In my article “My Child Needs Speech Therapy?! 4 important things to know“, I discussed the basics of speech therapy, including how to identify signs that your child may need treatment and what steps to take if they do.
Besides these points, one common concern families have is the cost of speech therapy. Unfortunately, there can be a long wait time for therapy services due to high demand. Furthermore, if rehabilitation therapy is not covered by health insurance, the cost can be quite high.
If you live in the United States and have a child who requires speech therapy and is under the age of three, you should consider looking into the Early Intervention program. This program provides excellent speech therapy services for infants and toddlers, and in most states it is free or offered at a reduced cost based on the family’s income.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
在什么？我的孩子需要言语治疗？ 这篇文章中，我分享了言语治疗的基本内容、如何自查儿童语言沟通的发育里程碑、当发现孩子需要治疗的时候应该怎么做这几个要点。接下来，更多家长更关心的是在哪里接受言语治疗，以及治疗费用。
因为目前言语治疗师供不应求，很多时候儿童从发现需要康复治疗到终于等到言语治疗评估、开展治疗，需要很长一段时间。如果医疗保险不包含康复治疗，费用更是不菲。除了尽早联系医生开展评估以外，我有一个好消息：如果您居住在美国，并且孩子未满3岁，请不要错过美国政府提供的高质量言语治疗机会，而且，这个服务在大部分州是完全免费的。
1. What is Early Intervention｜美国早期干预项目
This excellent speech therapy opportunity pertains to the Early Intervention program (EI). Children have the option of receiving speech therapy either at home or at their school/daycare. The EI program offers not only speech therapy but also physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and any other services a child may require. All early intervention specialists are licensed professionals who are well-trained and typically have at least 2 years of work experience. The EI services are exclusively for children aged 0 to 3 and are available in every state and territory in America.
To find contact information for EI services in various states, families can simply click on the links provided on the CDC website. It’s important to note that some states may have a different name for their EI program.
可以看到每一个州都有这项服务，在CDC官网上可点击各州查看联系方式
Chinese Version 中文版本:
该言语治疗机会指的是美国政府的早期儿童干预服务计划，又被翻译成“早期疗育“或”早期介入项目”。
早期干预项目不仅仅只是言语治疗。它包括孩子所需要的任何关于语言发育、大动作、精细动作发育等各个与儿童发育行为有关的服务。提供服务的专业人员根据儿童的需求可以是物理治疗师、作业治疗师、言语治疗师、发育治疗师等。这项服务遍布美国各州，旨在服务0-3岁儿童，服务地点为儿童家中或学校。
2. Why Recommending the EI Program?｜早期干预项目的优势
There are four reasons why I recommend families explore the Early Intervention services:
为什么推荐早期干预项目呢？根据我的经验，有以下4点原因：
1) Early action = Better Outcome｜越早治疗，预后越好
One of the main benefits of early action is achieving better outcomes. During the first three years of life, a child’s brain develops rapidly, resulting in daily acquisition of new skills. However, some children may face developmental delays and encounter new challenges. Early intervention specialists are available to provide assistance to children in need, helping them with critical areas such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and communication skills.
For instance, let’s consider early intervention speech therapy. Crying is a natural mode of communication for infants to convey their needs. However, if a child is unable to express themselves through means other than crying, they may resort to undesirable habits, such as throwing tantrums, crying excessively or screaming. Seeking guidance from trained professionals can assist children in overcoming these challenges, avoiding the development of negative habits that result from physical limitations.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
0到3岁的孩子每天都在接触新鲜事物，正处于大脑发育的关键时期。当孩子因为种种原因出现发育迟缓的时候，如果有正确的辅助方法，更能够帮助儿童在每日成长中学会新的技能，如：翻身、抓握、沟通等。以言语治疗为例，沟通是孩子表达意愿的关键方式，当孩子不知道该如何表达自己的需求时，哭泣是代替语言的第一方法。在儿童还没有养成因为沟通问题导致的不良习惯前，治疗师和家长用正确方法引导儿童，往往能够帮助孩子克服困难，适应生活的各方面需求。
2) Natural environment｜在自然环境中学习
In my article “My Child Needs Speech Therapy?! 4 important things to know“, I highlighted that children tend to learn best in their natural environment. They can practice new skills during everyday activities such as playing with toys, eating, brushing teeth, and interacting with family and friends. Early Intervention (EI) specialists typically design treatment plans based on the child’s needs and daily routine.
For example, if a 2-year-old is a picky eater who is not gaining weight and requires feeding therapy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) may visit the child during mealtime for treatment. Children usually learn a skill faster with better carryover throughout different settings.
