What therapy services does Lumiere Children's Therapy provide?

Lumiere Children's Therapy offers comprehensive pediatric services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), social work, early intervention, autism testing, teletherapy, and a therapeutic preschool. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to create personalized treatment plans that support every child's unique developmental journey.

At what age can my child begin therapy?

We serve children from birth through 18 years of age. Early intervention can help address developmental delays before they become more significant, while older children benefit from therapy that supports communication, learning, motor development, emotional regulation, and independence throughout childhood and adolescence.

How do you determine the right therapy plan for my child?

Every child begins with a comprehensive evaluation completed by a licensed therapist. We assess developmental skills, discuss your concerns and goals, and use standardized assessments when appropriate. Based on the results, our team creates a personalized treatment plan that evolves as your child grows and reaches new milestones.

Can my child receive more than one therapy service at the same location?

Yes. Because Lumiere Children's Therapy offers multiple pediatric therapy services under one roof, children can receive coordinated care from speech, occupational, physical, behavioral, and social work professionals. This collaborative approach improves communication among therapists and creates a more consistent experience for families.

Does Lumiere Children's Therapy accept insurance?

We work with many major insurance providers and help families understand their available benefits before therapy begins. Our experienced administrative team assists with insurance verification, claim submissions, billing questions, and payment options, making the process as simple and transparent as possible for parents and caregivers.

What should we expect during our first therapy appointment?

Your first visit focuses on understanding your child's strengths, developmental needs, and family goals. A licensed therapist will complete an evaluation, answer your questions, and explain recommended services. You'll leave with a clear understanding of the next steps and a personalized treatment plan designed for your child.

Why do families choose Lumiere Children's Therapy?

Families choose Lumiere Children's Therapy because we provide individualized care through a collaborative team of experienced pediatric specialists. From evaluations and insurance guidance to ongoing therapy and family education, we're committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that helps children build lifelong skills and confidence.

How can I schedule an evaluation at Lumiere Children's Therapy?

Scheduling an evaluation is quick and straightforward. Simply call our office, send us an email, or complete the contact form on our website. Our friendly team will guide you through every step, including insurance verification, appointment scheduling, and preparing for your child's first visit so you can get started with confidence.

July 3, 2017

Child Therapy: Benefits of Swimming

Emran Kassim

Happy 4th of July from Lumiere Children’s Therapy! Let’s celebrate a relaxing weekend filled with friends, family, barbeque, fireworks, and swimming! With the 4th of July and summer in mind, this week we are discussing the benefits of swimming and everything you need to know to get your child in the pool!

What are the benefits of swimming?

Strength Training: Swimming works every muscle group, so it is a great exercise to build and develop muscles. Swimming specifically targets leg, core, back, and arm muscles, which are all extremely important for gross motor development
Low impact sport: Unlike soccer, basketball, or football, swimming is a low impact and no-contact sport. Swimming increases flexibility in order to improve balance and posture. Swimming decreases the chances of many sport-induced injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries
Cardiovascular benefits: Swimming promotes good heart and lung health at an early age
Coordination: Swimming requires great coordination in order to successfully synchronizing arm and leg movements while keeping a steady breathing pattern
Water safety is extremely important for children to learn. Swimming, lessons will help prepare your child for any dangers that may occur in the water
Mental and emotional benefits. Due to the natural buoyancy of the water, swimming may improve mental and emotional health. Swimming is much more relaxing than other types of exercise

When should my child start swimming?

6-18 months: American Red Cross recommends taking a baby swim class together with your child starting as early as 6 months old. The class will teach parents/caregivers ways to safety handle your child in water. Between the ages of 6-18 months, children should slowly begin to explore water. Once they are comfortable and with the assistance of a parent/caregiver, they can begin basic kicking and pulling movements, blowing bubbles, and floating
18 months- 3 years old: Continue to practice basic arm motions and kicking. Continue to take swim classes together until at least 3 years old. Stay in arm’s reach of your child at all times, but allow them to practice jumping into the water and submerging their head
3 years – 5 years: Between the ages 3-5 years old, children begin to fully learn how to swim by using their arms and legs to propel forward. Formal swimming lessons may be appropriate for your child around this age. Be sure to select a class with no more than six children per instructor
5 years and up: Time to piece it all together! Children will begin to implement the rhythm of swimming involving leg and arm movements coordinated with breathing. They may learn to jump or dive into the pool. Your child will slowly become a proficient swimmer, but be sure to have an active eye on him/her at all times.

Be sure a lifeguard is present before your child enters the water. If swimming is challenging for your child, contact Lumiere Children’s therapy for more information from our occupational and physical therapists. Enjoy some much needed sun and fun!

Resources:

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Hopkins, Melissa. “What Are the Benefits of Swimming for Kids?” LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 29 June 2017.

Lewis, Lisa. “Baby Swimming Lessons.” Parenting. N.p., 30 June 2015. Web. 29 June 2017.

“Top 5 Benefits of Knowing How to Swim (for Kids).” Goldfish Swim School. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 June 2017

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT

Looking for expert pediatric therapy services? Our team specializes in helping children reach their full potential through compassionate, personalized care.

Book an Appointment → Call (312) 242-1665

Vasilikitsa “Kitsa” Antonopoulos

Vasilikitsa “Kitsa” Antonopoulos, MA, CCC-SLP/L is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience supporting children and families. After earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Louis University, she gained deep clinical expertise working across pediatric hospitals, early intervention programs, and autism therapy settings.

In 2010, Kitsa founded Lumiere Children’s Therapy to create a holistic, collaborative space where children could receive personalized, multidisciplinary care. Her vision continues to guide Lumiere’s dedicated team of therapists, offering speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy and more, to help every child reach their fullest potential.