Pediatric Speech Therapy Services in Jacksonville, Florida: More Than a Voice

Introduction

Welcome to More Than a Voice! We are the best place in Jacksonville, FL, to assist children who struggle to communicate and comprehend language. Our unique approaches guarantee that every child receives the attention they require. In this guide, we will go over how we help children with speech therapy, what to look for if your child needs help, and how our team can make a big difference. Join us to learn more!

What is Pediatric Speech Therapy?

Pediatric speech therapy teaches children how to communicate effectively and understand others. Speech therapists (SLPs) help children improve their speaking, listening, and communication abilities.

What Age Should a Child Start Speech Therapy?

If a child requires speech therapy, they can start as early as 18 months. If a child is having difficulty speaking or understanding words, seek help as soon as possible. Speech therapists can work with children of all ages.

Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Delayed Speech: If your child isn't speaking as well as other children their age, they may benefit from speech therapy. For instance, if a 2-year-old isn't forming simple sentences like "want cookie" or "go outside," this may indicate a delay.
• Difficulty Pronouncing Words: If your child has trouble pronouncing words correctly, speech therapy can help. For example, saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit" or "poon" instead of "spoon" can be signs of articulation issues.
• Limited Vocabulary: If your child does not know or use many words, they may need extra help. A rich vocabulary helps children express their thoughts and needs effectively.
• Difficulty Understanding Others: If your child struggles to follow instructions or understand what others say, speech therapy may help. This can include not following simple directions like "Get your shoes" or "Come here."

Parental Observations

• Behavioral Cues: Watch for signs of frustration when attempting or avoiding speaking. This can manifest as tantrums or withdrawal during conversations.
• Communication Challenges: Keep an eye out if your child is having trouble communicating with friends or family. They might avoid talking, not respond when spoken to, or have difficulty playing and interacting with other children.

If you notice any of these signs, you should see a speech therapist. Early intervention can have a significant impact on your child's communication skills.

How Are Speech Delays Diagnosed?

The Diagnostic Process for Speech Disorders

When a child requires speech therapy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will administer tests to determine what is wrong. This is how they find out:

1. Initial Evaluation: The SLP will meet with the child and parents to inquire about their speech and language development. They might ask when the child started talking, if they have trouble understanding words, or if any family members have speech problems.
2. Standardized Tests: The SLP will administer specialized tests to evaluate the child's speech and language skills. These tests allow you to compare your child's abilities to those of their peers. The tests may include naming pictures, following simple instructions, or repeating words and sentences.
3. Observation: The SLP will observe the child's communication and play skills. They may look into the child's use of language, understanding of others, and social interactions. This allows the SLP to observe the child's communication skills in their natural setting.
4. Hearing Tests: Hearing issues can cause speech delays. The SLP may suggest a hearing test to ensure the child's ears are functioning properly.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers in Diagnosis

Parents and caregivers play an important role in the diagnostic process. They can give the SLP useful information about the child's speech and behavior. Here's how parents can help:

• Share Observations: Parents can tell the SLP about their child's words, how they ask for things, and whether they become frustrated when trying to communicate.
• Provide History: Inform the speech-language pathologist of any milestones, such as the child's first word, as well as any concerns about their speech development.
• Be Involved: During the evaluation, parents can put the child at ease by following the SLP's instructions.

Working together, the SLP and parents can gain a thorough understanding of their child's speech and language needs. This helps to devise the best strategy for assisting the child in improving their communication skills.

What Happens During Speech Therapy Sessions?

The Speech Therapy Process

Speech therapy sessions are designed to help children improve their speaking and language skills. Here's what usually happens:

• Play-Based Activities: To make learning more enjoyable, the therapist uses games and toys. This can include puzzles, books, and pretend play. For example, they could use a toy car to practice words like "go" and "stop." These activities keep the child engaged while working on important skills.
• Repetition and Practice: The child practices saying sounds, words, and sentences repeatedly. The therapist may use flashcards or pictures to help the child learn. They may repeat words like "cat" and "hat" to practice the "k" and "h" sounds. Repetition reinforces the correct speech patterns.
• Modeling and Imitation: The therapist speaks words or sentences, and the child tries to repeat them. This helps the child learn to correctly pronounce the words. For example, the therapist may say "big red ball," which the child repeats. Imitation teaches kids how to make sounds and words.
• Rewards and Encouragement: Positive reinforcement, such as praise or small rewards, can help children become motivated. When a child performs well, the therapist may give him or her a sticker or a high five. Encouragement boosts a child's confidence and makes learning fun.

Session Length and Frequency

• Session Length: Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes long, depending on the child's needs and attention span. Shorter sessions are often more appropriate for younger children with limited attention spans. The therapist ensures that the sessions are long enough to progress while short enough to keep the child's attention.
• Frequency: Most children have speech therapy once or twice a week. The exact frequency is determined by the amount of assistance the child requires. Children with severe speech delays may need more frequent sessions. Consistent therapy reinforces what the child has learned and enables regular progress checks.

Speech and language skills in children improve as they participate in enjoyable and engaging speech therapy sessions. Regular attendance and practice can yield significant results over time, allowing children to communicate more effectively.

How Long Does Speech Therapy Take to See Results?

Expected Results and Progress

The time required for speech therapy to produce results varies. Some children may improve in a few months, while others may need more time. It is determined by the child's specific issues, the frequency of therapy sessions, and the amount of practice they receive at home. Regular attendance and practice can hasten progress.

