Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Signs indicating that your child might benefit from speech therapy include difficulty forming words or sentences, limited vocabulary for their age, challenges in understanding or following directions, and prior diagnoses or suspicions of developmental disabilities. If you notice any of these concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation, and we can discuss age-appropriate milestones and whether your child may be an appropriate candidate for a formal evaluation.
What can I expect during a speech therapy session?
While initial evaluations typically last between 60-90 minutes, most treatment sessions at Pickett Up Speech are 30 minutes, with therapy methods tailored to your child's age, goals, and parent priorities. Sessions typically include a mix of play-based activities, targeted techniques, and interactive tasks designed to address specific speech and language goals.
Many clients attend therapy once per week. However disorder severity, scheduling needs, or resources may necessitate twice a week or every-other-week therapy sessions. When weather prevents attendance, some clients may be appropriate candidates for tele-therapy, however in-person therapy is preferred.
How can I support my child's speech development at home?
Parent/caregiver participation is highly encouraged to increase carryover of skills and faster improvement. Together we will closely monitor your child's progress and adjust strategies as needed to ensure effective outcomes. Consistent follow through on provided home programs (ie. 'speech homework') will significantly benefit your child's communication.
Universally, children have better communication outcomes when they have meaningful, daily face-to-face interactions with adults and peers with rich language exposure. Such opportunities include: family discussions over meals at the dinner table, playing with your child and taking an interest in their interests, and reading to your child daily. Reducing screen time (particularly small screens in your child's hand, as well as small screens in your own hands) will help increase these meaningful face-to-face language-learning opportunities.
What age should my child start speech therapy?
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your child's speech and language skills, it's never too early to seek help. In fact, early intervention will yield better outcomes for children with communication delays. Many children begin speech therapy between the ages of 2 and 5, however younger and older children are also seen. Reach out for a consultation if you are unsure whether your child's speech and language skills are appropriate for their age. Timely support can help your child improve their communication abilities and build confidence.