Practical Information:
Do I need a referral to get started?
No. You do not need a referral, diagnosis, or paperwork to schedule a free 15-minute inquiry or to reach out to Liv Beyond Words.
If your child is pursuing AAC device funding, additional documentation may be required by the funding source. Liv Beyond Words will guide you through what is needed as part of the AAC evaluation and funding process.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes.
Telehealth services are available to families throughout New Hampshire. Telehealth can be a great option for families who prefer the convenience of receiving support from home or who live outside the in-home service area.
Where do you provide in-person services?
In-person services are provided in your home or in a community setting, depending on your child’s needs and the goals of the session.
In-home services are available within an approximate 25-minute travel radius. An additional fee may apply for locations outside the standard service area.
Do you accept insurance?
Liv Beyond Words is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly for services. Families may choose to contact their insurance company to ask whether their plan offers out-of-network reimbursement.
AAC device funding is separate from payment for Liv beyond Words’ clinical services. When appropriate, Liv Beyond Words can assist families with the documentation and funding process for an AAC device through available funding sources.
Services:
How often will my child receive therapy?
Services are individualized based on your child’s needs, goals, and your family’s priorities. Ongoing support is typically offered weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The frequency of services may change over time as your child’s needs change.
What does episodic care mean?
Liv Beyond Words provides episodic care, meaning services are provided with a specific purpose and adjusted as your child’s needs change.
Some families may benefit from a few focused consultations, while others may receive ongoing support for serval months. As families build confidence and strategies become part of everyday life, services may decrease, transition to periodic check-ins, or come to an end.
The goal isn’t to keep your child in therapy indefinitely. The goal is to give your family the tools and confidence to support communication beyond the therapy session.
Does a caregiver need to be present during therapy?
Yes. A parent or caregiver must be present and consenting throughout ongoing therapy sessions.
Caregiver involvement may look different depending on your child’s needs. You may participate throughout the entire session, or Olivia may work directly with your child while coaching you along the way.
The goal is for caregivers to understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how to carry it into everyday life.
Does my child need to be present for a consulation?
No. Consultations are designed around your family’s needs. Sometimes the most helpful approach is to talk through your concerns, routines, and what’s happening at home. Other times, working directly with your child may help us understand their communication and trial strategies.
We’ll determine together what makes the most sense for the consultation.
Can we start with a consultation instead of an evaluation?
Yes, when clinically appropraite.
A consultation can be a helpful starting point when a family has a specific concern or wants support troubleshooting communication. However, a current evaluation is required before beginning ongoing speech and language treatment or AAC funding.
AAC:
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes ant form of communication used to supplement or replace spoken language, including gestures, signs, communication boards, picture systems, and speech-generating devices.
AAC can be a part of a child’s communication system alongside speech and other forms of communication.
Do you help families get an AAC device funded?
Yes.
AAC evaluation and funding support are a major are of focus at Liv Beyond Words.
The AAC evaluation includes the clinical documentation needed to support the funding process. Depending on the funding source, additional medical documentation or a physician perscription may be required. Liv Beyond Words will help guide you through this process.
Neuro-affirming care and communication:
What does neuro-affirming care mean at Liv Beyond Words?
Neuro-affirming care means meeting your child where they are, building connection, and supporting communication without asking them to change who they are to fit someone else’s expectations.
We focus on helping children communicate their wants, needs, preferences, ideas, protests, and shared joy – not on compliance or making communication look a certain way.
What does functional communication mean?
Functional communication is the ability to communicate somethings that matters to you.
This can include communicating:
- wants and needs
- preferences
- protests and refusals
- ideas and thoughts
- feelings
- requests for help
- comments
- questions
- social connection
- shared joy
The form of communication is individualized to the child.
