In order to qualify for therapy at school, speech and language deficits need to directly and severely impact your child's educational needs. This means that it is possible (and common) for a child to be ineligible for school services even if they need help! Due to time constraints in schools, sessions tend to be shorter and conducted in a group, which may leave the school speech-language pathologist unable to provide the intensity and frequency of therapy needed. Therapy at The Speech Studio is personalized: each treatment plan is based on your child's strengths and needs, and the family's unique set of circumstances is always considered. We are set apart from other private practices by our data-driven therapy as well as our unique process of goal writting through dynamic assessment. Visit our Services page to learn more about our approach.
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), also known as a Speech Therapist, is a professional who diagnoses and treats speech and language disorders. A SLP has earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology and subsequently completed a Clinical Fellowship. This experience lasts for a minimum of nine months and is carried out under the direct supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. At the completion of the Clinical Fellowship, an SLP earns a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Most states also require licensure. To stay up to date on current best practices in the field, speech-language pathologists are required to complete continuing education. When looking for a speech-language pathologist, it is important to verify the above listed credentials.
Speech refers to the sounds that are made while talking. It encompasses things such as the production of specific sounds, vocal quality, fluency, and rate of speech. Language refers to the content of the sounds made, including: everything we understand, everything we say, and all of the social communication "rules" that govern how we communicate. A speech and language evaluation should be conducted if you have concerns regarding any of the above listed areas.
When it comes to speech and language therapy, earlier is better. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states that appropriate early intervention has the potential to reduce the negative consequences of a disorder, if not reverse the disorder entirely. If there is a problem, waiting may widen the gap between your child's skills and those of the children in his/her peer group. As a parent, you know your child best. If you have concerns regarding your child's speech or language development, seek out a licensed speech-language pathologist to schedule an assessment.
A child's speech and language development is dependent on many factors, including (but not limited to) age, attention span, willingness to participate, underlying etiology of the diagnosis, severity of the problem, frequency of therapy sessions, regular attendance, family involvement, and at-home practice. Therefore, there is not one set timeframe for treatment.
While speech and language development can vary from child to child, there is a certain progression of skills that typically developing kids follow. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has complied developmental norms for children of different ages (birth to five and school age). Please keep in mind that these milestones are a guide; missing one or two skills in a given age range does not necessarily indicate a communication disorder. If you have concerns about your child's communication development, contact a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.
Absolutely, and in many ways! Speech-language pathologists are trained to remediate difficulties with comprehension, reading, writing, and spelling. We are also able to evaluate and treat language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Some children do not have problems in any of these areas, but still struggle. They may have trouble with executive functioning. Executive functioning is an umbrella term for the group of processes that allow individuals to manage themselves and their resources to achieve a goal. These children have a hard time with organization, planning, and prioritizing, among other things. Some examples include: trouble keeping track of assignments, a messy room/backpack/locker, lack of attention, difficulty starting a project, and not being able to manage time.
The Speech Studio is an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies. We do not bill insurance directly. However, all of our invoices and reports are coded for insurance, which you can submit for reimbursment. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about the type of coverage you have for speech and language services. We are happy to work with families to provide additional documentation as needed.
There are several "red flags" or warning signs that may suggest an Autism Spectrum Disorder. First Signs, Inc. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide lists of indicators that a child should be immediately evaluated for autsim. If you're concerned that your child may have autism, contact a professional such as a developmental pediatrian for more information and an evaluation. Early diagnosis leads to the best outcomes. It is also recommended to schedule a speech and language assessment to determine how your child's communication skills are progressing. Feel free to contact us for additional referrals or if you would like to discuss your child's development.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in speech and language development, especially in young children. Incorporating parents into therapy sessions allows them to learn strategies to enhance their child's communication in everyday situations. Older children are expected to participate in therapy without parental accompaniment. This is done to foster independence and simulate a more academic style environment; as much as they might want to, parents can't follow their kids to school! Parents of older children are encouraged to be a part of their child's therapy process through home carryover programs and scheduled session observations.
The term "delay" is used when a child's speech or language follows the usual pattern and sequence, but develops more slowly than expected. This results in their speech or language sounding like that of a younger child. A speech or language "disorder" refers to atypical development. Their learning may follow an usual pattern that would not be seen in kids of any age.
Research has shown the benefits of speaking more than one language, including learning new words easily and strong phonological awareness skills. However, some children who are exposed to more than one language may demonstrate language skills that are below those expected of children who are exposed to only one language. This does not necessarily indicate a language disorder. An evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist can help differentiate a language disorder from normal bilingual language development.
The Speech Studio prides itself on its data-driven approach to therapy. Data from each session is included in a progress report that is presented to parents every six months. So, parents will have a very clear picture of their child's progress. More importantly, parents will see improvement at home and at school in areas targeted in therapy, as we strive to make therapy as functional as possible.