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What Is Speech Therapy?

If your child needs speech therapy, you're not alone. Here's everything you need to know about speech therapy for kids and toddlers.

How Does Speech Therapy Work?

What does speech therapy treat, signs a child may need speech therapy.

• What is Early Intervention Speech Therapy?
• Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Speech Therapy for Elementary-Aged Kids

What about private speech therapy, what age is best to start speech therapy, how parents can refer their child for speech therapy, does insurance cover speech therapy, how long will my child be in speech therapy, how effective is speech therapy.

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If your child is currently in speech therapy or you're wondering if they might be a candidate for it, you're not alone. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), almost 8% of children in the United States have a communication or swallowing disorder. It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong, but it can be tough for families. The good news is speech therapy can make a difference.

So, what is speech therapy and how can it help? Here’s everything you need to know. 

Speech therapy is the treatment of communication, voice, and feeding/swallowing disorders by a trained professional.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a master's degree in speech-language pathology and specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and preventing these disorders. SLPs hold a license to practice in their state. 

You may also come across ASHA-certified SLPs. They have taken an additional step to pass a national exam and complete an ASHA-accredited supervised clinical fellowship.

There are various reasons a child may need speech therapy. Common ones include:  

1. Speech sound disorders. This means a child has difficulty with the production of speech sounds and how we combine them into words.

2. Language disorders. A child will have difficulty understanding and/or using language to communicate. Language disorders may impact vocabulary development, grammar, as well as the ability to tell a story, follow directions, answer questions, and more.

3. Social communication disorder/pragmatic language disorder . In this case, a child will have difficulty using language to socialize. This may include difficulty understanding social cues, taking turns during conversation, initiating or maintaining a conversation, and understanding personal space. A social communication disorder often leads to difficulty forming friendships. Children with these language barriers may have a concurrent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder .

4. Cognitive - communication disorder . This includes difficulty with memory, reasoning, problem solving, and organization, impacting the ability to communicate.

5. Voice disorder . Children will have differences in voice quality (e.g., being too hoarse or too nasal).

6. Fluency disorder/stuttering . Kids will have difficulty maintaining a smooth flow of speech. A fluency disorder may include repetitions of sounds within words, prolongations of parts of words, and/or pauses in speech.

7. Feeding/swallowing disorder . This presents as a difficulty with sucking, chewing, and/or swallowing food or liquid.

Children may need speech therapy when they have not acquired speech/language milestones by an expected age. While milestones can vary from child to child, parents should refer their child for an evaluation if they have any concerns. Evaluation, which may include both standardized and non-standardized testing as well as observation, can help diagnose a speech/language disorder.

Some signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy include:

• A child isn't babbling by 6-7 months
• The child is having difficulty with feeding and/or swallowing
• A child beyond the age of 1 has no words
• A child beyond the age of 2 is not combining words into phrases
• The child's speech is difficult to understand
• The child is omitting syllables or sounds in words
• Speech errors are noticed during conversation
• The child has difficulty following directions or understanding spoken language
• The child has difficulty answering questions
• The child has a smaller vocabulary than what is expected for their age
• The child is stuttering
• The child's voice quality has changed or is noticeably hoarse or nasal
• The child has difficulty communicating with others socially
• The child has hearing loss
• The child has a cleft lip or palate

What is Early Intervention Speech Therapy? 

Early intervention refers to state-funded evaluations and interventions—including speech therapy—for children, ages birth to 3, and their families. In some states, early intervention continues until the age of 5. While professionals may refer a child to early intervention, parents can also refer their child on their own.

Speech Therapy for Toddlers 

Speech therapy for toddlers usually resembles play where toys are used to elicit target skills, says Dominica Lumb, M.S., CCC-SLP, who has over 30 years of experience conducting speech therapy with children in various settings. 

Children are given choices during play to encourage the need to communicate. While working on language skills, toddlers are encouraged to request objects, ask questions, answer questions, and use appropriate vocabulary.

Parents may be included in therapy sessions at this age. They may be taught to model speech sounds or how to label objects and actions during everyday routines to enhance vocabulary development.

Speech therapy can also work differently depending on a child’s needs. For example, one may require a mode of communication that differs from speaking. That’s referred to as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and may include picture boards or computers/iPads for communicating through text or voice synthesizer. This can begin in early intervention and beyond.

