FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
On this page we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about diagnosis, therapy, psychotherapy, special education and cooperative organization. If you do not find the information you need here, please write or call - we will help you choose the right form of support.
General - Education - Diagnosis - ABA - Speech therapy - Psychotherapy - TUS - Consultation - Physiotherapy - SI .
General information
Do you teach classes in English?
Yes, we offer all our services in Polish and English, at the same price. We can also prepare documentation in English.
How to make an appointment?
The easiest way is through the "Make an appointment" booking system on the site. If you have doubts about the choice of service, please contact us - we usually write back within 24 hours.
How to cancel an appointment?
Please email or text us as soon as you know you need to cancel your appointment.
How to cancel an appointment?
Do you conduct online consultations?
Yes, in selected cases consultation for parents and psychotherapy can take place online. The child's therapy is usually inpatient.
Do you cooperate with the National Health Service?
No. We are a private facility, but we issue invoices and possibly other documents that can be used for tax deduction or reimbursement.
Do you issue documents for the insurer?
Yes, we issue invoices and, if necessary, additional certificates or short summaries required by the insurer.
Is it possible to receive therapy under insurance?
We work with some insurers, but the extent of reimbursement depends on the specific policy. In many cases, parents pay for the visits and then bill the insurer.
What is the process of diagnosis (autism/ADHD/intellectual disability)?
The diagnosis process usually involves an initial consultation, interview, observation or use of standard tools, and discussion of the results.
How to prepare for the first meeting?
Bring your documents, opinions from the kindergarten/school and information about the support so far. Remember that the first visit generally takes place without the child, unless we have decided otherwise.
Special education
What does special education at Pineapple Therapy consist of?
We work with school-age children (elementary school) in the formula of home education, combining the implementation of compulsory schooling with daily therapeutic support.
What does a typical day look like?
Depending on the package, the child spends several hours a day with us (usually 5-7 hours). During this time, we combine learning with therapy and work on functioning in everyday situations.
Does the child have to be present every day?
Not always. The frequency depends on the package chosen and the needs of the child. Both daily attendance and several days a week are possible.
What forms of therapy are available?
Depending on the needs of the child, we offer, among other things:
speech therapy, sensory integration (SI), physiotherapy, support from a psychologist and educator, and behavioral therapy (ABA).
Are you implementing the core curriculum?
Yes, we work within the framework of homeschooling, which allows us to flexibly adapt the way the material is implemented to the child's abilities and pace. We have programs in Polish and English.
Which children is this solution for?
Mostly for children who have difficulties in the standard school system (e.g. overload, social difficulties, concentration, emotion regulation) and need a more individual approach.
Such a solution will benefit those who seek special education in English.
What does cooperation with parents look like?
We regularly discuss progress, difficulties and goals. We also provide an app to monitor progress on a regular basis. We try to develop solutions that can also be implemented at home.
Do you help with the formalities of homeschooling?
We can explain the process and indicate the next steps. We work with facilities that make homeschooling possible.
Can special education be combined with other forms of therapy?
Yes, the program is flexible - the scope of support is matched to the child's current needs.
Diagnosis
What is the process of diagnosis (autism / ADHD / intellectual disability)?
It usually includes an initial consultation, interview, observation and application of diagnostic tools. At the end, a debriefing meeting is held with a discussion of the results and recommendations.
How many visits does the diagnosis take?
Most often we conduct 3 diagnostic meetings, but the exact number depends on the age, functioning and needs of the child.
How to prepare a child for diagnosis?
Come well rested. Take your favorite toy/snack and documentation. If you have feedback from school/preschool, bring it with you.
When will I receive the results?
In the summary discussion, we give conclusions and recommendations; a written report is prepared within two weeks of the last meeting.
Do you prepare documents for the Psychological and Pedagogical Clinic (PPP)?
ABA Therapy
What does ABA therapy consist of?
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is based on analyzing behavior and teaching new skills in a structured and child-specific manner. The focus is both on developing competencies (e.g., communication, independence) and on reducing contextually incorrect behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-aggression).
