How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Children are often referred to speech therapy after a healthcare provider has expressed concerns about their development or they have been diagnosed with a disability with known associations with speech and language delays.

Other times, parents notice that their child does not have the same communication skills as other children. They may miss important developmental milestones. For example, a child may still prefer to use gestures to communicate rather than using words. Or, a child may have difficulty putting words together to make a sentence or being understood by others.

Is there a difference between “speech” and “language”?

Yes, an important one. In young children, “speech” refers to the individual sounds that a child can say, like /m/ or /d/. “Language” refers to system of communication children use to express themselves. It encompasses a child’s vocabulary, grammar, and ability to understand what you say.

How long do therapy sessions last?

Typically, therapy sessions are scheduled for 45-60 minutes depending on the age and needs of the child. Time is always set aside at the end to address questions parents may have, discuss the child’s progress, and plan for upcoming sessions.

Why you do recommend in-home therapy?

In-home therapy is recommended for many reasons. First, in-home therapy allows children to remain in their most familiar and comfortable environments. This helps therapists target communication skills using the routines, people, and toys children interact with daily. Second, it maximizes parent involvement, which fosters a deeper understanding of children’s needs and progress. Finally, in-home therapy is inherently flexible. Prefer to do today’s session at the local park? Let’s do it! Sibling unexpectedly home from school today? Let’s involve them in our play.

Of note, Sprouts does not offer teletherapy at this time. Because Sprouts specializes in treating children ages birth to three, high-quality speech and language intervention are best provided in-person.

Tell me more about developmental coaching & consultations.

Developmental coaching & consultations is different than traditional therapy. Some parents simply need a one-time resource to discuss their child’s development, ask questions, and learn about developmental milestones. Other parents want a professional to monitor their child’s speech and language growth every six months without the commitment of regular therapeutic sessions in between.

The description of this service is intentionally broad in order to provide care to as many families as possible - even those whose children are considered typically developing.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time, Sprouts does not bill insurance directly and is considered an out-of-network provider. Sprouts is a private pay practice that accepts payment via cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Private pay structures allow therapy to be individualized to the specific needs of each family. In addition, it does not require a referral from a healthcare provider or limit the intensity of the therapy provided.