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.

November 2, 2015

Child Therapy: Breastfeeding Benefits

Babies can be perceived as engaging in minimal activity in the first few months of life. Surprisingly, babies are working extremely hard to receive the nutrients they need. Based on recent studies in child therapy, breastfeeding helps to strengthen the child’s jaw, tongue, and facial muscles.

Strength-training.

Breastfeeding naturally strengthens the baby’s tongue muscles, which helps the tongue move independently from the lips and the jaw. As the tongue pulls back to receive milk, the tongue forces the mother’s nipple to the roof of the mouth. Through this motion, the cartilage on the roof of the mouth is formed before it hardens. Dentists have found that the development of a hard palate decreases the chance of restricted airways, overcrowded mouth, and issues with alignment of teeth.

Forming words.

The action of forming words and sounds comes primarily from the mouth. Sounds such as /m/, /b/, and /p/ are formed using the lips. Other sounds such as /n/, /k/, and /ng/ require more independent movement especially from the tongue. The stronger the tongue, the easier it is for a child to produce proper pronunciation of sounds at an early age.

Research has shown benefits for both the health of the mom and the baby related to breastfeeding. Current child therapy research suggests that breastfeeding has a crucial role in the development of speech. If your child is having difficulty feeding, is not babbling or is using limited sounds, they may require additional intervention and treatment. Review your concerns with your pediatrician to see if a feeding evaluation is needed. For more information on what feeding therapy consists of and what an assessment entails please contact Step by Step Care Group.

References:

Johnson, Melinda. “Breastfeeding Builds a Better Jaw and Other Benefits for Babies.” US News. U.S.News & World Report, 29 Aug. 2014. Web. 12 June 2015.
Sanders, Beth. “Breast-Feeding & Speech Development: What You Need to Know.” Weblog post. Mom.me. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2015.

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.

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