What does speech language pathologist do?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), commonly referred to as speech therapists, provide evaluation and remediation services for the following disorders or delays: articulation (pronunciation of words), fluency (stuttering), voice, receptive language (comprehension), expressive language, pragmatic language (social skills), oral motor skills, feeding and swallowing.
What is the difference between a speech language pathologist, a speech pathologist, a speech therapist, a speech clinician, and a speech teacher?
They are all synonymous terms and should be equally licensed and certified. The term speech teacher is usually used in a school–their qualifications may be different based on the school’s criteria for the position.
How long does speech therapy take?
Speech therapy can vary. Each case needs to be looked at individually and discussed with the professionals and family members within the context of the remediation process.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment in three different ways:
- You can phone us at: (214) 683-5123 In your message, state that you are a new referral and would like an appointment.
- You can send email to anna@playwithwordstheraphy.com
- Submit your request via website
Phone referrals are returned within 24 hours. (Allow extra time if your referral comes in over the weekend.)
Do you accept insurance?
While a doctor’s referral is often necessary for getting authorization and coverage from your insurance company, your child can be seen without a referral. Please check with your insurance company to be sure that preauthorization is not necessary.
What information do you need regarding my child prior to an evaluation?
More Than Words Therapy asks that you complete our Patient Information form. You can mail these or bring them to your child’s first appointment.Additionally, any reports that you may have from other related professionals knowledgeable regarding your child’s development and skills (i.e.: teachers, OTs, PTs, SLPs, pediatrician, geneticist, neurologist, psychologist, developmental specialist) would be very helpful. These may be emailed to us or you may bring a copy to your child’s first appointment.
Do you have any therapists who are bilingual?
Anna is available to provide bilingual speech pathology services, both evaluations and treatment in Russian and Hebrew.
Will my child grow out of his speech problem?
The best answer to this question is to speak with a speech language pathologist directly regarding the specific areas of concern. It may be necessary for the clinician to schedule an appointment.
What happens during Speech-Language, Cognitive, and Voice Evaluations?
Prior to the evaluation
Parents complete a questionnaire regarding their concerns and the child’s medical, developmental, and educational history.
We will request medical information from the child’s pediatrician, and may also request information from other medical or educational professionals who have evaluated the child.
During the evaluation
Your child’s medical, developmental, and educational history is carefully reviewed. Parents are interviewed regarding their concerns and the child’s history. This information helps the Speech-Language Pathologist identify areas to evaluate more closely.
A variety of methods, including formal and informal tests, observation, parent/caregiver interview, and play-based activities will be used to evaluate your child’s speech, language, cognition, and voice. Selection of testing methods is based on your child’s individual needs. Parents are encouraged to observe during the evaluation.
Following the evaluation
Initial results of the evaluation and recommendations are reviewed with you (and your child if age appropriate). A written report detailing evaluation results will be mailed to your home and to your child’s physician (if requested).
What is a Treatment Plan?
A treatment plan is an individualized plan created by the Speech-Language Pathologist to address your child’s speech, language, cognitive, and/or voice needs.
The plan may include:
• Recommendations for therapy or re-screening/re-evaluation at a later time
• Initial goals to address during therapy
• Referrals to other professionals (i.e., audiologist, medical specialist, occupational/physical therapist, etc…)
• Referral to other community services, such as an early intervention program
• Suggestions for parents/caregivers and educators
