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.

September 14, 2015

Child Therapy: Why does my child W-Sit?

W-sitting is when a child sits on the floor with their feet to the side of their hips, while keeping the knees together. Looking at the child from above, the legs create a W shape. W-sitting can be detrimental to a child’s physical health and developmental growth. Therefore, W-sitting might require child therapy.

Why do children W-sit?

When a child sits in the W position, the legs are not crossed over the midline of the body as they do when seated with the legs crisscrossed.Many children with sensory processing disorder have difficulty crossing midline (the imaginary line down the middle of your body creating a right and left side) so they might resort to W-sitting. Also, W-sitting requires less muscular strength and makes it easier for the child to balance while playing. For children with low muscle tone, W-sitting makes it more comfortable to play on the floor because it allows the child to avoid using a lot of energy on maintaining balance.

Low Muscle Tone Definition

Low muscle tone is caused by elongated muscles. This causes problems for the muscle fibers to attach and produce a pull on the muscle. Therefore, physical activities can be straining on a person with low muscle tone. It takes more energy to trigger the contraction of the muscle, and therefore people with low muscle tone become tired easily and can develop poor posture. They are at higher risk for injuries, poor persistence with gross motor task, and lack of body awareness.

Should I be concerned?

If a child is W-sitting for short periods of time or when switching to a new position, then W-sitting is not a concern. If a child prefers to sit in a W shape all the time, it is a cause for concern. Stability in the trunk and hips may decrease if a child is persistently sitting in this manner. It causes children to have more shallow hip sockets, which can cause severe problems in the future. It also creates tightness in the hamstrings, hip adductors, internal rotators, and the Achilles tendons. W-sitting adds an excessive amount of pressure to the hips, knees, and feet, which can lead to orthopedic issues later in life.

Child Therapy Options

When your child sits in the W- position, encourage him or her to sit cross-legged, long sit (legs straight in front), side sit (legs bent to one side), or sit in a chair instead. If you notice your child W sitting frequently a consultation with an occupational therapist would be advised. Occupational therapists help children develop strength and endurance through structured, fun activities. Once a child builds more strength and balance, they will have an easier time adjusting to different positions.

If you have additional questions relating to W sitting, balance and strength you may contact us at Step by Step Care Group for more information.

References:

Kid Sense Developing a Bright Future. Kid Sense Child Development Corporation, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015.
Melissa. “W-Sitting: Fix or Forget?” Childrens Therapy Center PSC. Children’s Therapy Center, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015.
Stephanie. “Why My Child Does W Sitting.” Mama & Baby Love. N.p., 21 Oct. 2014. Web. 22 July 2015.

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

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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.

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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.