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.

May 21, 2024

Evidence-Based Strategies for Maximizing Your Child’s Speech & Language Potential

Speech Language Therapy for Children in Chicago

As parents, nurturing our children’s growth is crucial, and a significant part of that is fostering their speech and language skills. Communication is key for their social interactions, learning, and emotional expression.

However, supporting your child’s speech and language development doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are straightforward, evidence-based strategies you can incorporate into your daily routines to enhance your child’s linguistic abilities.

In this article, we will highlight six speech-boosting strategies to incorporate into your child’s daily routine:

Talk, Talk, Talk: Engage in frequent conversations with your child, even from infancy. Narrate your activities, describe objects, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to express themselves.
Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose age-appropriate books and read aloud to your child. Point to pictures, ask them to identify objects, and discuss the story together. Reading not only enhances language skills but also fosters a love for learning.
Expand and Repeat: When your child says a word or a short phrase, expand on it. For example, if they say, “ball,” you can respond with, “Yes, that’s a big red ball!” Repetition helps reinforce vocabulary and sentence structure.
Imitate and Model: Children learn by imitating. Repeat their words and sentences correctly to provide a good language model. Use clear, simple language and articulate your words.
Create Opportunities for Communication: Encourage your child to communicate by providing them with choices and opportunities to make decisions. Whether it’s choosing what to eat for breakfast or which toy to play with, empower them to express their preferences.
Play-Based Learning: Incorporate play into speech and language activities. Play is a natural way for children to learn and explore language concepts. Use toys, games, and pretend play to target specific speech and language goals.

While these strategies can significantly support your child’s speech and language development, it’s essential to remember that every child is unique and may require individualized support. If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, consulting with a certified speech therapist can provide valuable guidance and assistance.

At Lumiere Children’s Therapy Clinic, our certified speech therapists specialize in using play-based, naturalistic strategies to teach children and create positive therapeutic relationships. We believe that learning should be fun and that children learn best when they’re engaged and enjoying themselves. By letting kids be kids while encouraging communication and independence, we pave the way for greater social opportunities and lifelong success.

Ready to give your child’s communication skills a boost in a way that’s both enjoyable and impactful? Feel free to connect with us at Lumiere Children’s Therapy Clinic. Contact us at (312) 242-1665 or visit our contact page and start a chat for immediate assistance.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Let’s team up to unlock your child’s full potential, helping them excel not just in speech and language, but in all aspects of their growth and development.

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.