A co- treatment model of service delivery can be highly beneficial in the treatment of children with severe sensory processing disorders and communication challenges.  At Pediatric Therapy Partners, co-treatment programs may be implemented when:

-Traditional, individualized therapy treatment is deemed insufficient to enable the child to make reasonable progress towards developing functional communication, socialization, play, motor, and self-help skills.

-The presence of co-existing conditions impedes a child’s ability to maintain optimal arousal and regulated states which make him available for functional engagement in therapeutic activities.

Co-treatment is very effective for children with apraxia. It allows therapists to focus in on their area of expertise, Often in traditional individual treatment sessions, the speech pathologist notes that the child’s sensorimotor needs are hindering their progress in speech/language therapy while the occupational therapist observes that the child’s language or speech needs are negatively impacting their progress towards OT objectives. Ideally, by combining the two approaches, both therapists typically see faster and more significant progress in the same amount of time. That being said, individual progress varies based on each child’s specific strengths, weaknesses, as well as cognitive, environmental and other variables. When the co-treated child is ready, based on observation, parent report and clinical opinion, speech and occupational therapies separate and return to two separate sessions, as needed and appropriate.

At Pediatric Therapy Partners, we strive to provide each child with most appropriate, current, evidence-based treatment practices which support a positive, life-improving outcome for the individual and the family. Licensed, experienced therapists are qualified to make treatment decisions, including service delivery model considerations, that best support and benefit the child’s development. Co-treatment service delivery can be the most effective option when working with children with complex co-existing conditions.