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Back-to-School and Beyond – Why Pediatric Speech Therapy Matters Outside the Classroom

The School Services Reality

Many families are told their child does not qualify for school-based speech therapy—even when they clearly need support. Schools may only provide services if there’s an academic impact, leaving many kids without help.

Why Therapy Outside of School is Crucial

  • Communication Impacts More Than School: Friendships, confidence, daily routines, and safety all depend on communication.
  • More Flexibility: Private therapy allows for individualized goals not limited by the school’s criteria.
  • Family Involvement: Parents can be part of sessions, learning strategies to use at home.

What Families Can Do

If denied at school, don’t stop advocating—but also know that outside therapy can fill the gap. It ensures your child continues to grow in communication, feeding, and social skills, even beyond academics.

Takeaway: Speech therapy is not just about school—it’s about life. Every child deserves a voice that can be heard in every setting.

Alena Kumta OTR/L

Alena Kumta MS, OTR/L is joyfully invested in supporting individuals & families in transforming —development, meaningful participation, confidence and connection —through play, child/individual-led interests, connection/shared joy, and seeing/embracing/supporting individual strengths & differences.

Alena has held a wide range of roles as an OT including mental health, early childhood intensive mental health, school-based, nature-based, early intervention, home health, inpatient, and outpatient/clinic based care. Alena has her masters in Occupational Therapy from Stockton University and a BFA in Fine Arts from School of Visual Arts NYC. 

Alena has advanced training in; DIR Floortime (proficient provider), emotional regulation, trauma informed care & ACEs, social emotional learning, sensory integration, feeding therapy, pediatric pelvic health, nature based therapy, and continues to learn and grow her skills. 

When she’s not enjoying her work as an OT- Alena  is spending time with her dog-Violet, being in nature, playing in the garden, foraging, making art, getting movement, helping at Ceto Coffee Roasters, and learning new things!

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