For which children is ABA therapy designed?
Mostly for children on the autism spectrum, but also for children with behavioral, communication or social functioning difficulties.
What do the classes look like?
Classes are conducted based on predetermined goals. Work can take place directly with the child, but also with the parent or teacher, with the aim of imparting the right ways to teach/respond.
How are the goals of therapy set?
Based on observation, interview with parents and assessment of the child's functioning. The goals are regularly updated.
Are parents involved in therapy?
How long does ABA therapy last?
Can ABA be combined with other forms of therapy?
Yes, we often combine ABA with speech therapy, sensory integration or psychological support, if needed.
Logopedia
What does speech therapy consist of?
Speech therapy involves working on communication - both speech and understanding. Depending on the needs, we work on articulation, language, comprehension of commands and functional use of communication in everyday situations.
What kind of children is speech therapy for?
For children with delayed speech development, articulation difficulties, language comprehension problems, and for children who do not develop speech or use alternative forms of communication.
Do you work with children who do not speak?
Yes. In such cases, we focus on developing communication in the widest possible range, not just speech.
Do you use AAC (alternative and assistive communication)?
Yes, we introduce and develop AAC (e.g., gestures, symbols, communicators) if the child needs it. AAC does not replace speech - it supports and often facilitates the development of communication.
What do the classes look like?
Are parents involved in therapy?
Yes, we provide specific instructions for working at home, so that the child can use the new skills outside of class as well. Parents can also participate in the sessions themselves (depending on their own preferences and the needs of the individual child).
How often are classes held?
Most often 1-2 times a week, but we determine the frequency individually.
Can speech therapy be combined with other therapies?
Yes, we often combine speech therapy with ABA, sensory integration or psychological support - depending on the child's needs.
Psychotherapy
What does child and adolescent psychotherapy consist of?
Psychotherapy is regular work on emotional, behavioral and relationship difficulties. The focus is on understanding the problem and making changes that help the child function better on a daily basis.
For which children is psychotherapy intended?
For children and adolescents who are experiencing, among other things, anxiety, depressed mood, relationship difficulties, problems with emotion regulation or challenging behavior.
In what approach is psychotherapy conducted?
We work mainly in the cognitive-behavioral current (CBT), adapting the way we work to the age and needs of the child. Our work is also subject to regular supervision, which allows us to maintain the high quality and safety of our interactions.
What does the first meeting look like?
The first meeting is a consultative one with the parent - we discuss the difficulties, collect a history and determine the next steps together.
Are parents involved in therapy?
How often are meetings held?
Mostly once a week, unless we agree otherwise.
How long does psychotherapy last?
It depends on the purpose and difficulty. In some cases a shorter work is enough, in others longer support is needed.
Can psychotherapy be conducted in English?
Yes, we also offer psychotherapy in English.
Can psychotherapy be combined with other forms of support?
Yes, depending on the needs, we combine psychotherapy with other forms of therapy (e.g., speech therapy, ABA).
Psychological consultations
What does a psychological consultation consist of?
Psychological consultation is a meeting between a specialist and parents, which helps to better understand the child's difficulties and plan further actions. The focus is on analyzing the situation and selecting the most appropriate forms of support.
When to choose consultation and when to choose psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy (or therapy) is indicated when a child lacks specific skills or the difficulties are more general and affect different areas of functioning. If the difficulties are mainly limited to a specific environment (e.g., the home), it is often better to consult with the parents and make changes in the way they react and organize everyday situations.
If you are not sure what form of support will be best - write or call, we will help you choose the right solution.
When is it a good idea to come in for a consultation?
When difficulties arise in behavior, emotions, relationships or learning, but also when you want to make sure your child's development is going well.
What does the first meeting look like?
We talk about the application, collect a history and discuss the child's previous functioning. Based on this, we suggest next steps.
Does a consultation mean starting therapy?
No. The consultation may conclude with a recommendation for further observation, specific changes in daily functioning or, if necessary, the initiation of action.
Do parents come alone or with their child?
