FAQs: Pediatric Speech-Language
Pathology Services
Q. What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A. A speech-language pathologist is an individual who
has received a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and holds
a New York State License and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech-Language
pathologists are trained to diagnose (evaluate) and treat individuals
who have communication disorders.
Q. How do I get speech-language pathology services
for my child at Rusk Institute?
A. There are a variety of ways for your child to receive
an evaluation and/or treatment (if warranted), including the following:
a) Private Insurance or Medicaid: Please call (212) 263-6027.
You will be asked for the information necessary to begin the registration
process. You will need to get a prescription from your physician for
a "Speech evaluation and treatment," which you will need to
fax along with a copy of your insurance card, front and back, to (212)
263-2835 (attention Sandra). You will then be contact by the Pediatric
Speech-Language Department to set up an evaluation to determine if services
are necessary.
b) Early Intervention (EI) or The Committee on Preschool Special Education
(CPSE): To obtain an evaluation through either of these venues you will
need to contact the Director of The Department of Preschool and Infant
Development, at (212) 263-6045.
c) Board of Education: You may be eligible to receive treatment at Rusk
through the Board of Education, as our facility is a designated Related
Services Site. You will need to contact your designated district to
obtain a related services agreement, before contacting the Pediatric
Speech-Pathology Program at (212) 263-6026.
d) Private Pay: If the above options are not available, you may elect
to pay for the evaluation and treatment sessions yourself. In that case
please call the Pediatric Speech-Language Department directly at (212)
263-6026.
It is highly recommended that your child receive a complete audiological
(hearing) evaluation before scheduling a speech and language evaluation.
Q. My child is not talking yet. What should I
do?
A. There are a many factors that may affect your child?s
speech and language development. Some examples may be prematurity, biological
factors/complications, impaired cognition, and/or general developmental
delays in language development. If you are concerned about your child'?s
language skills you should first discuss this with your pediatrician.
After speaking with the physician you may want to call the pediatric
speech language department to discuss whether a comprehensive evaluation
is warranted.
Q. Do you provide augmentative communication evaluations?
A. We do not provide a comprehensive augmentative evaluation
at this time. We are able to recommend facilities in our area that can
complete the assessment. We do, however, provide a variety of treatment
techniques that use alternative or augmentative communication strategies.
Q. What happens after a speech and language evaluation?
A. The speech-language pathologist who performed the
evaluation will discuss the results with you. Speech therapy may be
recommended and/or suggestions may be offered to help teach or guide
you in managing your child?s needs. Your child may not need treatment
or may require referral to another medical discipline or another facility.
Suggestions for changing or improving the school setting may also be
provided if appropriate.
More information about the Rusk Speech-Language Pathology Program
