Why Speech Therapy?
Today I want to answer some common questions about why your child should see a speech therapist and also a little bit about why I got into the field and started this company.
Who?
I have concerns about my child’s speech and/or language development. Who should I talk to and who should I see?
It is common to first ask your pediatrician some questions about your child’s development. This is a good starting point! After having a conversation with your child’s doctor, trust your gut and seek out more answers.
Find a speech-language pathologist in your area, get a consultation or an evaluation scheduled. An American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech-language pathologist is trained to evaluate and treat a large variety of speech and language concerns/areas.
What?
What should I expect when contacting a speech-language pathologist? Generally, an SLP will conducted an evaluation to determine if your child needs supports and/or services. An evaluation may consist of parent interviews and questionnaires, standardized assessments, play-based assessments, and informal observations. You can expect a formal report from the SLP with the results, conclusions and next steps.
If your child would benefit from services by an SLP, you will set up a therapy session. These sessions will be guided by goals created based on your child’s unique challenges, needs and strengths. Often times, therapy sessions look a lot like play! Parents can expect updates on progress from the clinician at the conclusion of the session.
When?
When should I contact an SLP? You should contact an SLP when you have concerns about your child’s speech and/or language development.
When will services be conducted? This is dependent on your child and their specific needs. You will work with the speech therapist to determine the best fit for your family. Services may be once a week or twice a week.
When will we be done with speech therapy? This varies for every child! Goals will continue to be addressed and updated. Progress will be monitored and formal and informal assessments will be conducted to determine continued needs for services.
Where?
Where will speech therapy services take place? There are several options available to you and your family. You might go to an outpatient clinic for speech therapy services. You may choose to get therapy services at your local school district. You may choose both of these options! There are also some traveling therapists (like myself) who see clients in the client’s homes.
Why?
Why should I get my child evaluated for speech therapy services? If you have concerns about your child’s speech and/or language development, it is important to have a conversation with an SLP as soon as possible. Early intervention is important and helpful for children and their families. Having support from an SLP can alleviate frustration for you and your child in communication at home and in the community.
My Why
I initially chose the field of speech-language pathology when I was a senior in high school. I knew that I wanted to work with children, I enjoyed helping people and I wanted to eventually have a family some day and flexibility for my family. I started my undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois (ILL!). I feel in love almost immediately! I was so passionate about this field and convinced some of my other college friends to join me on this path. I went to Purdue University for my Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Hello Indiana! I met my husband here in Indiana!
Why start my own business? I worked for 6 years in the public school system as an early childhood/preschool speech therapist. I loved it! The age range, the students, my team, I enjoyed it all! I decided to step back from the schools and start my own business for the flexibility and freedom to spend more time with my little family at home. I loved the connections I made with families in the schools, however I want to dig deeper and work more closely with my clients in their natural environments at home and include their families as much as possible.