Speech therapy at this stage is typically more structured. Games are often used for motivation, but goals are targeted through practice and repetition. Children practice new skills throughout a continuum until they're able to use these skills naturally in all environments.

After early intervention, children may continue receiving services in elementary school through an individualized education plan (IEP). The IEP is written by all specialists who will be working with the child. It states the child's goals and documents any accommodations the child may need to meet them.

Therapy at this age may follow a “pull-out” model where a child receives support in a separate classroom or a “push-in” model where an SLP provides services within the regular classroom. This model can change throughout the duration of therapy. For example, a child working on the correct production of a sound will typically begin with pull-out therapy and, when ready, will be observed in their classroom to assess for carryover of this skill.

SLPs in the school setting also consult with teachers to provide the support children need to communicate effectively in the classroom.

While children must qualify for speech therapy through early intervention and in public schools, private practices can provide services beyond these standards.

Speech therapy in the private practice setting typically occurs one-on-one with the child receiving the SLP's undivided attention. But group therapy may occur when beneficial to the child.

"Therapy in the private practice setting is very child and family focused," explains Shanna Klump, M.S., CCC-SLP, CEO of Kid Connections Therapy in Severna Park, Maryland. "The family's goals for their child are often at the forefront of the work we do. In addition, parents and other family members often participate in the sessions to learn strategies that can be implemented at home to encourage generalization of skills."

Parents should refer their child for a speech/language evaluation when they first notice their child is falling behind in any area of speech/language or is no longer meeting speech/language milestones . It is never too late or too early to start therapy but, in general, earlier intervention leads to a better outcome. If you're unsure if your child requires speech therapy, a referral to an SLP is always recommended.

A parent can contact their local early intervention office to learn about speech therapy options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides early intervention contacts by state. Parents can also reach out to their child's health care provider to determine where their local early intervention office is located.

A school-aged child can be referred for a speech/language evaluation by reaching out to the child's teacher or the school's SLP.

An evaluation by a private SLP is an option at any age, but evaluations through early intervention or a public school district are provided at no cost. ASHA ProFind connects parents to SLPs who have indicated they are accepting referrals.

While public school therapy is free, private outpatient speech/language therapy is often covered by health plans, but with limitations.

According to Klump, insurance coverage for speech therapy varies by state, insurance plan, and diagnosis. She explains that while some states require habilitative service coverage for children, others do not.

Often, private practices, including Klump's Kid Connections, complete a benefits verification before initiating speech evaluation or therapy. In her experience, therapy sessions without insurance coverage may cost between $100-150, depending on location.

As each health plan has its own coverage, it is important to reach out to your insurance company to determine your out-of-pocket costs.

Insurance and Speech Therapy Coverage

If you're looking to see what insurance covers, Shanna Klump, M.S., CCC-SLP, CEO of Kid Connections Therapy, suggests parents obtain the following information from their insurance carrier:

• Visit limit. This may be a hard or soft limit which refers to whether an extension of services could be granted if deemed medically necessary
• Whether the visit limit is combined with other services. For example, occupational therapy and physical therapy are sometimes grouped with speech therapy in the number of sessions covered
• Whether there are exclusions to coverage for different diagnoses
• If a deductible must be met
• The co-pay amount per session

Speech therapy can take anywhere from months to years. Each child makes progress at their own rate and has individualized goals based on their communication needs. Just as children develop and meet milestones individually, the time it takes them to master new skills will vary.

Speech therapy has been found to be effective for children. One study of more than 700 children with speech or language disorders up to 16 years old, found an average of six hours of speech therapy over six months significantly improved communication performance. Speech therapy was shown to be much more effective than no treatment over the same period.

Children of all ages typically find speech therapy engaging, fun, and rewarding. They're able to see their progress and use their newly learned skills proudly. Speech therapy is an effective way to enhance a child's ability to communicate and through these communication skills, a child will have better access to the world.

Is speech and language therapy effective for children with primary speech and language impairment? Report of a randomized control trial . International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2011

Related Articles

What is Speech Therapy and Why Does My Child Need It?

