Anyone Familiar with the UTD Callier Center?

I am an audiologist and I completed my Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) training at Callier. Callier's reputation is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone!

My now 6 year old went through the PLDP program (preschool language development program) at UTD Richardson. She was diagnosed with speech delay when she was around 18 months. We did ECI (early childhood intervention) through the state (http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/index.shtml) until she was 3. Then she went to a PPCD program through the Lewisville school district (public preschool for children with disabilities). During the ECI and PPCD time, she always also had private speech therapy. Honestly, Callier was by far the best decision we could have made. I wish I had known about the SMILE program when she was younger. The staff is excellent, knowledgable and the progress my daughter made while attending Callier was truly amazing. The director of the program is OUTSTANDING! The graduate students were very good with the kids and the individual attention each child recieved was so great. It seemed every parent I came into contact with while there was equally impressed with the PLDP program. My daughter is currently in Kindergarten in Plano ISD and receives speech therapy. At one time I was concerned she would not qualify for mainstream kindergarten due to her speech delay, I really to think that she is doing so well now because of the PLDP program at Callier. It is an expensive program, but in my opinion, worth every penny. Some insurance companies will reimburse for speech services, so you may want to check with yours. Obviously, I highly recommend Callier. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me!
Ashley

Hi L.,

I taught special ed (mostly working with students with autism) before staying home with my boys and even though I haven't had any personal experience with Callier, I know some families whose kids went. I'm sure they have great programs, but if it were me and I were looking for something for one of my own kids, I would rather go through the school district programs (ECI) if they qualified, or just put them in a regular preschool program where they could observe/emulate peers. I'm certainly no expert in speech therapy for preschoolers - so I don't really know what is the 'average' for 2 year olds, therefore, this is really just my two cents.

Good luck in your search!
C.

I have heard great things about Callier..you can't go wrong there. My son is speech delayed (now 3 1/2 years)..we had Callier do a complete hearing exam on him and they were great.

He is now in speech at Shelton's Language clinic. That is a great place too!! Shelton is just closer to our house...but I would go to Callier too.

I am not too famliar with UTD for speech but know if a resource that will come to your home and help you with strategies in your son's natural environment. The evaluation is done in your home and is free. If your son qualifies for services they will work with any of the caregivers to help him in his daily activities. You can call 800-628-5115 to find the ECI program in your area. Keep us informed of the progress.
J.

Is 60 words for a 27 month old considered not normal?

Hi L.,

Your child is fortunate that you are not taking the "wait and see" attitude. If you are not sure what a child is typically doing at certain ages, I invite you to visit the S.T.A.R. Music (Speech Therapy And Recreational Music) web site, www.startherapyprograms, and go to the milestones page.

I am a speech-language pathologist. As you can see from the web site (if you should choose to visit it), I have a parent child program. It allows parents to have fun with their children as we target each child's individual speech needs in a small group setting. I have had a few clients who were enrolled in Callier's program, and mine. If my memory serves me correctly, I do not believe that SMile is a parent-child program. If that is the type of program you seek, you might want to look into that program.

If I could be of any help, please let me know ###-###-####, ____@____.com). Again, congratulations on being so proactive for your child. As research continually demonstrates, your son could only benefit by early intervention services.

Best Regards,
S.

I wish I had more specifics for you -- but I do live near UTD and have heard about their excellent reputation in working with children. Anyone else have more insight? It is great you are persuing this now while he is little -- it WILL pay off by the time he gets to school.

I would highly recommend the Callier Center as my sister is currently a grad student there!

L., Whatever you do DO NOT go through your school district or ECI!!! Please Believe me! I have a child with Autism who is 6 years old. We have done it all and Callier is the best place in town. The SMILE program is awesome with wonderful speech paths. We were in the Preverbal Program and the Early Class there. They are top notch and know what they are doing. We have been on this journey since my son was 2. So I can tell you a lot about many therapists and school districts. PLEASE GO TO CALLIER. You will waste your time if you wrangle with your school district and ECI. You WILL NOT get the quality of help if you choose that route. It is SO IMPORTANT to start now and with someone like Callier. If you got into the SMILE program, run with it!!! If you would like to email me off line my email is ____@____.com
Take care, L.