Occupational, Speech and Movement Therapies

More likely than not, the first suggestion for occupational, speech or movement therapy, will come from a teacher who is trained to be mindful of any sort of learning distress. In many schools, a teacher specializing in occupational therapies is available for one or two hours a week to work one on one with pupils. In some schools, additional phys-ed classes are offered to impart more skills and confidence to those children who have varying degrees of gross motor difficulties. For more extensive treatment, private therapists are available throughout the country.

Depending on what the therapist charges and which health fund you subscribe to, from 50 to 90 percent of the cost of the therapy should be covered. It is not unlikely to find up to or more than a fifth of any kindergarten or first grade class receiving occupational, speech or movement therapies. Awareness is high, cost is relatively low, and most teachers and parents would rather err on the side of offering more than less help to their children.

For information on services for children with learning difficulties and dyslexia, click here .
For information on services for children with disabilities and special needs, click here .

Last updated: Jan. 2006