Stephen Camarata at Vanderbuilt

[Anonymous]

Has anyone made the trek down to Nashville to see Stephen Camarata about your child's speech/language/hearing delay?

I keep reading online about how wonderful he is with young children with language delays, and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to make the 10-hour trek to Nashville to see him. I am having no luck finding someone with comparable expertise in the DC area.

http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/site/people/1431/camarata-stephen.aspx

[Anonymous]

Stanley Greenspan was the local expert of equal (greater, actually) stature, but he died a couple of months ago. From what I've read, Camarata seems to be of a similar school.

[Anonymous]

Is your child's speech delay associated with a specific disability? I would be reluctant to travel so far unless I could then get recommendations for local follow up. I don't know how much any therapist can accomplish in one session--my daughter takes weeks to warm up to a ST/OT--and it's a long way to go if repeat visits are needed.

[Anonymous]

There's also Nancy Kaufman in Michigan. From what I remember she does a one or two week intense program for out of state clients. A few years ago, we were on the verge of scheduling it, but DS made a major breakthrough and didn't need it.

[Anonymous]

That link is fascinating because the first thing I thought of when I heard the name Camarata was the guy who was the ST mentioned in the book Einstein Syndrome and he was into studying these kids who IMO were on the spectrum and were also gifted. He said they were not on the spectrum and he could tell which had this "Einstein Syndrome". (The book is written by William Sowell). Anyway, Sowell sings this mans praises and I do find his work interesting, though I do think the kids in the book were indeed on the spectrum (I have a kid just like those in the book and he is on the spectrum, though depending on what clinician you go to some disagree).

[Anonymous]

I've taken my son to see Stephen Camarata 4 years in a row now. Each time I've come away with a detailed analysis of my son's language issues, and a yearlong plan on how to help him. He also does educational testing so we can track our son's academic progress. All the other "experts" had no clue how to help my son, or offered any timetable of how my son's language would progress. It was the best money we ever spent and the best thing we ever did for our son.

[Anonymous]

Original Poster to 14:19:

Would you be willing to email me to talk about your experiences with the Camaratas? I'd be so, so grateful.

jamierenn @ hotmail.com

Thank you!!!

[Anonymous]

can't say enough good things about Dr. Camarata, been going every year to see him for eight yrs. My son is now super high functioning both academically and socially.

I liive in FL don't know anyone in teh southeast who is better, checked out some schools in DC area about 4-5 yrs ago, no one in that area, as a matter of fact know a family from DC who still goes to camarata after all these years , my feelin Dr. C is one of teh best in teh nation if not globally. He wife mary is also FANTASTIC

[Anonymous]

This question may be crass, but how much does it cost? It sounds like an expensive venture, but if it were worth it maybe we could save for that. How much would I need to budget? Also, how long a trip is it, as in how long are you there in Nashville?

[Anonymous]

Hi, can anyone post a link to an article (or more) that mentions Dr. Camarata and describes his approach and/or results? I'm now intrigued and would like to learn more about him. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

We haven't seen him yet, but I've heard it costs about $700 and all happens on one day. If my daughter hasn't caught up oris not seeming like she will is on the path to catching up, I intend to make an appointment with him once she turns 2. I just can't find anyone with similar expertise more locally.

[Anonymous]

I can't say enough good things about Stephen Camarata and his wife. You will not be disappointed if you have your child evaluated by them. You will save a lot of guessing and heartache if you get a good, reputable evaluation. You will get a glimpse into the future for your child's sake and work on things that your child needs and not waste your time with other therapies they do not need. They have always been there for parents and the children. They are truly for the child and families. I say this from real personal experience with them. I can't imagine where our family would have been if we didn't see the Camaratas. They evaluated my daughter and have been right and she is older now and they didn't miss a thing when it came to what we should expect from her progress/develop.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much for your reply, PP. How old was your daughter when you took her to the Camaratas for an eval? From your experience, what would be the youngest age you'd recommend a child be for an eval by them?

We are leaning toward going to see them, but I want to wait until my daughter is old enough that the eval can be of maximum value to us.

[Anonymous]

Does someone have a phone number to make an appointment. I couldn't find a number on the internet. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't say enough good things about Stephen Camarata and his wife. You will not be disappointed if you have your child evaluated by them. You will save a lot of guessing and heartache if you get a good, reputable evaluation. You will get a glimpse into the future for your child's sake and work on things that your child needs and not waste your time with other therapies they do not need. They have always been there for parents and the children. They are truly for the child and families. I say this from real personal experience with them. I can't imagine where our family would have been if we didn't see the Camaratas. They evaluated my daughter and have been right and she is older now and they didn't miss a thing when it came to what we should expect from her progress/develop.

So what exactly do they do? What does he recommend? I've read about language "re-casting" but I don't see how this is anything different from what a good SLP would be doing anyway.