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Raising a child can be the most difficult job in the world. And now your child’s teacher or pediatrician has recommended that you have him evaluated by a speech therapist, and suddenly life seems even more challenging. First of all – don’t panic! It’s perfectly natural to be worried, but rest assured that speech therapy can work wonders for your child, if he does indeed have a speech disorder or delay. Work with your child’s speech therapist to integrate speech therapy techniques into your child’s daily routine. One starting point is Speech Buddies University , which offers customized exercises to accelerate your child’s progress.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a type of treatment that has the aim of facilitating or improving communication. It is a common misconception that speech therapists only work with children with trouble pronouncing certain sounds (such as those with lisps), although that is indeed a common issue. In actuality, speech therapy is a broad field that can address issues ranging from those associated with autism to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) .

Why Was Your Child Referred for an Evaluation?

Your child’s teacher or pediatrician might have recommended that a speech-language pathologist (SLP) evaluate your child for a speech disorder or delay. This does not automatically mean that he has a speech disorder. But if he does, having him undergo treatment with speech therapy sooner rather than later can help prevent any adverse effects on his academic progress, social life, and self-esteem.

A child might have an evaluation for a speech disorder for many reasons. The daycare provider might have noticed that he has trouble responding to questions or that he does not make eye contact, for example. (Yup, making eye contact is also under the purview of a speech therapist. It is a type of pragmatic language skill. For more on pragmatic language, check out this ASHA resource .)

Another possible issue that warrants an evaluation is when the child appears to have trouble processing information. That is, he may need help with his receptive language skills. And of course, you may have also noticed that little Jonas has trouble pronouncing certain sounds. He might mix up his “p’s” and “b’s,” for example. (Have you seen the Bob Evans commercial in which the child says “batatoes” instead of “potatoes”? This might be a natural progression of language and the child will grow out of it, or it might be a sign of a speech disorder.)

Learn more about various speech disorders and speech and language issues with the resources from Speech Buddies .

How Can a Speech Therapist Help?

A speech therapist can help your child become aware of the differences of his speech compared to typical speech. Your child might not realize that he is slurring his “s” sounds, for example. He also might not realize that he speaks with an abnormally high pitch or an abnormal rhythm. Becoming aware of the issue is often the first step toward resolving it.

Image source: Speechbuddy.com

Speech therapists work with a variety of tools and props to help the child correct his speech and language issues. They might use Speech Buddies to correct articulation issues or they might use pretend play with toy people in order to develop conversation skills. There are countless speech therapy techniques that can help your child overcome his speech disorder. It’s always a good idea to collaborate closely with the SLP and discuss ways of incorporating speech therapy techniques into your child’s daily routine at home. As well, ask your SLP about some toys and tools that are particularly good for speech therapy that you can add to your child’s wish list this holiday season.

Pediatric Speech Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Caregivers

• 3 October 2023
• Posted by Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP

Parenthood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless milestones. One of the most critical milestones in a child’s development is the acquisition of language and communication skills. While many children naturally progress through these stages, others may face speech and language challenges that require intervention. Pediatric speech therapy is a specialized field dedicated to helping children overcome these challenges and develop essential communication skills. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of pediatric speech therapy, when to seek help, what to expect during therapy sessions, and how parents and caregivers can support their child’s speech and language development journey.

Why Is Pediatric Speech Therapy Important?

Effective communication is fundamental to a child’s development and overall well-being. Language and communication skills are not only essential for expressing needs and desires but also for social interaction, academic success, and building strong relationships. Pediatric speech therapy serves several crucial purposes:

• Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing speech and language issues early can prevent more significant challenges in the future. Pediatric speech therapists work with children as young as a few months old to promote healthy communication development.
• Enhanced Academic Performance: Strong language skills are the foundation of reading, writing, and academic success. Children who receive speech therapy are better prepared for success in school.
• Improved Social Interaction: Communication is at the heart of building friendships and meaningful connections with others. Speech therapy helps children engage more effectively in social interactions.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: Overcoming communication challenges through therapy can boost a child’s self-confidence and sense of self-worth.

When Should You Seek Pediatric Speech Therapy?

Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s essential to remember that there is a wide range of “normal” in speech and language development . However, there are certain signs that may indicate a need for pediatric speech therapy:

Late Speech Milestones: If a child is significantly behind their peers in reaching speech and language milestones, it may be time to seek help. These milestones include babbling, saying their first words, and forming sentences.

