faq speech therapy, faq occupational therapy
What services does The Sensory Studio offer?
The Sensory Studio provides a range of specialized pediatric services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and peer socialization groups. Our highly trained providers work collaboratively to provide high-quality comprehensive care to support your child and assist them in achieving their goals.
How old does my child have to be to be seen at The Sensory Studio?

We specialize in treating children from infancy to young adulthood, typically ranging from 8 months to 23 years old. Our therapy programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group.

How do I know if my child needs speech or occupational therapy?

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, (such as developmental milestones being met) skill development (such as communication, social interaction, or motor skills), an initial screening with one of our clinical specialists can be helpful. They can provide valuable insight and support, help create a plan to support your child’s growth and point you in the direction that would most benefit them going forward.

How can I schedule an appointment at The Sensory Studio?

To schedule an appointment, you can either contact our office at 718-979-5678, or fill out the contact form. Our friendly front desk team will be happy to assist you.

Are your therapists qualified and licensed?
Absolutely! Our therapists are highly skilled, licensed and have extensive experience working with children in the fields of speech and occupational therapy. At The Sensory Studio, we value continued education and are dedicated to delivering up-to-date, evidence-based practice. In addition to licensure, many of our providers hold certifications in areas of specialization such as orofacial myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT therapy, retained reflexes and more. Each of our staff members are required to be CPR certified.
What types of therapy approaches do you use?

At The Sensory Studio, we use a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s individual needs. These may include play-based therapy, sensory integration techniques, speech and language exercises, social skills training and various other modalities that have proven to be effective for pediatric therapy. We are also dedicated to caregiver support and education, providing families the means to support their child at home and in school.

How long will my child need therapy?

The duration of therapy varies based on a child’s specific needs, desired goals and progress throughout their therapeutic journey. Our therapists regularly review and update the therapy plan to ensure continuous improvement and achieve the best possible outcomes for each child.

Does The Sensory Studio accept insurance?

Yes, we do accept most major health insurance plans. If you are interested in having our billing team verify your insurance plan, please email info@thesensorystudio.com with a picture of the front and back of your child’s insurance card, their full name, date of birth and your best call back number. We would be happy to contact you with the benefits.

 

For those who do not have coverage, we provide out-of-pocket rates. If you are interested in hearing more about our out-of-pocket rates, please contact our office at 718-979-5678.

Can parents be involved in the therapy process?

Absolutely! We strongly encourage parental involvement throughout the therapy process. Collaborating with parents and caregivers is essential to generalize learned skills outside the therapy setting, leading to more significant progress and success for the child. The Sensory Studio seeks to be a guide for parents and caregivers looking to support their child in school and at home.

Are there available parking lots at all 3 centers?

Our South Shore location (8 Johnson St) does have an available parking lot for studio families. We want to ensure your visit is as convenient and hassle-free as possible.

While our Mid-Island location (225 Richmond Hill Rd) and North Shore location (445 Forest Ave) do not have dedicated parking lots, there is street parking available nearby for both facilities. We understand that drop-off and pickup can be busy times, so we welcome you to pull up to our front door during those moments for added convenience.

If you have any specific questions about parking or need assistance with directions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help and look forward to welcoming you and your family to The Sensory Studio!

Can The Sensory Studio help with picky eating or feeding difficulties?

Yes, we offer specialized feeding therapy to address picky eating and feeding difficulties in children. Our therapists use a child-centered and positive approach to expand food repertoires and improve overall feeding performance.

Do you provide formal evaluations?

While we do not offer formal evaluations, we do provide comprehensive and thorough assessments designed to understand your child’s unique needs fully. Through these assessments, we gain valuable insights to tailor a personalized therapy plan that addresses your child’s specific needs effectively. By focusing on treatment rather than formal reporting, we can prioritize your child’s growth and progress, helping them reach their full potential. Rest assured that our informal assessments are just as thorough and comprehensive, with care that puts both you and your child at ease. We prioritize communication and partnership with caregivers and are always available to discuss assessment results and treatment recommendations, answering any questions you may have along the way.

Do you accept RSAs?
While we don’t directly accept RSAs, it’s important to us that we can assist families in the best way possible. At The Sensory Studio, our aim is to ensure that every child receives the care and resources they need to thrive. If you have any questions or need assistance in finding the appropriate resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 718-979-5678. We’re here to help and support you every step of the way.
Does The Sensory Studio have a cancellation policy?

We are committed to assisting your child in making significant progress towards their goals. Consistency within weekly sessions is critical to achieving meaningful, lasting results. We kindly ask that you contact our office 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This advance notice allows us to adjust schedules accordingly and offer the time slot to other families in need of services.

 

Please understand that appointments missed without notice and/or a pattern of inconsistent attendance can have an impact on your child’s progress towards achieving their goals. To ensure fairness and maximize the effectiveness of therapy, a loss of permanent slots in the therapist’s schedule may occur for those who consistently miss appointments without notice.

 

Additionally, please note that a $15 fee will be charged for each session missed without notice. This fee helps us maintain the high standard of care and supports timely access to services for all families. We genuinely appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to our cancellation policy. Your commitment to your child’s therapy journey ensures that we can continue providing exceptional care to all the families we serve.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about the cancellation policy or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-979-5678 or email info@thesensorystudio.com.

How soon can my child start services?

