If you live in Boston, be aware that you can chose from several different Early Intervention providers. You can find this list at: http://www.massfamilyties.org/directory/ei.pdf I did not know this when I started using Criterion and now regret not researching other providers. I have had a difficult time getting services for my son and have learned from others that there are better programs in Boston. They may be a good fit for you, but I would advise making sure before committing to this organization. read more

I have to echo the other (somewhat hidden) review. I regret not taking more time to investigate all the Early Intervention options available to me in Boston. I chose Criterion based on geographic proximity and the fact that they were the first to return my call. Very foolish, as I now realize. There are many negative things I could write about my experience with Criterion: the very patronizing, passive-aggressive manner of the woman in charge, the complete lack of follow-up as we were forcibly transferred out of Criterion and into another Early Intervention program...but for now, I'll just focus on the absolutely adversarial relationship between my child and her feeding therapist. It got to the point that my child cried as soon as this person came into our house. This "expert's" method of helping my child advance in feeding consisted of placing my child in a highchair and letting her scream indefinitely. Eventually, I realized that my child was reacting so negatively to this person because my child, the one with the label, the one with the cognitive delays, was fully aware of the fact that this therapist did not like her. When my child did make progress, she'd turn to the therapist for positive feedback, only to find her completely unaware and disinterested. I would have to actually tell her to pay attention and give some praise. After far too long, I wised up, canned the OT, and started working WITH my child, not against my child. And that, in a nutshell, is the problem with Criterion. Too many of their employees have adopted the attitude that the children and their families are the enemies, and they are continually in battle with them. I had colleagues with similar attitudes when I worked in the Longwood Medical Area, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why they had chosen these professions. We have switched our feeding therapy to Boston Children's Hospital and couldn't be happier. It's like night and day. The therapist actually seems to like children and I don't have to deal with the Criterion bureaucratic BS. Do yourself a favor -- look elsewhere. Your child will not be well served by Criterion in West Roxbury. read more

I have an appointment scheduled for my 16 month daughter to be evaluated. We are looking at another company as well as the wait time for the appointment is a bid lengthy. The woman Carolyn called me to follow up and was incredibly rude. I am writing this review because I am so speechless from our phone call that I want to prevent others from this behavior. I called back to cancel the appointment and I was hung up on. For a parent that's already apprehensive about the process, I did not find this at all comforting. Very disappointed. read more

We love Criterion Boston! They have done so much for me and my family. My son is doing great! They have a new director now. All of the people that we worked with were so knowledgeable and caring and really helped us out so much. I can't thank them enough! read more