• Difficulty Pronouncing Sounds: Persistent difficulty in pronouncing sounds or words, especially past a certain age, can be a sign of a speech disorder.
• Limited Vocabulary: If a child has a limited vocabulary or struggles to understand and use words appropriately for their age, this may be a concern.
• Stuttering: Stuttering is common in young children as they develop their language skills. However, if it persists beyond the preschool years, it may warrant evaluation and therapy.
• Difficulty Following Directions: If a child consistently has trouble following instructions, it could indicate a language processing disorder.
• Communication Challenges Related to Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hearing loss or autism , can impact a child’s communication abilities. In such cases, early intervention with a pediatric speech therapist is vital.

The Role of the Pediatric Speech Therapist

Pediatric speech therapists are highly trained professionals who specialize in working with children to improve their speech and language skills. Here are some key aspects of their role:

• Assessment: The therapist begins by conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify the child’s specific speech and language challenges. This assessment may include standardized tests, observations, and interviews with the child and their family.
• Individualized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the therapist develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to the child’s unique needs and goals.
• Therapy Sessions: Therapy sessions typically involve various activities and exercises designed to target specific speech and language goals. These sessions are designed to be engaging and fun to keep the child motivated.
• Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child’s progress. Pediatric speech therapists often provide guidance and strategies for families to use at home to reinforce what the child learns in therapy.
• Progress Monitoring: Progress is continually monitored, and the treatment plan may be adjusted as the child makes improvements.

What to Expect During Pediatric Speech Therapy

Parents and caregivers may wonder what a typical pediatric speech therapy session looks like. While each session is tailored to the child’s specific needs, here are some common elements:

• Engaging Activities: Therapy sessions often incorporate games, toys, and activities that are enjoyable for the child. These activities are carefully designed to target specific speech and language skills.
• Positive Reinforcement: Therapists use positive reinforcement to motivate and encourage children. This can include praise, rewards, and a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Speech Sound Practice: If the child has difficulty pronouncing sounds or words, the therapist will work on these specific speech sounds during the session.
• Language and Communication Activities: Therapy sessions may also focus on improving vocabulary, sentence structure, comprehension, and expressive language skills.
• Parent/Caregiver Training: Involving parents and caregivers in the therapy process is essential. Therapists provide guidance on how to support the child’s communication development at home.

Supporting Your Child’s Speech and Language Development at Home

While pediatric speech therapy is a crucial part of a child’s development, parents and caregivers also play a significant role in supporting their progress. Here are some tips for supporting your child’s speech and language development at home:

• Engage in Conversation: Talk to your child regularly, even from a very young age. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and listen attentively to their responses.
• Read Together: Reading to your child is one of the most effective ways to promote language development. Choose age-appropriate books and make it a daily routine.
• Expand Vocabulary: Introduce new words and concepts during everyday activities. Describe objects, actions, and feelings to enrich your child’s vocabulary.
• Be Patient: If your child is working on specific speech sounds, be patient and provide opportunities for practice without pressure.
• Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can hinder language development. Set limits on screen time and encourage real-world interactions instead.
• Play Together: Play is a natural way for children to learn and develop language skills. Play games, use puppets, and engage in imaginative play with your child.

Pediatric speech therapy is a valuable resource for children who face speech and language challenges. It provides them with the tools and support they need to develop effective communication skills, boost their confidence, and thrive academically and socially. Parents and caregivers are essential partners in this journey, and by working together with pediatric speech therapists, children can achieve their full potential in speech and language development. Remember that seeking help early can make a significant difference in a child’s progress, so if you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified pediatric speech therapist .

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How Can a Pediatric Speech Therapist Help My Child?

Did you know that pediatric speech therapists treat more than speech? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help children with speech (the sounds our mouths make) & language (understanding & talking) . But we can also help your child with other skills!

There are many reasons why a child might need speech therapy. Speech & language therapy can help your child thrive at school, at home, & in all their daily activities! Let's explore how we help with speech & language, 3 unexpected areas we treat, & how to get connected with us today!

How We Help With Speech & Language

Is your child hard to understand, showing frustration with communication, or having difficulty understanding what you're telling them? If so, they might be having trouble with their speech or language skills. But don't worry, pediatric speech therapists are experts in these areas!

