Tag Archives: private therapy

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

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Is your child a “late talker”?

Most children have a few words at 12 months of age and a rapidly growing vocabulary. At 18 – 24 months they begin to put two words together. These early words are not pronounced perfectly, but they are consistent in meaning. Toddlers who are late to speak or not yet speaking need an evaluation.

Does your child get frustrated or give up when trying to communicate with family or friends?

Typical children are understood most of the time by family and friends by age 3. They are easily understood by age 4. At age 5 they have their speech and grammar is clear, with one or two sound errors, such a ‘f’ for ‘th’ or ‘th’ for ‘s’ or a distorted ‘r’ sound. Grammar errors such as “brung” for “brought” are common.

Every child deserves to be heard and to understand others. Each little personality is unique. When dealing with skill deficits, some children will develop significant negative behaviors due to frustration. Some will become quieter and seem “shy.” Some children just keep trying with a smile! Get an evaluation and consider therapy.

Does your toddler stutter?

Some toddlers go through a period of stuttering as their speech and language rapidly develop. Parents can be alarmed at the sudden onset and severity of the stuttering. Most children grow out of this quickly, but if a pattern develops or you have concerns, consult a therapist. Changes in the language environment are helpful and therapy may be warrented.

Contact me!

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Implications for Therapy with Bilingual Children

Bilingual Speakers 1 Comment

I value the precious nature of a heritage or “first” language. I believe parents should never stop speaking that language to their children in their home or at family gatherings. I know that the intimate family connections that tie hearts together are supported by those early communication memories. I know that “old country” and “new country” cultural connections are extremely important to grow a healthy and thriving bilingual family. It’s a richness that cannot be replaced.  The respect for communication with elder monolingual relatives must be maintained, or reflect a 2nd class standing of the heritage language to children.
Apparently this view is not typical of citizens and newcomers to our United States, who value assimilation as the goal. I can see that there are social and economic reasons for this choice. It takes effort and discipline to maintain a bilingual household.  If you and your child need help with this process, contact me.  Public schools do not provide instruction to toddlers/preschoolers learning English as a second language.  If  your child is school age,  instruction through ESOL is usually indirect.

What to expect

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  • Free consultation by phone
  • Assessment of current speech and language skills or review of your assessment by another Speech Language Pathologist is needed first.
  • Goals are determined based on your child’s age and skill level.
  • Progress is shared briefly following each session and overall at the end of the 8 week term of treatment.
  • Sessions are not timed and length will be determined in part by your child’s age and ability to attend.  Generally 25 to 40 minutes is customary and then a brief follow up as needed.  Extended consultation may require another appointment.
  • Some children have not developed the prerequisite skills such as sitting at a table, visually attending to the therapist, and keeping hands and feet to themselves.  As a result, these skills may need to be taught in conjunction with speech language goals.
  • To receive the maximum benefit from therapy, home practice is expected.  A notebook with activities is provided.
  • Plan to remain in your home during the session.
  • Fees are paid each session and receipt for submission to your insurance is provided on request.  As insurance coverage varies, check your policy before beginning therapy.