Depending on the situation, but the first meeting is held only with the parents.
Can I bring previous diagnoses and opinions?
Yes, it is a good idea to take all available documentation - it helps to better understand the situation and shortens the process of planning further actions.
Will I receive recommendations after the consultation?
Yes, we discuss specific recommendations that can be implemented at home or at school.
Can the consultation be online?
Yes, in many cases consultations for parents can take place online.
Training in Social Skills (TUS).
What is social skills training (TUS)?
TUS is a class where children learn how to function in relationships - including communication, cooperation, conflict resolution and dealing with social situations.
Which children is TUS designed for?
For children who have difficulties with peer relationships, understanding social rules, emotion regulation or group functioning (often ADHD, autism spectrum, among others).
When to choose TUS and when to choose individual psychotherapy?
TUS is a good choice when the child has difficulties mainly in group functioning - for example, in school, in relationships with peers, understanding social rules or cooperation.
Individual psychotherapy is more advisable when the difficulties relate to the child's emotions, behavior or functioning in a wider range, not only in a group, and require more tailored, individual work.
If you are not sure what form of support will be best - write or call, we will help you choose the right solution.
What do the classes look like?
The classes are held in small groups and take the form of active work and play. We practice specific social situations so that the child can use the new skills in everyday life.
How are the groups selected?
Groups are selected according to age, level of functioning and reported difficulties, so that children can work in as tailored an environment as possible.
How often are classes held?
Most often once a week. In some cases, more intensive forms of work are possible.
Do parents receive information about progress?
Yes, we provide information about the course of classes and instructions for work at home, if necessary.
Is TUS enough, or is individual therapy also needed?
It depends on the child. In some cases, TUS is sufficient or even recommended as the main form of support. In other situations, we recommend combining it with individual therapy to work through difficulties more quickly and effectively.
Is it possible to join the group while it is in progress?
Depending on the stage of the group's work and the availability of places - sometimes this is possible after prior consultation.
Physiotherapy
What is physiotherapy for children?
Physiotherapy supports the child's motor development - we work on posture, coordination, balance and overall fitness, adapting exercises to the child's abilities and needs.
For which children is physiotherapy intended?
For children with difficulties in motor development, reduced or increased muscle tone, coordination or fitness problems.
What is the focus of physiotherapy in children with disabilities?
In such cases, special emphasis is placed on improving daily skills, such as walking, standing up, changing positions and general independence. The goal is to improve the child's functioning in his or her daily environment.
What do the classes look like?
The classes are conducted in the form of active work and movement play. Exercises are selected to be engaging and doable by the child.
How often are classes held?
Frequency is determined individually - from single meetings per week to more regular support.
Are parents involved in therapy?
Yes, we provide simple exercises and tips for working at home to support the child's development outside of class as well. Parents can also attend sessions.
Can physiotherapy be combined with other forms of therapy?
Yes, we often combine physiotherapy with sensory integration, speech therapy or other forms of support - depending on the child's needs.
Is a referral needed?
No, a referral is not required.
Sensory integration
What is sensory integration (SI)?
Sensory integration is a therapy that helps a child better process stimuli (e.g., touch, movement, sound) and respond adequately to them. This translates into functioning in everyday situations.
What kind of children is AI designed for?
For children who have difficulties with sensory regulation - such as hypersensitivity or sub-sensitivity to stimuli, problems with concentration, coordination or behavior.
What do the classes look like?
The classes take the form of active motor play using specialized equipment. We select activities so that the child can gradually better regulate his reactions to stimuli.
What difficulties might indicate a need for AI?
E.g., avoidance or stimulus-seeking, difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, coordination problems or overreactions to sounds, touch or movement.
How often are classes held?
Most often 1-2 times a week, but we determine the frequency individually.
Are parents involved in therapy?
Yes, we provide guidance on daily situations and activities that can support the child's regulation outside of classes. The parent can also participate in the classes.
Can SI be combined with other therapies?
Yes, we often combine SI with other forms of support (e.g., speech therapy, physiotherapy, ABA), depending on the child's needs.