Once an initial screening is completed, services can begin as soon as the following day. We understand the importance of timely interventions and want to ensure that your child receives the support dedicated to helping them thrive without unnecessary delays. We look forward to being a part of your child’s journey towards progress and success!

 

If you have any questions or would like to begin the process of scheduling an initial screening, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-979-5678 or email info@thesensorystudio.com.

Which center is closest to my home?

To determine which of our centers is closest to your home, we have a user-friendly store locator available just for you. Simply type in your address and our store locator will generate the nearest center for your convenience. We understand the importance of accessibility and want to ensure that you and your child can easily access our services.

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, our friendly front desk team is always here to help. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be more than happy to guide you.

Do you offer free play?

At The Sensory Studio, we’re delighted to offer our fully equipped sensory gyms to support your child’s development and progress. Our sensory gyms serve as a dynamic and engaging space, where our skilled therapists utilize various therapeutic activities tailored to your child’s needs. While our gyms are not open to the public for free play, we do integrate fun and engaging elements within our therapy sessions and socialization groups to create a positive and rewarding experience for children. Our therapists are experts at incorporating play-based interventions, making each session enjoyable while still working towards meaningful goals.

 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how our sensory gyms enhance your child’s therapy experience, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to make your child’s therapy journey engaging, effective, and enjoyable!

Is 18 months too early for a speech evaluation?

Absolutely not! An 18-month-old is at a critical stage in their language development, and a speech therapy screening at this age can be highly beneficial. Early intervention can positively impact a child’s progress and development.

 

If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language development or would like to schedule an initial screening, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to support you and your child’s journey towards successful communication and language skills!

How long are therapy sessions, and how frequent should they be?

Each therapy session is thoughtfully designed to be 30 minutes in duration. This time frame allows for focused and engaging interactions between our skilled therapists and your child, ensuring maximum benefit from each session.

 

As for the frequency of therapy sessions, we understand that every child is unique. During the initial screening, one of our clinical specialists will recommend a frequency they believe will best support your child in achieving their goals. We prioritize a collaborative approach, involving parents and caregivers in the decision-making process. Our goal is to ensure that your child’s therapy plan fits seamlessly into your family’s schedule, making the therapy journey as smooth and convenient as possible.

 

As long as we have permission from the child’s caregivers we love to collaborate with other professionals involved in a child’s clinical care, to ensure they are supported in every environment and all of their desired goals align.

Do you collaborate with schools and other professionals involved in my child’s care?

With permission from the child’s caregivers, we’d love to work closely with schools and other professionals involved in your child’s care. By working hand-in-hand with teachers, school therapists, and other professionals, we can align our strategies and goals to create a cohesive approach that maximizes your child’s progress and success.

 

Our aim is to support your child’s needs holistically, whether it’s in the therapy setting, at school, or in any other environment. We believe that the combined efforts of all involved professionals lead to the best outcomes for your child.

 

If you are interested in collaborating with us and other professionals, please let us know and we will be more than happy to initiate and maintain a strong partnership in supporting your child’s journey. If you have any questions or would like to discuss collaboration further, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to providing a warm and supportive network for your child’s well-being and success!

What therapeutic support does The Sensory Studio offer?

At The Sensory Studio, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive therapeutic support for your child’s development. Our approach is rooted in a thorough understanding of each child’s unique needs and a commitment to actively involve caregivers in their child’s journey.  We prioritize transparent communication, ensuring you are informed of the support provided during your child’s session and empowering you with the guidance you need to carryover skills at home.  

We strive to create a genuine partnership with the families we serve. This allows us to gain valuable insight into your concerns, goals, and expectations for your child. Understanding your perspective is fundamental in tailoring our therapeutic interventions to best support your child in achieving their goals. This may include offering resources to enhance your child’s care across settings and increasing your understanding of what resources are available to your family. 

In essence, our therapeutic support extends beyond the child to encompass the entire family dynamic. The Sensory Studio is not just a place for your child to receive therapy services; it’s a supportive community where caregivers actively participate in their child’s care. We are here to partner with you in promoting the best outcomes for your child across all settings. 

 

Does The Sensory Studio follow a school calendar schedule for closures?

While our dates of closure are similar to the Department of Education, it’s important to note that they are not exactly the same. To find specific information about our closures and holiday schedule, please visit our calendar. We regularly update our calendar with any planned closures or changes to our hours of operation, ensuring you always have access to the latest information.

 

Our team is committed to providing transparent communication, and we want to ensure that you can plan your child’s therapy sessions accordingly. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact our office at 718-979-5678 or email info@thesensorystudio.com. We are here to support you!

Does my child’s schedule remain the same throughout the entire year?

We understand the importance of flexibility in meeting the needs of families. While your child’s schedule can remain consistent throughout most of the year, we do have two scheduled transition periods. The first transition occurs in July, when we move from Spring to Summer schedules and the second transition happens in September, when we transition from Summer to Fall schedules. We recognize that family schedules often change during the summer months and again when school starts up in the Fall. These transitions provide a perfect opportunity to accommodate any adjustments needed to best support your child’s progress.

 

During these scheduled transition periods, all studio families are given the opportunity to create a new schedule that works best for their family. Links are sent out to all studio families to facilitate the process of creating a new schedule during these transition periods.

 

Our front desk team is also here to assist you and answer any questions you may have about schedule changes. If you have any questions or would like assistance with schedule changes, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 718-979-5678 or email info@thesensorystudio.com.