言语治疗师可以在儿童就餐时直接针对儿童的喂养问题进行治疗
Chinese Version 中文版本:
在我的什么？我的孩子需要言语治疗？ 这篇文章中，我反复提到在自然环境中进行康复治疗的重要性。俗话说：“小孩子一天变一个样”，处在发育期的儿童每天都会学到新的技能，而大部分技能是在生活中反复重复练习后掌握的。早期干预计划的治疗师们一般会通过孩子每天的日常习惯来计划治疗方案。例如，2岁的孩子出现严重挑食等问题，出现体重下降和营养不良。治疗师能够在孩子用餐时间来到儿童家中，观察孩子的饮食问题，并进行介入治疗。结合正确的治疗方法，在日常活动中反复练习，孩子掌握得更快更好。
3) Convenient for Parents｜方便家长
Caregivers do not have to bring their children to a clinic or a rehabilitation center for therapy. The therapists will come to you. EI programs guarantee that lack of transportation won’t prevent eligible children from receiving necessary services.
言语治疗师在儿童最熟悉的家庭环境，利用孩子最喜欢的书籍、玩具来提供治疗
Chinese Version 中文版本:
治疗师在开始康复治疗前会和家长商量最适合儿童的治疗环境。大部分3岁以下儿童的最佳治疗环境是在家里，而有些孩子每天大部分时间是在幼儿园或托儿所，所以治疗师也会安排在孩子的学校提供治疗，或根据针对的治疗项目不同，两者结合，如：一周在幼儿园练习和老师同学互动，一周在家里练习挑食问题。家长不需要送孩子去诊所，治疗师的上门服务方便很多家庭，真是确保孩子不因为任何外界问题而失去治疗机会。
4) Low or No Cost｜费用优势
In most states, families can receive EI services at no cost. Some states may charge a reduced rate based on the family’s income or the child’s health insurance coverage.
绝大多数的早期疗育项目是免费的，有部分州根据家庭收入收取低廉的费用，确保儿童不因为家庭因素支付不起治疗费用。
3. How To Apply｜如何申请
For specific requirements, it is recommended to research the regulations in your state. Here are the general rules:
以下方法针对大多数州，有小部分州的要求可能不同，建议到所在州的网站查看具体要求。我总结了以下几点：
1) You Do Not Have To Be a U.S. Citizen｜不需要是美国公民
Anyone with a legal residence in America can apply for Early Intervention (EI) services. The child does not need to be a U.S. citizen.
家长或孩子不需要是美国公民，只要合法居住在美国，就可以申请评估。
2) Family Contact EI Directly｜家长直接联系当地早期干预项目
A medical referral is not required. So contact EI right away when you suspect your child needs therapy!
Even if you are unsure, rest assured that the child will only be eligible for services after a service coordinator evaluates them and determines that further testing is necessary. The service coordinator will then schedule other professionals, such as a speech pathologist, to provide a specific evaluation for the child’s needs.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
为了鼓励各位家长及时行动，申请早期干预项目是不需要医生转诊的。如果家长觉得自己的孩子存在发育问题，就可以直接联系当地的早期儿童干预服务项目申请评估。届时就有专人联系家长并且上门对孩子进行初步筛查。初步筛查确定孩子符合干预项目的条件后，则会有对应的专业人士，如：言语治疗师或者物理治疗师等，上门进行更详细的检测，最后确定是否治疗以及治疗方案。
3) Pediatrician Referral｜由儿科医生转诊
In some cases, a pediatrician may refer a child under three years of age to EI. However, this process may take longer than if a parent contacts EI programs directly.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
有些情况下家长并不确定孩子是否需要治疗，所以在和儿科医生沟通后，或者是儿科医生在每年儿童体检时发现问题后，由儿科医生转诊到早期干预治疗项目。值得注意的是，这一方法根据不同因素可能会导致等待排期更长，所以建议家长还是直接联系干预项目，阐明儿童的问题后就会有人上门进行检测。
4. Advice From a Experienced SLP｜专业人员的小贴士
Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous families who missed the opportunity to start therapy for their children before they turned three years old. To prevent this from happening, I have three tips for families before they schedule an appointment, which I refer to as the “APP” acronym:
Act Early: Don’t wait to seek help if you suspect your child has a speech or language delay. The earlier intervention starts, the better the outcome.
Prepare Ahead: Before your appointment, gather any relevant information about your child’s development, medical history, and current concerns. This will help the therapist assess your child’s needs more accurately.