Here's what you can expect from speech and language therapy at Myna Therapy Services:

Our speech therapy sessions combine repetitive sound practice with engaging activities to help your child:

Use all age-appropriate speech sounds

Speak more clearly

Improve self-confidence and reduce frustration

Develop phonological skills to hear and manipulate sounds for speaking, reading, and spelling

We support your child's language development through activities that involve talking and playing! Using pictures, books, toys, and engaging experiences, we will help your child:

Gain new vocabulary and comprehend new words

Understand what they are told

Communicate with less frustration

Improve reading, spelling, and academic language skills

3 Unexpected Areas We Evaluate and Treat

Pediatric speech therapists can help your child in many different ways...some that you might not expect! Besides speech and language, we also evaluate and treat:

Feeding & Swallowing

We understand how stressful it can be when your child only eats a limited number of foods...not to mention how tiring it is to make more than one meal at each mealtime.

We will support your family during your normal daily routines by equipping you with strategies & proven techniques to help your child:

Explore new foods in a playful environment

Expand their food inventory to include a greater variety of foods and brands

Reduce gagging, vomiting, coughing, & spitting out food during meals

Tolerate a variety of food textures & smells

Enjoy mealtime experiences

Social Skills

If your child struggles to socially communicate, often feels left out, or has trouble making & keeping friends, we can help! We use videos, social scenes, & games to help your child:

Build social confidence

Practice conversational skills

Self-advocate when needed

Navigate and solve social problems or conflicts

Understand social nuances and hidden meanings

Cognitive Skills

Cognitive-communication skills are essential for social and academic success. Our therapy sessions are designed to support a variety of cognitive skills necessary for speech & language development and independence, including:

Attention and memory

Listening skills

Comprehension of spoken and written information

Problem-solving skills

Get Connected with a Pediatric Speech Therapist Today

Are you wondering if your child needs speech therapy? Give us a call today to learn more and set up an appointment with one of our highly trained pediatric speech therapists!

At Myna Therapy Services, o ur team of pediatric speech therapists is team is passionate about helping you reach the goals that matter most to you.

We're all in this together. We are here to work with you, your family, & your child to help them reach their highest potential!

CONTACT MYNA THERAPY SERVICES

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A Parent’s Guide to Speech Therapy for Children

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You are the expert of your child in knowing what they need and how they communicate their needs. You also may be the first one to notice if your child is having trouble expressing themselves. If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or feeding development, it may be time to contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

There are many reasons why you may want to seek speech therapy for your child. Some common reasons include: articulation problems, stuttering, difficulty with pronunciation, poor grammar skills, difficulty eating, and difficulty understanding others or being understood.

If this is your first time working with a speech-language pathologist, it may be overwhelming. As a parent, and a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I’d like to help you in the journey and clarify some things for you.

First, we will discuss the different types of SLPs available. Just as with other medical providers, there are several specialties within the general speech-language pathology umbrella. It’s important to choose the right provider to match your needs.

I’ll also provide some tips on how to find a SLP in your area to meet the needs of your child.

Finally, we will give an overview of what you can expect during a typical speech therapy session.

Article Overview

• What is a speech-language pathologist (SLP)?
• What are the different types of speech-language pathologists?
• How do I find a speech therapist in my area for my child?
• Questions to ask speech-language pathologist before starting therapy.

What is an evaluation?

What can i expect during a typical speech therapy session with my child, what are some things i can do at home to help my child with speech therapy goals, why is early intervention so important when it comes to speech and language development.

• Resources for parents of children who need speech therapy services.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

A speech-language pathologist is a healthcare professional who evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing/feeding disorders. They may work with children or adults.

Speech-language pathology is a vast field that includes many different areas of specialty. Some of the most common areas of specialization include articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, language, cognition, hearing, swallowing, chewing, social communication, and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities.

What are the different types of speech therapists?

Each of these areas is important in its own way, and speech-language pathologists who specialize in any one of them can provide vital help to children and adults who are struggling to communicate. For example, SLPs who specialize in articulation can help children to pronounce words correctly, while SLPs who specialize in language therapy will be more fit to address any expressive, receptive, or pragmatic (social) language delays or differences.