Monitoring and Celebrating Speech Progress

Speech therapists use regular assessments to track a child's progress and celebrate their accomplishments. They evaluate the child's progress with a variety of tools and methods. Parents can help by recognizing small achievements and milestones, such as learning a new word or correctly completing a sentence. Positive reinforcement, like praise and rewards, can motivate children to work harder. Children can stay motivated and improve their communication skills by keeping track of their progress and celebrating their achievements.

Can Parents Help with Speech Therapy at Home?

Parental Involvement and Home Practice

Yes, parents have a significant role in their children's speech therapy progress. They can assist by applying the techniques and exercises taught by the therapist. Parents can help their children improve their speech skills by naming objects during play, reading books together, and encouraging them to repeat words. Consistent practice at home can make a big difference in the child's progress.

The Value of Family Support

Family support is essential for a child's success in speech therapy. Parents and caregivers can create a positive and encouraging environment in which their children can practice speaking. Families can help their children gain confidence by remaining patient and celebrating small victories. Simple activities, such as having regular conversations and listening attentively, can also aid in the child's speech development.

Speech Therapy Covered Under Insurance?

Financial and Logistical Considerations of Speech Therapy

Your insurance plan determines the amount of speech therapy coverage you receive. Some insurance companies cover speech therapy sessions, but others do not. Consult your insurance provider to determine coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. We can also explain your insurance options and walk you through the process of confirming coverage for speech therapy services.

Scheduling Therapy and Accessibility

Scheduling speech therapy sessions at More Than a Voice is simple and flexible to meet your family's needs. Most sessions are scheduled once or twice per week, depending on the needs of the child. Our clinic is conveniently located in Jacksonville, FL, and we offer flexible hours to accommodate busy family schedules. We offer online resources and support to help you manage appointments and stay on track with your therapy.

Making therapy accessible and affordable is a key part of our mission, and we collaborate with families to find the best solutions for their specific needs.

What Qualifications Should a Pediatric Speech Therapist Have?

Pediatric speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), must meet certain criteria in order to provide effective therapy. More Than a Voice's speech therapists are highly qualified to help children with their speech and language needs.

• Education: All of our speech therapists hold a master's degree in speech and language pathology. This advanced education prepares them to diagnose and treat children's speech and language disorders.
• Licensing and Certification: Our therapists are licensed by the state of Florida and certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. This certification, known as the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), requires extensive testing and continuing education.
• Experience: Our speech therapists have extensive experience working with children of all ages. They are adept at dealing with a wide range of speech and language issues, such as articulation disorders, language delays, and social communication challenges.
• Specialized Training: Many of our therapists have additional training in autism spectrum disorders, apraxia of speech, and early childhood interventions. This specialized training enables them to deliver targeted and effective therapy to children with special needs.

We at More Than a Voice are dedicated to providing exceptional speech therapy services. Our qualified and experienced therapists are dedicated to helping each child reach their full communication potential.

Monica d’Errico, Speech Therapy Program Director

Monica D'Errico is the director and primary speech-language pathologist at More Than a Voice. She is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with a master's degree. With over ten years of experience, Monica specializes in early childhood intervention, autism spectrum disorders, and apraxia of speech. Her leadership ensures that every child receives top-notch care.

To learn more about Monica and the rest of our team, please visit our team page.

What Are the Causes of Speech and Language Delays in Children?

Understanding the Causes of Speech and Language Delays

Several factors can lead to speech and language delays. Here are some common causes and detailed explanations:

• Hearing Loss: Children who have trouble hearing may struggle to develop speech and language skills. Hearing is necessary for learning to speak, and even mild hearing loss can impair a child's ability to recognize sounds and words. Regular hearing tests can help detect this problem at an early stage.
• Developmental Disorders: Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities can limit a child's ability to communicate. These disorders frequently present with a wide range of symptoms that can impair speech, language, and social communication skills. Early intervention is critical for assisting children with these disorders in improving their communication abilities.
• Neurological Issues: Brain or nervous system disorders, such as cerebral palsy, can impair both the muscles used to speak and the brain's ability to process language. Children with neurological issues may need specialized therapy to meet their specific needs.
• Lack of Language Exposure: To learn a language, children must hear and practice it. A child may fall behind if they do not have enough spoken language exposure, whether through limited interaction or a verbal communication-free environment. Reading to children, talking to them, and encouraging conversation are all beneficial to their language development.
• Premature Birth: Children born prematurely frequently face developmental challenges such as speech and language delays. Premature babies may have underdeveloped organs and systems, including those involved in speech and hearing, resulting in delays.
• Oral-Motor Issues: Some children have difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for speech, which is referred to as oral-motor dysfunction. This can include problems with the tongue, lips, and jaw, making it difficult for them to form sounds and words properly. Specialized exercises and therapies can improve muscle coordination and speech production.

Understanding the underlying cause of a child's speech and language delays is critical for devising an effective treatment strategy. If you are concerned about your child's speech development, a speech-language pathologist can help you identify the issue and recommend the best treatment.

Conclusion

Be an Empowered Parent

As a parent, you are your child’s biggest supporter. With the right education, tools, resilience, and unconditional love, you can overcome any challenge and help your child succeed and be happy. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Millions of parents and caregivers nationwide care for children with speech and language disorders, and together as a community, we can improve our kids' prospects.

Learn More about Speech Therapy

For more information on speech therapy and how it relates to your child, please visit our other articles. Staying informed allows you to advocate for your child's needs and access the resources they need to grow and thrive. Your dedication to your child's health and learning inspires us. If you know other parents, caregivers, educators, or professionals who could benefit from this information, sharing awareness and understanding is a great gift.

Join a Community

If you have any questions about speech delays, please reach out to our team at More Than a Voice Speech Therapy. Visit our speech therapy YouTube page, or sign up for our Talk-Time community to connect with fellow parents and gain support.