1.  What does a typical speech therapy session look like?  

Speech sessions typically last either 30 or 60 minutes, depending on your child's recommended care plan.

30-minute sessions

• 20 minutes of direct treatment

• 10 minutes for caregiver education and progress documentation. 

60-minute sessions

• 50 minutes of direct treatment

• 10 minutes spent on caregiver education and progress documentation.  

Caregivers are encouraged to join sessions to learn and implement strategies at home.  Your involvement ensures continued progress outside of therapy. It is understood that some children may benefit when caregivers are not in the session room, in those cases caregivers are encouraged to visit the education lobby for resources on speech and language stimulation strategies while your child is engaging in treatment. 

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2.   At what age should a child see a speech pathologist?

Children can be seen in speech therapy as young as 18 months or when you notice any delays. The earlier you can identify your child's speech-language needs the better the outcome.  You can refer to the list of *communication milestones as a starting point in how your child is developing compared to peers.  If there are still concerns, you can set up a consultation.  

 

​3.  Why would a child need a speech pathologist?

A speech pathologist/therapist can help a child develop effective communication skills. There's a wide array of communication skills a speech therapist can treat, such as articulation, language, fluency, voice, play, feeding, social skills, reading comprehension and executive function skills. Early intervention can enhance academic and social success.​

 

4.  What age is too late for speech therapy?

It's never too late for speech therapy. People of all ages can benefit, as therapy strives to improve communication skills and enhance quality of life.​

 

5.  Can parents cause a speech delay?

Parents generally do not cause speech-language delays as there are many contributing factors to these delays.  Speech-language delays can result from a combination of environmental, genetic or developmental factors.  Factors such as a child's overall health, exposure to language and individual developmental pace play a role in speech development.  In my sessions, I provide strategies parents can implement at home throughout their normal daily routines to help their child progress in communication.

 

6.  At what age should you worry if your child isn't talking?

Children should be using words between the ages of 18-24 months.  Typically, within that period children have a vocabulary of 20-40 words.  A child's speech at that age may not be clear, but any recognizable sound they consistently use to refer to an object or express a need counts as a word.  Any early communication efforts, even if not perfectly spoken, are positive signs of language development. If you are worried, I'm here to help you understand your child's development and guide you.  

 

​7.  Can a child outgrow a speech delay?

Some children may naturally outgrow a speech delay without formal therapy, but speech delays in some children persist without proper intervention.  This could impact academic and social relationships. If your child is exhibiting a speech delay, it's best to consult your pediatrician and a speech pathologist to determine if therapy is the appropriate route.

 

8.  Is speech delay autism? 

Speech delay and autism are not the same.  Speech-language delays have various causes and not every child with a speech-language delay has autism.  A comprehensive speech-language assessment can help determine the factors contributing to a speech delay.

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9. Can too much TV or screentime cause a speech delay?

Excessive TV or screentime exposure can potentially contribute to speech delays in young children.  This occurs because screen time is taking away from direct communication interactions.  It's important to have a healthy balance of screen time with engaging activities and time for interactive communication to help overall language development.  At Totally Communicating LLC, I bring back the old-school joy of playing with toys which promotes creativity, imagination, and stronger cognitive growth.  My sessions will expose your child to a world outside of screen time helping to bring back the joy of traditional play.

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10.  Why is my 2-year-old not talking but understands everything?

It's not uncommon for a two-year old to understand more than they can express verbally.  At this age, language development varies, and many children start to comprehend language before they start speaking. This is a normal part of language development.  Their understanding is a good sign! At Totally Communicating LLC, we can work together as a team and incorporate engaging activities that will help stimulate your child's verbal skills. 

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11.  What are the benefits of self-payment in a private speech clinic when I can go to a bigger clinic and use my insurance?

While using your insurance may offer short-term cost savings, it's important to consider the unique advantages of self-pay in a small clinic like Totally Communicating LLC.   Opting for self-pay ensures continunity with the same therapist each session, who can play a more diligent, multifaceted role beyond speech therapy.  This includes incorporating higher levels of advocacy, counseling, and providing attentive, reliable support as a consistent partner in your child's long-term journey.   In contrast, larger clinics often have waitlists, frequency and duration limits and standardized models when using insurance benefits.  Insurance restrictions can limit the number of therapy visits and dictate treatment plans, leading to potential denials. 

 

At Totally Communicating LLC, you receive a personalized, premium, comprehensive approach that extends far beyond these limitations.  I am committed to being an unwavering ally, offering support, guidance, and continuity in a holistic approach that ensures your child receives the treatment they truly deserve. 

 

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