I have taken my son now to Advanced Pediatric Therapies in Sparks, NV for almost 2.5 years, and the change in him is undeniably remarkable! This place is, undeniably, THE BEST!!!
He has attended Speech Therapy for the entire time, Occupational Therapy for part of the time (for behavior issues that he was having--partly from the frustration of not being able to communicate his needs and wants, and partly from being diagnosed with ADHD). He also attends Vision Therapy for pediatric behavioral optometrist-diagnosed vision weaknesses, which contribute to his dyslexia, amongst other issues.
First off, about Advanced Pediatric Therapies: this facility is the best of the best! I drive twice weekly from Carson to Sparks, and would do it daily if need be, because they are that good! Their front desk staff are so lovely, and Coleen, in particular, will always take the time to answer any billing question that you may have. I have NEVER seen a single person at the entire facility ever have anything but a warm, genuine smile on their face!
This facility is AMAZING! Occupational therapy, Vision Therapy, probably most of Physical Therapy and Adaptive Therapy take place in the converted warehouse, which you have to see to believe! It's full of giant structures, on which different kinds of special swings, ropes, bars, inner tubes, etc can be hung. There are areas for slides, sensory bins, white boards, large open areas for riding all sorts of scooters, for skipping, hopping and climbing around different, fun, colorful obstacles! There are marbles, bean bags, trains, cars, and so much more! And everything is used in such creative ways. It's a candyland!
Speech Therapy (and probably some other kinds that I don't know about), take place in large, modern offices, many of which have floor to ceiling windows looking out on to greenery. They are full of games which are incorporated in to the session.
The therapists: I (my son) has worked with 2 INCREDIBLE therapists during his years at APT, and I could not possibly recommend either of them more HIGHLY!!!
Megan M. (Speech Therapist): Megan is soft-spoken, but assertive with the child, and knows well how to engage the child in to talking through play during the first sessions. She is wonderful at picking up on when the child needs to be pushed, versus when the child may be getting frustrated and needs a play break. Her personality is warm, kind, empathetic, and that she truly cares about helping your child. She knows her job well, and is excellent and truly skilled at it! (We had school speech therapists before this, and he got nowhere, but he has made miraculous strides with Megan!).
Kelsie (Occupational Therapist/ Vision Therapist): My son runs and jumps into Kelsie's arms every time he sees her-- lol! He adores her, because she has the ability to make everything fun, even Vision Therapy. It takes place in the converted warehouse, and she will set up "exercises" like having him swing on his stomach, Superman-style, in a net, while he has to use depth perception to grab a bean bag from her hand (as he swings by), and then throw the beanbag at a target in front of him. Another game is for him to wear an eye patch, while holding a plastic cup, and she rolls marbles on the ground at him, that he has to trap in the cup. This obviously exercises one eye much harder, as depth perception is taken away by wearing the eye patch. Kelsie is kind, bubbly, caring, and extremely creative!
APT takes insurance, but they also sometimes have some deals if they don't take your insurance. (You'd have to ask.) They are absolutely worth ever penny! Early intervention is key, and this is where you are going to get the best care, hands down! You may have to go on a waiting list to get in, but do it! You won't be sorry!!! read more