Has anyone been to the STAR Center in Denver, Colorado?

Hi Everyone.




My 8 yr.old son has SPD and Autism. I would like to take him to the Star Center this summer for treatment. I'd like to know if any of you have been there with your child and if so what kind of results have you gotten. I know it's very expensive and very time consuming. We're in Calif. We'll be there between 4 and 6 weeks. I just don't want to get burned. Please let me know ASAP.

Blessings to all of you,
Evans Mom



Comments for Has anyone been to the STAR Center in Denver, Colorado?

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Oct 26, 2017
Rating
starstar 		Not worth the gold they charge you.
by: Anonymous

We spent enough money to buy two brand new cars in the course of a year. I wish I hadn't as he was doing better before, but their excuse was he had to unlearn bad therapies.

It may work for your child, but for mine, with the money that was spent, and negative progress, I can not recommend it. You should try it if you are desperate enough as we were, but I think you learning and spending your own time and money directly with your child may work out better.
May 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstar 		Less Impressed
by: Anonymous

Attended a booster session and was less impressed. The expense is huge for families and you could likely find local resources that are equivalent. Dr. K is less and less involved with direct service and the therapist we saw was okay, but not stellar. They suggested we consider a private DIR Floortime school for our child, which was unreasonable given the tens of thousands of dollars (up to 45K per year) and we would need to relocate to another state. Given all the training Dr. K provides across the nation, find a local SOS feeding therapist and save tons of money.
Oct 19, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Impressive Results | Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates
by: Anonymous

Over the last few months, my daughter has been receiving therapy services at Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates. We are excited to share the news of the incredible progress she is having. We tried for months to get our daughter even the most basic food, but had no success. Fortunately, our therapist at Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates has been able to turn things around for us. She is eating a larger variety of foods and really enjoys seeing her therapist weekly.

FYI - I considered going to the STAR Center, but I just could not get over the prices. We are play so much less than they charge and are still having incredible success...

THANK YOU Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates
Aug 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		They are amazing!
by: Anonymous

My son has SPD and was 8 years old when he was evaluated by the STAR center. You're right, it is expensive but completely worth it. They were thorough and gave us a detailed report on what my son's strength's and deficits were. They kept us updated on his progress. He enjoyed going there to "play" not realizing it was really work! I have seen tremendous improvements in him! He is now 14 and thriving! He still has some issues which I am planning on returning for a "check up" now that he is at a different developmental stage than his first assessment.

I would HIGHLY recommend the STAR center and have recommended it to a friend who's son has autism.
Apr 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		STAR Center was remarkable for our son
by: Anonymous

We went to the STAR center a couple of years ago. My son was 34 months old, with SPD. He received speech therapy and occupational therapy in Puerto Rico, where we live. The STAR center helped him remarkably. Just being there for a week of an intense therapy and evaluation changed him a lot. He became more interactive and less afraid of the transitions. When we came back home everyone noticed the change.
They made an effort to give us a very comprehensive recommendation. It included suggestions for the school and at home. Also they followed up with the picky eater issues. Two years later, the followed up to see how his progress was.

They also worked well with the language difference and made the trip very easy considering the circumstances. There are many places to stay that are affordable. I am considering going back the summer before he goes to elementary school because it helped him so much with transitions and socialization that I am hoping it will have the same effect again.
Mar 24, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pediatric Speech Therapy Assocaites
by: Anonymous

While we called a few other clinics in the Denver area, Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates was the only clinic that made a real effort to make sure we didn't have to wait for my son's feeding evaluation. They also took our insurance. During our first visit our therapist spent a considerable amount of time helping answer our questions and outlining a treatment plan that we could actually implement.

I'd highly recommend this clinic.

There website is: ColoradoSpeechTherapy.com

Phone: 720-542-8737

They also have 6 week feeding groups, which we've signed up for.
Mar 01, 2015
Rating
star 		did not work for my child
by: Anonymous

I can see how this place could work for some children but for my sensory based, orally defensive child, they were not a good fit. The out of pocket cost was outrageous. My child did not make progress until therapy was within the home with someone who knew feeding difficulties inside and out, being someone who lived with feeding challenges and food allergies. I would recommend pickyeaters.co
hands down, best progress and most cost effective with therapy in your home.

