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.

October 3, 2016

Child Therapy: Therapy Dogs

Growing up with a family pet encourages companionship and responsibility. In a new study from the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, it was found that children with autism may benefit from interactions with a pet. Children with autism that had a childhood dog growing up showed greater social skills compared to those without one. There are three types of dogs that are proven to help children with autism: companion, service, and therapy. Although social behaviors can be enhanced by dog interactions, dogs may not be appropriate for all families. Learn more about each type to decide whether or not a dog would be beneficial to your child and family

Companion Dog:

A companion dog is a well-trained family dog with no official training certification. Dogs can be a calming influence for children by providing unconditional, nonjudgmental love. Golden retrievers, labs, and labradoodles are recommended breeds because of their calming temperament and high intelligence. If your child is easily agitated or has noise sensitivity, be sure not to get a dog that is super hyperactive or a constant barker. Companion dogs will help children learn the importance of taking care of something. It will teach him or her how to put the dog’s feelings before their own. Companion dogs will provide opportunities to learn responsibility through feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them. They will also encourage children to be more active by walking or playing catch. Companion dogs can encourage children to become more social in front of others. They create a good conversation icebreaker when approached by someone new.

Service Dogs:

Service dogs have received extensive training and an official certification in assisting persons with disabilities. One positive of service dogs is that they are allowed in all public places because of the Americans with Disability Act. For a child with autism, the service dog can help keep them calm in stressful situations such as doctor or dentist appointments, school activities, and/or high intensity travel locations, such as the airport. Each dog is paired with a child and is trained based on their needs. In some instances, the dog is trained to detect when a child is resorting to self-harming behaviors by gently interrupting. The dog may lean against the child or put their head in the child’s lap if the child is becoming anxious. For more information on applying for a service dog, click here.

Therapy dogs:

Therapy dogs typically work in professional settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. They are the in between of companion and service dogs. They are professionally trained to provide affection and comfort during therapeutic situations. The difference between therapy dogs and service dogs is that therapy dogs are not federally mandated to access public places. Therapy dogs are usually trained with special skills, and usually are very peaceful and affectionate. For more information on therapy dogs, click here.

One size does not fit all. A service, companion, or therapy dog may be extremely beneficial for some children, but may aggravate others. Educate yourself on the different choices and know what is best for your family. However, it is hard to resist a furry friend!

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Resources:

“Autism and Pets: More Evidence of Social Benefits.” Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks Inc., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2016.

“Is a Service Dog Right for Your Child?” ASDA. N.p., 06 Feb. 2015. Web. 04 Sept. 2016.

“Service Dog or Therapy Dog: Which Is Best for a Child with Autism?” Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks Inc., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2016.

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.