Participate: Be an active participant in your child’s therapy. Attend sessions, ask questions, and practice what you learn at home to support your child’s progress.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
在我的工作中，我接触到很多因为不了解这一项目导致孩子错失最佳干预时机的家庭。也有不少家庭虽然知道这个服务，但是因为不确定孩子是否需要治疗而犹豫再三，最后也没能让孩子尽早接受治疗。这里是我的三点建议：
1) Act Early｜立刻采取行动，越早申请越好
As previously mentioned, there may be a lengthy wait for a child to receive treatment. Some parents have reported that their children didn’t start EI services until they were almost 3 years old. To avoid this, it’s important to act promptly if you notice signs that your child needs intervention. The EI specialists will assess eligibility, and it’s important to check the cost before treatment begins.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
不论家长是否确定孩子需不需要康复治疗，当家长觉得孩子的发育有问题的时候，就可以打电话或发邮件联系当地的早期干预项目。专业人士会结合家长报告、儿童表现，来决定孩子是否符合治疗要求。
很多家长告诉我，美国早期儿童干预服务项目的排期很长，甚至有的孩子终于轮到他了，但是孩子已经快3岁，也就是说免费的服务即将到期。所以建议越早申请越好。在申请的同时问清服务费用，确定项目是免费的还是根据家庭收入决定。
2) Prepare Ahead｜来访前家长提前准备
It’s a good idea for parents to jot down their questions and concerns prior to the evaluation, especially if they speak a language other than English. It’s also helpful to plan ahead when deciding where their child will receive therapy, in order to expedite the scheduling process.
Personally, I recommend providing speech therapy services in the child’s home, if feasible, for two reasons: 1. Children tend to retain skills better in their natural environment, and 2. Parents can learn speech therapy techniques directly from the therapist during sessions and use those techniques in everyday interactions with their child.
Chinese Version 中文版本:
好不容易等到孩子的评估了，在专业人士来访前，我建议家长将所有的问题写下来，免得到时候现场忘了具体内容，尤其在家长英文不太好的情况下，可以提前准备好，方便自己也方便工作人员。
同时，父母之间提前商量好服务地点。家长可以选择孩子是在家里或是在学校接受上门的服务。
如果条件允许，我通常推荐家长让有经验的治疗师来家里进行治疗，因为孩子不仅是在最自然的生活环境中学习语言沟通，而且家长可以现场看到治疗师是如何帮助孩子沟通的。家长学会了方法，也可以将方法运用到每一天当中，孩子进步更加明显。
3) Participate｜参与制定治疗计划
It’s important to note that parents know their children best and spend the most time with them. That’s why working together with experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is crucial for the best outcomes. I encourage parents to actively participate in treatment planning and each session. During evaluations, raise concerns and share the most urgent challenges you want to address.
言语治疗师可以教家长如何在游戏中练习孩子还未掌握的发音等
Chinese Version 中文版本:
在我接触的非英文母语的家庭中，我发现不少家长也许因为文化差异或风俗习惯不同，在治疗师制定治疗计划时只“点头说是”，而没有自己的想法。其实，有经验的治疗师为了达到最佳的治疗效果，一般会和孩子的爸爸妈妈一起商量和设计最适合家庭情况的康复计划。例如，如果家长最头疼的是孩子在学校的行为问题，那就可以在制定计划的时候提出来，让治疗师决定是否把“行为问题”放在需要解决的第一位。
当然，整个评估过程和治疗计划制定过程还是要由治疗师来安排，因为作为专业人士他们更有经验。但这并不表示家长不能参与其中。家长最了解自己的孩子，专业的治疗师结合家长的信息，可以为孩子制定最适合的治疗方案。
5. Final Thoughts｜结语
I hope this article sheds some light on the valuable Early Intervention (EI) services. If you think your friends could benefit from the EI program, would you mind sharing this article with them? I believe that with the help of professionals early on, each child will acquire the skills they need to reach their full potential. How is your EI experience? Leave me a comment to let me know!
希望通过这篇文章，有更多的家庭能够了解到这一资源。也希望您能够将本文分享给您的朋友，让他们也知道这个项目，把握住机会，尽早发现迹象，及早开始治疗，帮助孩子更健康茁壮成长。针对早期干预项目您有什么问题或者体会吗？欢迎留言交流！
If you find my post helpful, I’d like to invite you to subscribe to my site or share it with your friends. Also, you could support me financially at JoannaGaoSLP . Your donation helps me focus on producing beneficial content for everyone. Thank you so much! 写稿不易，写双语文章更需要大量时间反复雕琢。如果您喜欢我的文章，欢迎您订阅本站或将文章分享给您的朋友，让更多人了解本站。也欢迎您在JoannaGaoSLP 成为赞助伙伴，鼓励我持续创作优秀的的免费资源，谢谢您！
Joanna is a certified bilingual speech-language pathologist. She has been working with children and their families on various speech, language, and feeding issues. She is passionate about empowering parents and helping them bond with their children. She is a mother, author, and guest lecturer. Her story can be found here.
