Maine General Medical Center - Thayer Center For Health
Speech Therapy, Neurologists, Audiologists
+
2 more
Address: 149 North Street
| Waterville, ME
04901
Rating: 2.34
(25 reviews)
Insurances:
No info provided
Ages Served:
All ages
Care Settings:
In-clinic,
Virtual,
AboutReviewsServicesFAQ
About Maine General Medical Center - Thayer Center For Health
MaineGeneral Health is a comprehensive non-profit system with the mission of enhancing, every day, the health of our patients, our families and our communities.
We do that through a range of health care services for people of all ages, in a variety of care settings. We focus on clinical excellence, patient and family experience and financial stability.
From birth through end of life, MaineGeneral is here for you and your family.
they do not do a good job when giving tests for breathing inland is alot better
Received services
nancy emery
06 April 2024
google review
I was so sick with my infant came in an ambulance. The staff is extremely rude everybody is miserable if you want to get better dont go here. I quote the lady at the desk in the unit mam there are people here that need attention more than you- we will get to you when we can. I understand staff shortage. I understand stress. I dont understand how somebody can work that profession and have zero empathy for another human being that it clearly not okay.
Maddie Stacy
17 March 2024
google review
Had a reason to be in the ER at 2am. Staff was friendly and I was seen almost immediately. The ER Dr and nurse listened to my complaint and provided quick care. NO complaint at all with the staff or their care.
Ed Miller
17 March 2024
google review
I dont know if Thayer should be nicknamed Auschwitz the Gulag or Pinochets helicopter tours. The first time I was there my two year had bacterial pneumonia nothing wrong until a second dr took at look at my daughter and got the correct diagstill had to pay 500 out of pocket. Second time time the second two year old previous is now five didnt want to give stitches on her finger five needed to close the wound and three hours later and this third trip the same two year old was in a roll over car accident Dr. didnt seem to care about her couldnt be bothered to pull the stethoscope off his necktoo much work for him wouldnt listen to heart or lungs after my baby was in a serious crash 010 wouldnt recommend to half dead dog Dr Mcarthy and CNA Danielle were great they were caring and compassionate deserve a raise compare the the rest of the staff there they are kind compassionate and care about their patients they are A they are the best there they are great
Brandon Farrin
17 March 2024
google review
If I could give less stars I would. Disrespectful staff impossible wait times and a general disregard for their patients. A shining example of a lackluster second rate bandaid station.
Ben Forbus
17 March 2024
google review
Just waited for 2 hours to get an outpatient x-ray because their new computer system deleted me off the waiting list right after checking in. You should be able to make an appointment for this. This is ridiculous. Fix your system.
Brian McArthur
17 March 2024
google review
Will never go back ill travel to augusta went in with trouble breathing 1623 vomiting diarea and massive amounts of pain was triaged and nurse was rude...stated I was having back shoulder and chest pain believing it was pulled muscles from puking since that Wednesday due to protocol nurse kept saying i had to wear a mask but could not breath or get comfortable while waiting finally went out to wifes car so I could breath catch my breath my wife was told if I was not in building even if she waited I would be skipped she came out and told me and I went back in at this point my hands had turned purple alarming my wife who told reception and all she said was ill let the triage nurse know when shes done.....by the time triage nurse came out to look my hands were less purple and I was told to come get her if it happend again...fast forward and hour I am still waiting and getting agitated at this point so I tell the receptionist Im leaving cause I cant breath ...her response ok.....fast forward to Sunday my wife gets home from work rushes me to hospital in augusta where I am immediately triage and put on oxygen ...I was in waiting room maybe 10 total minutes before triage nurse wheeled me to a room ...and I have been there since ..it is now 127...they diagnosed me with sever pneumonia and I had gone septic ...if it had not been for my wife bringing me back to hospital I would not be here and every doctor has told me so ....I feel whole heartedly that thayer could have done more in that visit than they did and due to there neglected my life was almost the price.
Erich Wildman
17 March 2024
google review
I was greeted by friendly ladies at the concierge desk. The young lady who checked me in was very pleasant and efficient. The tech in the procedure room was helpful and friendly.
Linda Littlefield
17 July 2023
google review
I was extremely sick and no where to go to figure out what was wrong with me. I am immune compromised so even the slightest infection can really do a number on me I was worried something was really wrong as I had been having chest pain and dizziness along with a headache that wouldnt go away after a head injury. I was having extreme pain in my legs. I waited 7 hours for me to be seen by a doctor who told me it was just a migraine and to take Bayer Aspirin to help. Turns out when I got another doctor to see me he told me it was not just something that could go away on its own. Poor service poor care and lack of empathy for patients. these people clearly do not care for their patients. Worst of all it seems only the front desk service lady seems to care about the people that check in.
Wolf Ashi (Wolf shaman)
17 March 2022
google review
Such a long wait for swallow tonsils i waited 2 hours to get seen but they were so professional and caring that wait was nothing compared to the service. Thank you to both doctors who help and thank to the RN that assisted them
Michael Serrano
17 March 2022
google review
I wish I could give this place a negative star. What a joke. I really wish that Northern Lights in waterville had a workplace health. Because I would surely never step foot in this place. Ppl are rude dont let you try to explain anything. They are a complete joke and very unprofessional.
