In Florida, up to the age of three years old, a developmentally delayed child can qualify (pending evaluation) to receive free private occupational therapy services through the Early Steps program (which can also provide speech therapy), through the Children's Home Society of Florida. At the age of three, the responsibility for the child's therapy transfers to the public school system.
The parent of a child who has been receiving services through Early Steps will be guided by Early Steps through the process of transferring services to the school system and creating an IEP. That parent will have the option of enrolling their 3-year-old in full-time pre-K in the public school system, where the child will also receive services as specified by the IEP. Or the parent can opt to take the child to the school for therapy only.
If a child is denied OT services in the school system, or a parent feels additional help is needed, a pediatrian or the health department can help identify a private clinic in the area. Some health insurance providers cover the cost of private occupational therapy, with a referral from a pediatrician or neurologist. A medical diagnosis of the specific developmental delay may be required; getting that diagnosis could require a battery of tests including, but not limited to, MRIs, blood and urine analysis and genetic testing. Even with a medical diagnosis many parents are still required to cover therapy expenses out of pocket.
One of the most important steps a parent can take is to thoroughly study and understand their health insurance coverage. Read the coverage guide, call and speak to a customer service representative, and if you don't get the answers you need, call again and speak to someone else at the same company. As discouraging as it is, health insurance coverage can be so complicated that sometimes even the people paid to answer questions don't understand it.
Locally, pediatric occupational therapy services are offered at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Pediatric Rehab Unit, as well as Progressive Pediatrics.
A family unable to afford OT services or unable to find a therapist in their area can apply to the Florida Elks program and potentially qualify to receive free occupational or physical therapy in the home for up to six months. The child must be a resident of Florida and younger than 18 years old. The application is available online.
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