Because there are so many areas to focus on, many providers specialize in a specific area of focus. The list below (which is not exhaustive) highlights some of the most common areas of specialty. Most SLPs are familiar with treating multiple areas of concerns depending on the age of the clients they treat (i.e. pediatric vs geriatric).

• Articulation Therapy: This type of therapy helps children with the production of sounds.
• Language Therapy: This type of therapy helps children who have difficulty with receptive language, expressive language, and pragmatic language.
• Fluency Disorders: This type of therapy helps children who stutter.
• Voice Disorders: This type of therapy helps children with voice problems.
• Cognitive-Communication Disorders: This type of therapy helps children with specific language and higher level thinking skills.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): This type of therapy helps children who need alternative methods to communicate, such as picture exchanges, or electronic devices to communicate more effectively.
• Dysphagia Therapy: This type of therapy helps children with swallowing disorders.
• Early Intervention: This is an umbrella term used for children 0-3 or 0-5 depending on where you live.
• Pediatric Feeding Therapist: This type of therapy helps children with feeding difficulties. Some therapists specialize in the oral phase of feeding (chewing) while some specialize in the swallowing phase. They will see children who are having a hard time accepting or eating certain foods or if their diet is impacting their overall development and growth. Here is some more information on what feeding therapy can look like .
• Oral-Motor:  This type of therapy can help improve the movement and coordination of the lips, tongue, and jaw for speech production and feeding.

No matter what your child’s specific needs may be, there is sure to be a speech-language pathologist who can help. It’s important to do your research and find the therapist who is the right fit for you and your child. There are many different types of speech-language pathologists available, each with their own unique set of skills and areas of expertise.

How do I find a speech therapist for my child?

Before searching for a SLP, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

• Do you plan to use insurance, pay privately, or are you looking for services to be provided from your child’s school district?
• What type of therapy are you looking for?
• Do you prefer a male or female therapist?
• Where do you want to receive therapy? (In office, in the home, teletherapy?)

There are several ways to find a SLP in your area. Your ideal path may vary depending on the age of your child.

Here are a few ways you can find a speech therapist for your child in your area:

Ask your pediatrician for a referral.

Your pediatrician will know providers in your area and should be able to help you identify then type of provider you need to work with. 

Request an evaluation by your state’s early-intervention program.

If your child is between the ages of birth and five (birth to three in select states), you may qualify for speech-therapy services through your state’s early-intervention program. Your pediatrician can refer you to early-intervention or you can contact your state’s early intervention program to request an evaluation yourself. You can search “early intervention in my state ” and the state run helpline can guide you on next steps.

Request an evaluation from your child’s school.

If your child is older than the age of your early intervention program, ask for an evaluation from your in-school speech-language pathologist. Call the special education department in your school district and express your concerns. They should walk you through the next steps for what you need to do in order to see if your child is eligible to get support.

For example, in Connecticut where I live we have Birth-to-Three. Once the child turns three years old, they are eligible to be screened/evaluated by the school district, even if they are not in kindergarten yet.

Search the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) database.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a national organization that provides speech-language pathology certification. You can use their website to search for a speech-language pathologist in your area. This database includes information on each speech-language pathologist’s qualifications and areas of expertise.

Search Health Grades for a provider.

Health Grades is a website that allows you to search for health care providers by location and by specialty. You can also read reviews from other patients about their experiences with different SLPs.

Leverage local Facebook groups.

If you’re looking for a SLP in your area, leveraging your local Facebook groups can be a great way to get recommendations from other parents. Ask the group if anyone has had experience with a SLP in your area and what they thought of the provider. You may also be able to find online Facebook groups specifically for speech therapy recommendations.

Reach out to your insurance company.

Your insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of in-network speech therapists near you.

Research speech therapy providers online.

You can research SLPs in your area by visiting their websites, looking for customer reviews, and/or contacting the provider directly.

Once you have narrowed your list down to a few providers, you’ll want to reach out for a consultation. Many providers will offer a free 15-minute consultation, but this does vary by practice and provider type.

During your initial meeting or consult with the provider, here are a few questions to ask:

Questions to ask a Speech-language pathologist before starting therapy.