C Peavey
17 March 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Speech therapy is almost always recommended for autistic children since many people with autism have difficulty with social communication. Even if a child is very verbal and says a lot of words, they might need to work on communication skills like:
responding to questions
starting or ending conversation
changing conversation topics
using gestures like pointing
understanding other people's body language
Speech therapy is a big focus in early intervention for autistic children and is usually the starting place for recently diagnosed kids. There is a critical period in the brain for language development and so, it's really important to teach language and communication skills as early as possible, especially if there are any delays in that area. Your child will learn effective ways to communicate which will help them grow into more independent and confident individuals.
It might be obvious when a child struggles with speaking —they are very quiet, say only a few words, or don't speak at all.
Spot speech and language delays like a doctor here.
The goal of speech therapy is to help your child communicate effectively with other people across all environments. This may take the form of using gestures, simple signs, verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Some other common things speech therapists can help with:
Nonverbal skills, such as signs or gestures
Forming speech in a clearer way
Communicating thoughts and feelings clearly
Understanding and responding to questions
Discerning facial expressions and their corresponding emotions
Noticing and understanding body language
Feeding and swallowing
Stuttering
When you visit a neurologist, they’ll assess your child’s needs, run some tests (think imaging or EEG), and diagnose. From there, they’ll create a customized treatment plan. Medication, lifestyle tweaks, or maybe even a referral to another specialist could be on the table.
There unfortunately isn’t one test for all neurodevelopmental conditions. Most likely you will go into a visit to test one or two medical conditions. If you are looking for a comprehensive autism evaluation, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists are the preferred specialists who can diagnose autism.
No, neurologists focus mainly on non-surgical interventions. If your child needs surgery, neurologists might point you in the direction of a pediatric neurosurgeon.
Get involved with local organizations, support groups, and professionals specializing in those hard of hearing. They can offer guidance, resources, and opportunities for your kiddo’s development. The more you know, the better you can support your child.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, nonprofit organization that provides unbiased support, regarding communication methodology and technology, to families with deaf or hard of hearing children.
Gallaudet University — Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded institution offering exemplary academic programs to deaf/HoH students. They provide early intervention services, sign language classes, and uniquely designed resources for deaf/HoH communities.
Hearing Loss Association of America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.
More research is needed to understand the link between sleep disturbance and autism, but there are a few possible reasons why autistic children have difficulty sleeping.2
Co-occurring conditions. Coexisting medical conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or sleep apnea (when you stop breathing multiple times throughout the night), environmental allergies, and gastrointestinal upset (like constipation), can negatively impact sleep.
Sensory sensitivities. Sensitivity to lights, sounds, and touch (think textures of blankets and clothing) can disrupt sleep.
Medications. Often autistic children are prescribed medications to address various concerns like hyperactivity, anxiety, or aggression. Many of these medications may contribute to sleep problems. Adderall, Focalin, and Vyvanse are examples of stimulants prescribed to children on the spectrum to treat hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, that can cause insomnia. Abilify and Risperdal (medications commonly prescribed for autistic children who have severe irritability, aggression, and/or self-injurious behaviors) may cause some children to become very sleepy. However, each person responds differently to medications. (Pro tip: Keep channels of communication open with your doctor so that you can find the best medication to help your child that least affects sleep.)
Neurobiological differences. Some research suggests autistic people may not produce the same levels of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) or hormones (melatonin) important for sleep regulation, and may also experience disruption in circadian rhythms.3 In addition, low muscle tone can contribute to sleep-breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, which also affects the quality of sleep and can lead to increased inattentive and hyperactive symptoms during the day. These behaviors, in turn, make it more challenging for the child to participate in therapies and activities.
Like anyone else, when children on the spectrum don’t get adequate sleep, they may find it difficult to self-regulate during the day. But there’s another consequence – autistic kids who don’t get enough sleep can experience an increase in stimming, irritability, inattention, difficulty socializing, and keeping up in school.3 They may also face challenges with increased hyperactivity and lack of impulse control. In short, lack of sleep can intensify your child’s existing challenges.
The same goes for parents, too. It’s hard for you to keep your cool and be fully present when you aren’t well-rested.5 As you’ve already found out, good sleep is crucial for everyone in the home.
Speak with your doctor if you have concerns – especially if you notice your child snores or gasps in their sleep, grinds their teeth (bruxism), sleeps with their mouth open/drools, or is very sweaty during sleep, as these are potential signs of sleep apnea. It can be helpful to keep a log of concerns, including when the child falls asleep, how many times they wake up, when they wake for the day, and any unusual behaviors (e.g., an unusual number of sleep terrors, recurrent nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, unusual hand movements, lip-smacking).
Research shows that pediatricians are sometimes unaware of the severity of sleep issues in autistic children, so please continue to advocate for your child if you have concerns.
Get in touch with Maine General Medical Center - Thayer Center For Health