frequently asked questions
What is a Speech-Language pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and provide treatment for children and adults with a variety of speech-language, cognitive, voice, and feeding-swallowing difficulties. Here at Allie Johnson Speech Therapy, LLC, we serve children ages 1-12 who present with speech sound difficulties as well as other expressive or receptive language delays/deficits.
What is the difference between speech and language?
Speech is the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words. Speech requires movement of the articulators (lips, tongue, jaw) to create sound. These sounds, when put together correctly, create language. Language is the words (or actions) we use to share thoughts and ideas. Expressive language is created when we use words to convey our wants and needs. In order for that message to be understood, the speaker must appropriately use words in order to help the listener understand the message. Receptive language is the ability of an individual to understand the information that they are given.
How do I initiate speech-language therapy services?
If you are interested in speech-language therapy services, refer to our contact page to set up a time for a phone consultation or free in-person screening for your child. Recommendations will be given and, if you decide to pursue a full evaluation, you will be asked to complete intake paperwork that will be sent to you electronically. If the evaluation results indicate that speech and/or language therapy intervention is warranted, we will then schedule regular therapy sessions.
What can I expect at the evaluation?
An evaluation can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the areas being assessed. This allows us the opportunity to evaluate speech and language skills through standardized tests, observation, social/health history, and parent interview. Referrals to other professionals may be made if it is found that your child is having difficulties in areas that are outside of our scope of practice, including an ENT, Audiologist, Orthodontist, Occupational Therapist, or Physical Therapist. Following the evaluation, a full evaluation report will be written and results will be reviewed with you at the first therapy appointment, if therapy is warranted. If it is found that your child has met age-appropriate speech and language skills, there will be no further appointments.
How frequent/long are typical therapy sessions?
Most therapy sessions last 30-45 minutes (with an additional 5 minutes to discuss goals and progress with caregivers) and are often scheduled for 1-3 times per week. Therapy sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each child and therefore, their therapy schedule is individualized based on his or her therapy goals, family schedules, finances, age, and attention/tolerance level.
Do you participate with insurance companies?
We do not participate as an in-network provider with insurance companies, but can provide a superbill that you can submit to you insurance company for reimbursement. If you plan to submit bills to your insurance company, you should check with your insurance company before your first visit to find out what speech and language services they will support. You should also find out what information the insurance company needs. For example, you may need a note from your doctor (referral), or permission from the insurance company called “pre-authorization”. Please keep in mind that referrals and pre-authorizations do not guarantee that insurance will pay for services. We do accept payment via cash, check, credit card, or HSA card.
What "red flags" indicate a possible speech or language delay for my child?
If you suspect that your child may have a speech or language delay, we would recommend reaching out to your pediatrician, daycare provider, or teacher. They are great at gauging your child's overall development compared to same-age peers. All kids develop differently and excel in different ways. At Allie Johnson Speech Therapy, LCC, we work primarily with children ages 3-12. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides expected speech/language milestones for each age group. Click here for milestones for children birth-five and click here for elementary-aged children.
How can I help promote strong speech and language skills at home?
LABEL LABEL LABEL - Children learn language by simply absorbing new words and information in their environment. As parents, you can narrate what you're doing while at the grocery store, completing your child's morning routine, or while cleaning the home. Label items, actions, and attributes in your environment (i.e. "I see a BIG car going fast!”)
Speak clearly, simply, and at a rate that gives your child a chance to fully understand what you have said.
Know which sounds are expected to be produced correctly at your child’s age (i.e. children are NOT expected to produce a perfect /r/ at age 3) and only encourage the speech sounds which are appropriate for their age.
Model correct pronunciation at natural times during the day. For example, if your child says, “I see the dun”, you could say, “Yes, I also see the SUN”. You can emphasize the target sound slightly. Do not constantly correct your child as that can create frustration and resistance to speech therapy.
Play sounds games if your child is interested. This will increase his or her overall awareness and discrimination of sounds. This can be done with magnetic letters, rhyming books such as Dr. Seuss, nursery rhymes, or while singing songs. Many songs can encourage awareness of sounds through their words (Old MacDonald, Bingo, etc.).