If you have any concerns regarding your child's speech or language development please feel free to contact us. You know your child the best. Some general guidelines for speech and language development (please keep in mind that there is a wide range of "normal"):
A more detailed chart and information regarding typical speech and language development can be found here: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/
We highly recommend that if you are concerned about your child's speech and language skills that you seek an evaluation from a licensed speech-language pathologist. The speech-language pathologists are trained specifically in speech and language development and are able to determine if there is a language delay or disability or if it is normal speech and language development.
Speech is how we communicate verbally. It includes: Articulation (how sounds are made), Voice (use of the vocal folds to produce sound), and Fluency (the rhythm of speech).
Language is a common set of rules that dictate how we communicate with one another. Included in language are: vocabulary (word meanings), how we put words together (grammar), how we make new words, and social language rules (pragmatics) such as how long to maintain eye contact, how close to stand, conversational turn taking.
Yes and yes. A child may have an intact speech sound system but have difficulty with language and the opposite may also be true. A child may have intact language skills but have difficulty using speech to express themselves.
Your child's speech and language skills are the basis for communicating with the world around them. Starting at birth these skills begin to develop. If there is a problem in one of these areas it can negatively impact a child's ability to communicate and be successful in school.
Another interesting fact is that speech and language skills are closely tied to literacy/reading skills. For example, if a child is unable to speak clearly they may have difficulty reading and understanding what sounds go with what letters. Another example is if a child has a language disorder then they may have difficulty understanding new words (vocabulary) or complex sentences (grammar).
We can't say it enough….the earlier the intervention the better!!
We will tailor your child's therapy sessions to their needs based on the evaluation. We love to have fun so while it may look like "play" it is "play with a purpose".
Please call us at (330) 249-1153. We will work with you on scheduling and if you child's daycare allows we would be happy to provide services at that location. This also allows us to see a child in a "natural" environment
It varies by insurance company and insurance plan. Many times speech and language services are not covered because they are not deemed "medically necessary", but other times it does. Or there is a set number of sessions that they will pay. We recommend that you contact your insurance carrier for your exact policy and we will be happy to help in any way that we can should you seek reimbursement.
At this time we are in network with the following insurances Aultcare, Anthem, Cigna, Tricare, Medical Mutual, SummaCare and Buckeye Health Plan