Full Speech/Language Evaluation: Typically lasts between 1 ½ – 2 hours. With this evaluation, we are able to obtain a complete picture of language skills (receptive and expressive language, grammar skills, vocabulary, etc.). In addition, we assess articulation, speech fluency, and voice quality.
Articulation Evaluation: Lasts about an hour. We assess speech production of all the sounds of English. In addition, we look at overall intelligibility, oral-motor structure and movements, and the child’s ability to correct his/her production of any error sounds given cueing.
Stuttering Evaluation: Lasts about an hour. Assesses overall speech fluency to determine frequency and severity of repetitions, blocks, interjections, and revisions when answering questions or participating in conversation.
Toddler Evaluation: Lasts about an hour. This evaluation is appropriate for children birth to about three who are referred due to possible delays in language skills (late talking, limited response to questions/directions, delayed play skills, poor interaction with others). The evaluation consists of a parent interview, observation of play skills, and interaction during play.
Treatment Sessions:
We can schedule therapy sessions, if indicated, after the evaluation is completed to ensure the most flexible scheduling. We may be able to schedule back-to-back appointments if your child will receive both occupational and speech therapy. Your child’s therapist will ask for your input on therapy goals and will draft formal short-term and long-term goals with the evaluation report.
Speech/language therapy sessions are scheduled for 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions, depending on your child’s age and speech/language concerns. Therapy is typically scheduled once or twice weekly, although it sometimes occurs with a greater or lesser frequency. Your child’s therapist will provide input and recommendations.
Speech/language therapy sessions typically take place in one of our smaller therapy rooms or small gyms, depending on your child’s concerns. Parents are always welcome in our sessions. Direct parent involvement is especially important with younger children in order to facilitate effective home carryover. If you choose not to remain inside the therapy room during your child’s session, you are welcome to watch through the observation window or remain in the waiting room. After the session, your child’s therapist will provide input on your child’s performance and progress during the session, as well as on ways you can carryover therapy techniques at home.
Our clinic is play-based and child-centered, so you can rest assured that your child’s therapy session will be fun! We try to draw on the child’s interests and bring in materials and activities that will be motivating while achieving our therapy goals. You will often see us on the floor or engaged with children in movement activities to keep them motivated and involved in the therapy session. We welcome your continued input throughout therapy on goals and activities for your child.