Speech Therapy
Pediatric speech therapy is just for kids, babies to young adults under 21. Speech therapy is targeted to treat communication challenges, both expressive and receptive, that cause children to have difficulty with verbal communication. Pediatric speech-language therapists work to help children communicate effectively by assisting with the improvement of their verbal and non-verbal language skills and even feeding and swallowing abilities.
How Does a Speech-Language Therapist Help Children?
Once an initial assessment is performed, the speech-language therapist will determine the best course of action. Their primary goal is to give parents and children the tools they need to improve their language skills. Therapists say “It’s the time spent using those tools at home and in the child’s natural environment that really creates lasting change.” Remember that treatment options and duration will vary for each child. For specific questions about your child, be sure to consult with their healthcare provider.
What Does a Speech-Language Therapist do?
Speech-language therapists focus on improving three main areas of communication- speech, receptive language, and expressive language
Speech
When therapists work with a child on speech, they’re looking to improve the child’s articulation- the formation of distinct and clear sounds, decrease stuttering- disfluency, or treat voice disorders.
Receptive Language
When theraptists work with a child to improve their receptive language, they are helping the child process and understand the information they’re receiving from others. Take following directions for example! When a therapist tells a child to “pick up the toy and put it in the basket,” the child has to take in the entirety of the information: knowing what a toy is, knowing what a basket is, understanding that they’re meant to do an action, etc.
Expressive Language
When therapists work with a child on expressive language, they are helping the child to learn how to produce words and combine words into phrases and sentences to outwardly communicate their wants, needs, and to share information. For example, when a therapist helps a child who wats a glass of water go from saying “water,” to “I want water, please,” they are working on expressive language!
When Might a Child Need To See a Speech-Language Therapist?
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech-language development or think they could benefit from a speech-language therapist, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider. Children see speech-language therapists for a variety of reasons including:
Difficulty with feeding or swallowing- unable to safely eat or drink age-appropriate foods and liquids
Difficulty articulating certain sounds
Difficulty with fluent speech – stuttering
Difficulty organizing information and regulating behavior
Difficulty understaing information such as directions or questions – needs help understanding words spoken to them
Difficulty using words, phrases, and sentences to communicate at an age appropriate level – needs help using words to communicate and/or turning words into phrases
Questions?
Send us a message and we'll get you the answers you're looking for as quickly as possible.
Or Call us M-F 8am-5pm
East Texas
903.508.4848
903.508.4849
Patient Focused. Family Driven
Company
Independently owned and operated from right here in Texas
East Texas
903.508.4848
903.508.4849
Accepting the Following Insurances
Aetna Medicaid
Amerigroup – Wellpoint
Children’s Medical Center Health Plan
Community First Health Plan
Cooks Children's Health Plan
Molina
Parkland Medicaid
Superior Health Plan – PDN Only
Texas Children's Health Plan
TMHP
United Healthcare – Star Kids Medicaid and StarPlus Medicaid
More to come.....
Now hiring - View all Nursing and Therapy positions
Apply online to be a part of a family of nurses and caring individuals focused on enriching the lives of everyone we touch!