Jun 03, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For parent of child that went before 5th grade
by: Anonymous

My son is 10 and going into 5th. Want to go to Star. Will you please tell me more about your sons issues. You can email me if you want. Fannie135@juno.com. Please. I've been so worried about my son.
May 22, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates
by: Anonymous

Like many other parents, I was struggling to get my child to eat a wider variety of foods. After speaking with our child's doctor, they highly recommended Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates in Centennial, CO. We immediately saw improvement in our child and were supported through this difficult time. We owe everything to the therapists at Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates.

Our child is continuously improving and now willing to try foods we never thought he would eat.

I would highly recommed Pediatric Speech Therapy Associates.

Thanks
Apr 25, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my opinion on Star
by: Anonymous

my son went to Star the summer before his 5th grade year. He struggled with friends; he was borderline adhd; he would cover his ears when he was around loud noises and he had some organizational issues in school. He is now graduating from high school. he was his high school prom prince last year; he played varsity golf and baseball this year; had a 3.7 gpa this semester; has a world of friends and is headed to college to study biochemical engineering. i have to say i attribute Star to alot of his success. they turned him around. i am so thankful and have to say it was worth every penny. i hope this helps you in your decision.
Jan 15, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Eh
by: Anonymous

If you have insurance, I would suggest going to Children's Hospital Colorado or hiring a private in home therapist who accepts insurance. My son did not do well at the STAR center, 4 year old picky eater, FTT, SPD. For feeding therapy, the best outcome we had was with pickyeaters.co

Holly changed our lives!
Dec 11, 2013
Rating
star 		Intensive Therapy: No Impact
by: Anonymous

My husband and I would describe our 4 year old son as "easy" but very active. We do not experience the life-disrupting symptoms often associated with SPD. However, our son was exhibiting some behaviors at preschool associated with SPD. He got upset and overwhelmed out of proportion to the incident. He toe-walked, chewed on hands and clothes when upset and had difficulty waiting his turn. We turned to STAR for a professional diagnosis and our son was diagnosed with dyspraxia (mainly difficulties with fine motor). Hoping early intervention would help him be more successful and happier at school, we enrolled in STAR's intensive therapy -- 20 sessions over the course of 2 months. He enjoyed the sessions immensely, but the therapy had no impact on his issues at school. Six months have now passed since his STAR therapy ended and we feel that our own trial and error regarding coping strategies, coupled with the support and assistance of his wonderful team of preschool teachers has had a much more significant impact than we experienced from the STAR intensive therapy.
Mar 03, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wonderful Experience
by: Anonymous

My son was treated at STAR Center almost two years age. It was a great experience for my family. My son loved his therapist and made tremendous gains in school.
Feb 21, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bad experience
by: Anonymous

My son was diagnosed with ASD 4 years ago and we accidentally found STAR center in Denver. We did an awesome OT intensive therapy for 4 months and my son clicked with the therapist immediately, which was very unusual to him. He just loved her. She made wonders with him, after four months he was a different kid. After that. Also tried feeding therapy and evaluation with dr Toomey. Unfortunately, our experience with dr. Toomey and her therapists was not as good. Although she seems as a. Era knowledgable person, she charges you for every phone call even if you need to just ask a simple question and that's after you already paid a LOT of money for a few sessions with her. When we had a private therapy with asdsome of her therapists, we were very dissapointed and quit after not seeing any positive results at all. A few month ago we tried to get back to do feeding therapy with them, I called, talked to receptionist who told me that a therapist will call me back to gather all information and schedule time to meet, but nobody called. This is not the first time they didn't return my calls, and it's not the first time I faced this kind of complete indifference and ignorance from them. 3 years ago they were awesome, but might now I wouldn't step into their office. They don't express any kind of kindness when you talk to them, and I don't feel that they really care about treating my son. It seems all they care is about getting paid, and they are not cheap. 3 years ago I paid $165 for 50 minute session.
Jul 18, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		STAR Clinic
by: Dana

We attended the STAR Clinic and feeding therapy program for 7 weeks during the summer of 2011. It was amazing and worth the cost. Every person on my son's IEP team at school commented on the changes they saw in my son when we returned to school that fall. He was more focused and engaged, and more compliant with requests.

