Need Advice - Linthicum Heights,MD

You did not say what was the diagnosis which requires the therapy, so my answer will be general.

If your children are in school, and this is a disability that is covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and if the therapy is deemed to be necessary for their education, the school system MAY provide it. They may provide using their staff, they will not reimburse you for your private therapist unless they have refused to provide the service or if what they provide is not effective.

You also did not say if they were already identified with the schools and already have an Individual Education Program (IEP) or an ADA Section 504 Plan.

To learn about your rights under these acts, and to get some good practical advice on having your children evaluated and getting the process started, this is the best web site on the net:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/

If you have more questions, please feel free to message me.

You need to go through the Infants & Toddlers program in your county. You should be able to find it through the Health Dept. After age 3 the school system picks it up.

What age are your children? If they are 3 and under, the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program can assess them and provide services for free. Then I think that program merges into another program for school aged children. I don't have the phone numbers handy, but the infants & toddlers number is in the phone book. They also have a website with phone numbers. If your kids are older, I'm sure they could direct you in who to contact.

Good luck! I wish I could be more helpful.

Have you tried your local Social Services? How old are your children - if they are in public school - talk to the school nurse, counselor, principal. You did not say what state you are in - but try looking up state childrens services on your computer. Do you know other parents who have been through this - if so - ask them for ideas. Your pediatrician should have some ideas too. Good Luck!