We start with Evaluation...
The first hour of your child’s evaluation is intended to support therapists in developing a deeper understanding of your child and family. We will have a rich conversation to include a careful review of your child’s history, current concerns, what interventions have been tried, and what you are hoping to achieve in treatment. During this time, your therapist will collect information and determine priorities to establish a treatment plan for ongoing services.
Therapists may request to observe your child doing something they enjoy (e.g., playing, coloring, reading a book), or may request to interact with your child directly on video. However, much of this evaluation will be conducted between the therapist and caregiver(s), it is ok if your child is not in the room during these conversations.
Because the initial evaluation hour requires significant parent involvement, we have found these appointments to be delivered more effectively via telehealth. We can accommodate in-person appointments if that makes more sense for your family.
Our second visit will be at the clinic, where in-depth developmental assessment will occur based on priorities established in the initial meeting. Developmental assessment may look like structured movement activities, seated language or writing tasks, or informal observation during play. Therapists may request that caregivers’ attend these assessments. Afterwards, therapists will prepare a report documenting evaluation findings that they will share with your family.
Then begin therapy...
Therapy may look any number of ways (see pages and FAQs for Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Mental Health) and will be designed to support your child in meeting family goals established at the start of care.
Developmental FX adheres to our Therapy that fits model, meaning treatment approaches and elements used in therapeutic activities are customized to meet your child’s needs in the community in which they belong. Interpersonal neurobiology frames our work that is wholehearted, strength-based, and capacity focused. At DFX, we place a high value on caregiver involvement, and therapists may request your presence in session(s), or they may provide a summary of the session and strategies for the home environment at the end of the session. Throughout treatment, opportunities may arise for wrap-around care which may include partnering with school providers or other caregivers.
Every 3-4 months, your therapist will schedule an ‘Integration of Care’ meeting as part of a re-evaluation process. During these sessions, therapists and caregivers will revisit goals, measure progress, discuss any necessary modifications to the treatment plan, and identify any areas where wrap-around support may be needed. This meeting may happen via telehealth in place of one of your child’s therapy sessions.
Treatment will proceed in this manner until the time of discharge, at which time we will be sure you are equipped to understand and support your child. This collaborative time is a highly valued part of the parent education effort that we know is needed throughout the course of therapy to improve outcomes for your child.
DFX understands that there are many different levels of learning how to function in an autistic body. They teach the kids and their parents how to thrive in a world that is challenging for them. I truly believe that the early intervention at DFX has changed my child's trajectory.
~ M.J., parent of a DFX client
DFX's approach to pediatric therapy
At DFX, we take a holistic approach to caring for each child and involve caregivers throughout the process. Your experience here may be quite different that what you may have experienced at other therapy practices. Throughout the intervention process, our team will prioritize gaining an understanding of your child, capitalizing on their strengths to build capacity in any area that will facilitate engaged belonging in their home, school, and communities.
We will begin with an evaluation of your child to determine their unique needs and challenges. After receiving a confirmation email from the client coordinator, you will be contacted by one of our therapists so we can begin the process of getting to know your child.
At DFX, we see magic happening as children are able to access natural developmental processes once capacity expands and obstacles are diminished. We are eager to share our Therapy that fits approach and facilitate your child’s growth!