We also offer free screenings, year round, for all disciplines.

What hours are available for therapy?

Lowcountry Therapy is open from 8:00 - 6:30 Monday through Thursday and 8:00 - 5:00 on Friday. We do our best to accommodate school and work schedules.

What happens if you do not have a time that works for my schedule?

Lowcountry Therapy offersan "on call" option. This option allows a family to call on Friday and check availability for day/times the following week. This is a great option for families with changing schedules or waiting for a specific day and time. We also have a "wait list" and assoon as your desired times become available your child will be given a permanentspot.

Why do I need to reschedule appointments when I cancel?

Consistency of therapy is important to build and maintain skills. Disruption of scheduled therapy will resultin regression of skills learned.Also, insurance companies review compliance when reviewing authorization requests.