Frequently Asked Questions
Can the treatment be carried out for one to two hours per day after school?
No. Clinical research evidence has shown the most effective and expedient treatment programs require a fresh mind and intensity of treatment—after school treatment does not yield optimal results because the child is tired after a day at school. Studies have shown these programs require carefully designed, daily, reiterative therapy.
What about the impact of an extended absence from school?
Children are typically enrolled in “home-school” during our intensive treatment program. Parents routinely report their children are more confident and capable upon return to school, because of the success they experienced in the program as well as confidence in their improved skills. Upon completion of the program, the child is smoothly phased back into the school setting. Our academic staff act as liaisons with the teachers. Follow-up academic support through our transition unit is an essential component of the treatment, until the child independently uses their newly acquired skills.
What does "Transdisciplinary Treatment" mean?
Transdisciplinary treatment refers to the blending or integration of treatments which are typically given separately. For example, a speech/language pathologist is trained to treat language difficulties, an occupational therapist is trained to work on the integration of sensory and motor systems involved with fine motor control and attention/arousal systems, and a psychologist is trained to help develop appropriate coping mechanisms and behavioral control.
If each professional works independently, the approach is multidisciplinary. When these professionals work together to achieve common goals, treatment is more effective. For example, language reinforcement is practiced in occupational therapy and psychological sessions, and sensory processing techniques are reinforced in the language sessions. Under these conditions, the treatment strategies are blended or integrated into a “transdisciplinary approach.” This approach means the client’s brain is receiving consistent information on a frequent basis – an essential step in the process of achieving results in a relatively short period of time.
Do all services need to be completed or can they be applied individually?
The nature and complexity of learning challenges means that what works for one may not work for another. Each service can be offered individually or cohesively. The Morris Center tailors services to address the needs of each student.
What Learning Differences, Difficulties or Challenges does The Morris Center provide treatments for?
The transdisciplinary team at The Morris Center treats all neurodevelopmental disorders including high functioning Autism, Down Syndrome, genetically-based learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.
We further treat learning differences such as slow reading, problems with reading comprehension, difficulty spelling, incorrect speech patterns, difficulty expressing themselves, difficulty retaining information, Sensory Processing Disorder, language difficulties, AD/HD, Neuro-Developmental Disorder, struggles with handwriting, self-regulation, and self-esteem Issues.
The Morris Center aims to help students complete homework so parents do not have to spend hours helping with homework. The Morris Center also helps kids do better on standardized testing. Our transdisciplinary treatment helps children succeed in their goals so that they can be whatever they want to be when they are adults, without being held back by learning difficulties.
What age of child, grade of student or adult does The Morris Center support?
Most of our students are between the ages of 5 and 22 years old, from kindergarten to college. The Morris Center supports adults of any age.
Does the Morris Center offer a drug free solution?
We do not prescribe medication, however we understand that medication could be a solution in some cases. We can address different sensory needs, learning difficulties, etc., that might be the cause of undesirable behaviors. If our approach is less effective than desired, we might make a referral to a psychiatrist to further discuss medication.
Is Dyslexia Classified as a Learning Difficulty?
Yes, Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that is neurobiological. Those with Dyslexia have trouble with fluent and accurate word recognition and tend to struggle with spelling and word decoding.
What is Considered a SLD or Specific Learning Disability?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a Specific Learning Disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder “characterized by a persistent impairment in at least one of the three major areas: reading, written expression, and/or math.”
How Does The Morris Center work with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
The Florida Health Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, provides this information on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Their IEP or 504 plan does not affect our onboarding process. It might affect the offboarding process as our team might need to collaborate with the school/parents to provide our recommendations for their IEP/504.
How Does a 504 Plan Affect The Morris Center's Services?
You can find information on 504 Plans and IEPs at improvingliteracy.org.
What conditions qualify? ADHD, autism, and physical disabilities
Can The Morris Center Diagnose Autism, ADHD or Dyslexia?
Typically a psychologist would diagnose dyslexia. The Morris Center offers assessments. A pediatrician may also make a diagnosis, but many do not because they do not have an understanding of it. Schools cannot diagnose dyslexia.
Does The Morris Center Offer a School?
The Morris Center Academy options are available in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Ocala FL. The academy has mixed grades and is considered an alternative school/homeschool/learning center. It is a small group format, 1:5 instructor to student ratio. The daily routine is closer to a typical school day compared to our other services but provides specialized small group tutoring sessions. We also utilize the skills learned from NOW! Programs® in the rest of the subject matter.
The Morris Center Academy is for ages 6-12 yrs old or grades Kindergarten through sixth grade. Our focus is on reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, and memory. We can also address comorbidities such as ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorders by offering special pullouts with our occupational therapists at an extra cost.
Does The Morris Center Accept Insurance?
We do not accept insurance. We can provide an itemized bill after services are rendered that families can send to their insurance and attempt to get reimbursement.
Does The Morris Center Offer Telehealth?
Why is ongoing support needed?
It is easy to fall back on old habits and old strategies when time is short. We all do it. In order to avoid this pitfall, our academic liaison coordinates with the school to help the teacher know what accommodations would be helpful. Calling upon new skills takes effort and time and the student will need more support initially. This support is provided in the schoolwork and by our academic liaison, either during the school day or after school.
Typically, students require nine to ten weeks of support from our Transition Unit Staff, taking two to four hours per week. This support will help students to implement their new skills and approaches to their regular schoolwork. A monthly “check-up” (for an hour after school) is recommended for six months to ensure optimal progress and avoid pitfalls.
What is the transition period?
The period of transition is when acquired skills generalize and become an integral part of everyday academics. When intensive therapy is complete, the child will have the skills necessary for academic success. The skills are there, but they are not yet automatically applied in novel situations. The application of the skills are not yet a HABIT. To make the application of these skills automatic, the child must continue to practice them daily in school work – the more practice, the more solid and efficient the skills become.