Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you accept private insurance for speech services?
We do not bill private insurance for speech services as this time. Payment is due at the time of service. We are happy to provide super bills for those who wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance carriers for services.
What can I expect at the speech and language evaluation?
Based on information you provide our therapist on the Child Client Case History Form, along with any concerns you may have, the therapist will determine what the most appropriate testing materials will be for your child. The evaluation usually lasts approximately 45 minutes, and is performed in a casual setting as to make you and your child feel comfortable. You will come away from the evaluation with age scores and functioning levels in regards to speech and language, and the therapist will provide you with a plan of treatment, if necessary.
How long are speech sessions?
Speech therapy sessions generally run 45-50 minutes each. We will schedule your appointment for a 60-minute time slot which allows a few minutes after each session for the therapist to share with you what they worked on with your child, and how your child is progressing (if you didn’t observe the session).
When should I be concerned about my child's communication development?
This depends on what you are noticing in the home. A young child (9 months) who is not responding to sounds, alerting to his/her name, showing comprehension of simple words, or pointing to call attention to interesting objects, may be showing early signs of a hearing loss or language disorder. Other general guidelines:
-First Words by 12-15 months
-Frequent Two-Word Combinations Heard by 21-24 months
-Frequent Three-Word Combinations Heard by 36 months
-Intelligible speech in conversation 90% of the time by age 4 years
-Grammatically complete sentences most of the time by kindergarten age
My child has a history of frequent ear infections. Could this affect his/her speech or language development?
Possibly. While there is no direct causal link between chronic ear infections and speech/language delay, children are generally thought to be more at risk for developing communication impairments with this medical history, and should be closely monitored.
What can I do at home to help my younger child's speech language development?
Generally speaking, understanding your child’s current communication level (preverbal, single word communicator, phrase or sentence level communicator, etc.) is very important in terms of what to model at home. Try not to overuse questions to get your young child to talk, but rather model comments about events as they are unfolding. Try to avoid rapid and lengthy speaking turns, and encourage turn-taking. Praise your child’s efforts to communicate using all possible means: gestures, pointing, gaze, and verbal attempts.
How many times per week should my child attend speech therapy?
Most children are seen in our office one to two times per week, whether or not he/she is receiving school-based therapy, depending on the severity of the disorder, or what type of intervention program is recommended. More intensive schedules are occasionally implemented as needed.
Can I observe therapy sessions?
Parents are encouraged to observe therapy sessions, either periodically by accompanying children into the therapy room at least briefly, or by observing through the therapy room window. Many children perform best when working separately from parents. For those children, parents may be included in treatment sessions for the last 5-10 minutes in order to understand current objectives and home program ideas.
How long will speech therapy take before my child catches up to his or her peers?
This depends on many factors such as: severity of the disorder, student cooperation, motivation, and readiness to learn. Family involvement in implementing home practice is another significant factor. In general, children with receptive language problems (difficulty understanding language) tend to require longer courses of treatment, as do children with underlying neurocognitive impairments such as autism and childhood apraxia of speech.