Speech therapy is a specialized treatment for people who have difficulties with communication and/or producing certain sounds. It is provided by a speech language pathologist (also known as a speech therapist). Some examples include a child under the age of three who is not producing enough words for their age. Another example is an adult who has suffered a stroke and cannot remember certain words.

Speech therapy benefits a diverse group of individuals, each with unique needs:

1. **Children with Speech and Language Delays:** Kids who struggle with articulation, fluency (e.g., stuttering), or language comprehension and expression can greatly benefit from speech therapy. This includes those with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, or specific language impairments. Children who are late talkers are frequently referred for speech therapy services.

2. **Individuals with Articulation Disorders:** Speech therapy assists those who have difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly, which can affect their ability to communicate clearly. Common issues include substituting one sound for another or omitting sounds.

3. **People with Language Disorders:** These individuals may have trouble understanding what others say (receptive language) or expressing themselves (expressive language). This can affect their ability to form coherent sentences, follow instructions, or engage in conversations.

4. **Children and Adults with Social Communication Disorders:** Individuals, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may struggle with pragmatic language, such as understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, or making appropriate remarks. Speech therapy can help them develop these skills.

5. **Individuals with Cognitive-Communication Disorders:** Those who have difficulty with memory, attention, problem-solving, and organizing thoughts due to conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke can benefit from speech therapy. The therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions related to communication.

6. **People with Voice Disorders:** Speech therapy helps those with issues related to pitch, volume, and voice quality. Conditions like vocal nodules, polyps, or paralysis can cause voice disorders that require specialized treatment.

7. **Individuals with Fluency Disorders:** Those who stutter or have other fluency issues can receive therapy to improve the rhythm and flow of their speech, which can enhance their communication abilities.

8. **Patients with Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia):** Speech therapists also work with individuals who have difficulty swallowing, often due to neurological conditions, head and neck cancer, or aging. Therapy can help improve swallowing function and safety.

9. **People with Hearing Impairments or Auditory Processing Disorders (APD):** These individuals may struggle with understanding and processing spoken language, especially in noisy environments. Speech therapy can improve their auditory processing and communication skills.

10. **Post-Surgical or Stroke Patients:** Individuals who have undergone surgery affecting the vocal cords or those recovering from a stroke may experience speech and language difficulties. Speech therapy is crucial in their rehabilitation to regain communication abilities.

11. **Individuals with Degenerative Diseases:** Those with conditions like Parkinson's disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis may experience progressive speech and language difficulties. Speech therapy can help maintain communication skills and improve the quality of life.

In summary, speech therapy supports a wide range of individuals with communication, cognitive, and swallowing difficulties, helping them improve their ability to interact effectively with others.

To begin this journey together, the speech therapist will meet with the family. Together they will discuss the concerns, background history, and what they would like to gain from therapy. If necessary, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted. Schedule a 15 minute (FREE) consultation call with us to review your concerns and discuss the next steps.

Absolutely! Our speech therapists are multilingual in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, and they are trained in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In fact, when more than one language is spoken at home, it is best practice to conduct a multilingual evaluation rather than just in one language. This approach helps determine whether a language difference or disorder is present and will significantly impact the course of treatment. So yes, evaluations and treatments can be conducted in any of these languages to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach.

Yes! Teletherapy works well for many individuals. We will work with you to determine if in-person or online teletherapy is more suitable for you.

The cost will be determined based on the length of the session. Please contact us for more details regarding cost and potential reimbursement options.