• What is your area of expertise?
• How long have you been practicing?
• Are you licensed and certified?
• Do you have experience working with children who have my child’s specific needs?
• How will speech therapy help my child?
• What do I need to do to help my child during speech therapy? 
• How often will my child need speech therapy?
• What should I expect from speech therapy sessions? 
• Is there anything my child can do at home to practice?
• Do I need to purchase anything for our sessions?
• How will we determine success?
• Will I be able to attend the speech therapy sessions with my child?
• What is your communication style (directive, collaborative, etc)?
• What are the fees for services?
• What is your cancellation policy?

Following your consult selection of your provider, you will schedule an evaluation.

A speech or feeding evaluation is a process by which a SLP determines the nature and extent of your child’s delays or differences in a specific area. Depending on your concerns, the speech therapist will assess your child’s speech, language, communication skills, or feeding skills. The SLP will ask you questions about your child’s medical history and development. They will observe your child’s speech/language/feeding directly using standardized or non-standardized testing. They will also observe indirectly usually through play or snack.

After the evaluation, the SLP will explain their findings and give recommendations for next steps. If there are delays or areas that need to be addressed, the SLP will develop a treatment plan for your child. This plan will include exercises and goals for your child to work on during sessions and at home.

Speech therapy sessions will involve working on specific goals dependent on the areas of need. During your initial evaluation, your SLP will identify the areas of delay or disorder.

Therapy sessions vary significantly depending on provider; your child’s area of focus, your child’s ability to attend and have demands be placed, and your child’s age. Regardless of the different styles and approaches to therapy, there will be a goal established and a way to work on that goal each session in an engaging manner.

Your SLP may target specific speech sounds, words, or sentences during therapy sessions. If your child is having difficulty with a particular sound, the SLP will work on exercises to help them produce that sound correctly in repetition (drill) or more of a play-based child-directed manner. This might involve saying the sound in different positions within words for “x” amount of trials throughout the session.

If your child is having difficulty with speech fluency, or stuttering, the SLP will work on exercises to help them increase their speech rate and improve their overall fluency.

If your child is in feeding therapy, your speech therapist may work on exposure to foods (in and out of the mouth), and specific oral motor skills that impact chewing and swallowing exercises during therapy sessions. 

Many speech therapy sessions also target social skills, such as turn-taking and conversation skills. The speech therapist will work on this through specific games and activities.

At the end of each speech therapy session, the speech therapist will typically provide you with some take home exercises to practice with your child in order to help them reach their speech, language or feeding goals.

Speech therapy sessions typically last 30-60 minutes, depending on your child’s age and attention span. Session frequency may vary. Once a week or bi-weekly is most common, although some speech therapists may recommend more frequent sessions depending on your child’s needs.

Speech therapy takes practice and patience! Your SLP should help you identify the specific actions you can take at home to help your child reach their speech and communication goals.

This might involve specific exercises or activities to do with your child, as well as tips on how to support your child’s speech and language development in general. It is important to practice speech and language skills in a variety of contexts and situations, not just during speech therapy sessions.

Here is a blog with a video on what speech-language therapy can look like at home.

The best time to seek speech therapy services is often when problems are first noticed. An abundance of research exists that shows how important early intervention is for children. Early intervention is crucial when it comes to speech and language development, so don’t wait if you think your child may need help. Sometimes children need a little bit of a push early on to help “catch up” to age appropriate developmental norms. Most early intervention evaluations are free through your state and insurance. I always tell parents if you have a concern, there is no harm in having your child evaluated and making a decision from there based on the findings.

You should have access to a screening or evaluation either through early intervention, or your school district (depending on the child’s age) at little to no cost. If you are not eligible for support through these agencies, you can seek further support through private therapies with insurance, or out of pocket pay.

I hope this helps!

For more speech and language tips, follow Speech and Feeding Kids on YouTube.

About the Author

DRAKE HASTINGS M.S., CCC-SLP

Drake Hastings is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in speech, oral motor, and feeding therapy for kids. Drake has a passion for working with children and families while helping children achieve goals using a fun and motivating approach to learning.

Drake’s main areas of focus within the practice are feeding therapy, and speech (sound production) therapy. Drake has experience working with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Apraxia of Speech, Dysarthria, Down Syndrome, and rare genetic disorders. Drake has experience working and collaborating with a wide variety of families and therapeutic team members while treating children of all ages.