Frequently Asked Questions

Speech and language therapy may be new to you and you may have many questions about it. You may not even be sure that you or your child needs speech therapy. Be sure to contact us if your questions are not answered here.

Speech is how we produce spoken words and sounds. It involves articulation (which is how we move our lips, tongue, and soft palate to make sounds), voice (use of the vocal folds and airflow), and fluency (the rhythm or flow of speech).
Language is how we communicate our ideas and needs with each other using a socially shared set of rules involving words, sentences, and conversation. Some people may have difficulty understanding language, expressing themselves through language or both.

Children develop at different rates, but there are guidelines to help us know if your child may need help. Early intervention is crucial; the earlier a problem is treated, the greater the chance your child will reach his or her fullest potential. If you answer yes to one or more of the following statements, you or your child may benefit from speech or language therapy:

  • You have concerns about your speech or your child’s speech
  • You are embarrassed about your speech
  • Your child is embarrassed about his or her speech
  • Your child does not seem to understand what is being said to him/her
  • Your child does not speak as well as peers
  • Your child is 1 year or older and has not said any words
  • Your child is 1 year old or younger and does not make any sounds or respond to sounds
  • Your child does not follow simple directions
  • Your child is frustrated, and cannot communicate wants and needs
  • Your child is not understood by unfamiliar people
  • You do not understand your child most of the time
  • Your child is 2 years old and does not speak in words
  • Your child is over 3 years and does not say “k, g, f, t, d, n” sounds correctly
  • Your child is over 6 and does not say most sounds correctly
  • Your orthodontist is concerned about tongue thrust
  • People have a difficult time understanding you or your child

This list does not cover all aspects of speech and language development. If you have a concern or question, please call us. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) also has helpful information.

A lisp is a developmental speech disorder characterized by incorrect tongue placement for “s” and “z” sounds. Although it is considered to be a normal pattern when a child is young, after age 4 ½ to 5 years, it is recommended that you seek advice from a speech-language pathologist if your child is still lisping.. There are several different kinds of lisps:

  • Interdental lisp: The tongue may be paced between the teeth.
  • Dentalized lisp: The tongue is placed on the teeth.
  • Palatal lisp: The tongue touches the palate during production of “s” and “z”.
  • Lateral lisp: Airflow is pushed over the sides of the tongue, making “s” and “z” sound “slushy”.

We are not currently contracted with any insurance companies. However, we will provide you with itemized invoices that include all the information you will need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Please call to cancel a session at least 24 hours in advance in order to avoid being charged for the session. Of course if there is an unexpected illness, please call as soon as possible to reschedule your session.