Definition of Natural Environment Limiting

Abstract

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderInbox1 May 2009Definition of Natural Environment Limiting Toby Stephan Toby Stephan Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.IN2.14062009.4 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In I would like to respond to the article “Navigating the Early Intervention System” in the March 24 issue. I am referring, in particular, to the sidebar on p. 24 that summarized one provider's experience in providing early language intervention. I certainly agree with the frustration this provider experiences due to fragmentation of service delivery models. However, I was disappointed with the description on the negative impact of providing services in the natural environment. Having to see kids in either their home or preschool rather than in the clinic (which cuts in half the number of kids that can be seen per day) was listed as the primary negative factor. To me, the true downfall of the current system for providing early intervention lies in the misinterpretation of what a natural environment really is. Many believe that “natural environment” simply means providing intervention in the child's natural environment. Rather, it means empowering those within the environment or assuring that the natural environment is structured so that the child's needs are being met. Currently, many clinicians are reimbursed only if they provide hands-on services to the child. Interventions that are designed to empower those caring for the children most are often referred to as parent education rather than as true intervention and, as such, are either not reimbursable or reimbursable at a lesser rate. The current service delivery model does not allow clinicians to provide what is often considered to be best practice. Author Notes Toby Stephan, Columbus, Georgia Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Additional Resources FiguresSourcesRelatedDetails Volume 14Issue 6May 2009 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library History Published in print: May 1, 2009 Metrics Downloaded 78 times Topicsasha-topicsleader_do_tagleader-topicsasha-article-typesCopyright & Permissions© 2009 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLoading ...