Speech Therapy: What Is It?

Speech and language therapy provides treatment and support to children and their families who have difficulties with communication. Speech and language assessments determine different areas of treatment. These include articulation disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, social pragmatic skills, oral motor weaknesses, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive functioning. Our goal is to help children gain skills to connect in daily life. Children may benefit from speech therapy if:

  • They have difficulty expressing thoughts, ideas, and feelings

  • Their understanding of social cues with peers and adults is not typical. They do not “pick up” on social cues from others. They also do not express socially acceptable thoughts or feelings toward others.

  • They are lacking clarity of speech and articulation. Parents are able to understand most of what their child says, but no one else is. Parents interpret for the child.

  • They have difficulty answering questions

  • They have any deficit in fluent speech

  • There is low muscle tone in the facial musculature

  • They have difficulty understanding and executing multi-step directions

  • They have difficulty understanding and receiving language

What to Expect at Your Appointment

During a speech and language evaluation, we will use various techniques to assess your child’s

  • Sound production
  • Language development
  • Pragmatics
  • Oral motor skills

Our therapies are sensory motor and play-based. Depending on the needs of the child, diagnostic assessments may be used. The family unit is also important to our evaluation. Input from people closest to the child aids in our evaluation process.

After a thorough speech and/or language evaluation, the evaluating therapist will discuss the findings and recommend the type and intensity of therapy. The therapist will offer strategies for home and/or school. If there are any additional programs that may also expedite progress, they will be given to the family.

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Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00

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  • 314.227.2508

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