What is a speech-language pathologist?

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Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are professionals who work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

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How do I know if my child needs speech/language therapy?

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According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 7.7 percent of U.S. Children ages 3-17 have had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past 12 months. Consider seeking a consultation if see any of the following signs:

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• Not babbling at age 4-7 months

• Lack of gesturing

• Not speaking in sentences

• Difficulty producing specific sounds - do you or others have difficulty understanding your child?

• Is your child having difficulty understanding what is being said?

• Does your child have difficulty interacting with others in social situations?

• Is your child struggling with reading and/or writing?

• Is there a family history of speech and/or language disorders?

• Does your child have another condition that puts her/him at risk for a speech/language disorder, such as a genetic disorder or Autism Spectrum disorder?

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What happens during a speech and language evaluation?

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A comprehensive speech and language evaluation typically lasts 60 minutes. It typically includes a parent or caregiver interview that includes a review of your child's medical and developmental history and your concerns. Depending on your concerns, different assessment tools will be used to assess your child's communication skills compared to same-age peers. This information will be analyzed and you will receive a detailed report outlining skills and recommendations.

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What does therapy look like?

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Recommendations will be made about frequency of therapy based on your child's skills and needs. Therapy will be tailored to fit your child's needs and interests, and will incorporate parent feedback and participation to facilitate home carryover and generalization. Progress toward goals is monitored each session and goals are adapted as needed.

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Where will therapy take place?

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Currently, we offer community-based services, which means services are offered at the family’s home, daycare, or community setting. Services are currently offered in the DeKalb, IL county and surrounding areas. If you live in another area, please contact us to determine whether a therapist can travel to your location.

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What is the difference between monolingual and bilingual speech therapy?

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If your child has difficulties with speech and/or language and is exposed to more than one language, a bilingual evaluation is recommended. A bilingual evaluation allows speech pathologists to assess skills necessary for effective communication in both languages Based on your child’s needs, the speech therapist will work with you to determine how each of your child’s languages will be supported within his/her speech therapy sessions. For some children, a Spanish-English bilingual speech therapist may complete language learning activities entirely in Spanish. For other children, an English-speaking services may be more appropriate. Each child’s speech therapy session will be individualized based on their current skills and language proficiency.