He also made huge gains in the quantity and variety of foods. They taught him oral motor skills our local hospital did not recognize and work on. Dr. Toomey developed the feeding approach they use there and she is amazing to work with. We came home educated enough for carryover. What a great place!
Feb 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		currently receiving therapy at star cntr
by: Anonymous

I am currently at the star center with my 4y/o son who is dx w/ autism. I did not realize how much the sensory issues he has was effecting him until we got her and started therapy. It is worth every penny and the time we have to stay away from our family. We are getting ready to go home and then will come back in a month for 1.5 wks of therapy. we have already done 2.5 wks. The staff at the star center really go above an beyond to help and answer questions and educate parents. I love that the individualize the treatment plan which was huge for us. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested, before you get to whits end if possible. they care about the child as an individual and my son loves his therapist.
Nov 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		please help
by: 9 yr old with cp

I'm from Charleston sc and my daughter has alot of sensory problems with sounds and smells. We can't seem to get her potty trained because of the smell. Peyton also has adhd does anyone have any children like my little angel. I'm willing to travel and raise the money if anyone thinks star will help her.
Oct 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great Place!
by: Anonymous

We are currently still at star center. We are in the regular program soon to be completed. My son is diagnosed with ADHD and we have seen great improvements. He is not medicated because he could not tolerate the meds. He is 6 years old and doing much better. He still has to be told to do things more than once, but it is not 7 or 8 times now or being totally ignored. He seems more confident at school and has two best friends. His teacher even made the comment if she did not know he was diagnosed with ADHD she would not even think he had it. That is amazing because we got the diagnosis after his first Kindergarten teacher referred him for school testing and evaluations due to his inability to sit still and pay attention plus behavior problems. (He is repeating Kindergarten this year by our choice) We were desperate and at our wits end. Everyone in our house was angry all the time before Star. It has been a fantastic experience for our son and our family.
Sep 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SO worth it
by: Anonymous

We went to the STAR Center as a last resort... we were desperate. All I can say is that you are right, it is so, so expensive - around $5,000 for the evaluation and intensive 4 week therapy program, plus add on what you spend on travel and hotels. And so, so worth it. We were more amazed each day we went. Each day was a new revelation about how our child's brain worked and how to help it work better, and each day was a new lesson in how to cope with her better. Trust me, you won't get burned. I feel like it gave me my family back.
Mar 16, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		STAR Center
by: Anonymous

You have possibly already made your decision at this point, but regardless I will tell of our experience with STAR.

In one word...Wonderful.

STAR was great for our son. Our son is 9 and has SPD with an anxiety disorder as well. STAR was fantastic with him...and he is not easy! When we returned home (to VA) many commented on the difference in him. His teachers were astonished.
Money and time well spent!

Good Luck to you!
Feb 26, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		STAR Center
by: Laura

We took our daughter to the STAR Center when she was 13 months old because her sensory issues were wreaking TOTAL havoc on her and our family - we were completely desperate.

We spent around 2k for two weeks (hotel, food, air travel - we were also in CA at the time - and therapy).

IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Before the therapy there, our daughter was not sleeping more than an hour or two at a time, cried all day and wasn't using any words (she'd previously had five words that she lost at 12 months).

After the center, she started sleeping six or more hours at a time, cried significantly less and started using some new words.

We went to the center every day for ten days, two hours in the morning, two in the afternoon and saw Sarah Schoen. She was excellent. We also saw Dr. Miller for an hour during the trip as well.

I think the intensive therapy was what was so great for our child. We've since moved to NC and have had some great therapy here too and she's done really well. If you're not getting good therapy results in CA, then CO would be a great option short-term and they are great about parent education. They even brought in another parent that had gone through so much of the same things we had to talk to us about what worked for her, what she learned, how they were doing after therapy, etc.

If you've already received a diagnosis and therapy for SPD, then it's possible the STAR Center may not be worth the money. However, if you're still fairly new to all this sensory talk and therapy, it might be a really great thing. Or, if you're having some serious issues affecting your son's (or your whole family's) quality of life, the intensive sessions they do might really help.

Good luck!

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