WHEN TO SEE A SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
In this day and age, with social media being so accessible, it is easy to compare your child's development to other children. It is important to remember that there is a wide range for developmental milestones and every child develops speech and language skills at their own pace; however, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional input if you have concerns. The following are some signs that may indicate your child has a need for a speech/language evaluation:
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by 3-6 months, does not smile when others talk or turn toward sounds or people
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is not babbling by 7 months
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does not respond to their name or point or look between a person and object to share in the experience
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is not interested in engaging in play with a familiar person/caregiver
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does not attempt to imitate sounds or actions
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does not use simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye," by 12 months
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cannot follow routine commands (I.e. "get your cup") by 12 months
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by 15 months, does not respond when asked a simple "WH" question, such as looking around to answer "where's mommy?"
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has less than 20 words by 18 months and 50 words by 2 years old
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only uses a few sounds, omits many sounds, or speaks primarily with vowels
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uses words infrequently or has "pop out" words/phrases
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repeats initial sounds frequently (i.e. b-b-b-ball) and has dysfluencies present for more than 3-6 months
SERVICES
Services are provided face to face and are based on individual needs.
There is a telepractice option, if necessary.
Speech and Language Evaluation
A licensed SLP will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if there is a presence of a communication delay or disorder and will identify strengths and needs in the following areas: receptive and expressive language, articulation, social language/pragmatics, fluency, and voice. The evaluation may include standardized assessments, observations, parent/guardian input, and informal tasks.
An evaluation is typically conducted over 1-2 sessions that last 1-1.5 hours in length.
Speech and Language
Treatment
If an evaluation reveals a communication delay or disorder, therapy will be recommended. Before treatment is initiated, the SLP will develop a plan of care that is individualized for the patient and includes goals to address areas of need and length/frequency of sessions. Therapy sessions will be tailored to each client's strengths and needs.
1:1 sessions are scheduled for 30 minutes and occur on a weekly or biweekly basis.
Currently, Bloom Pediatric Therapy accepts private pay, Anthem BCBS, Ohio Medicaid, Molina Ohio Medicaid, Buckeye Health Plan Medicaid, and CareSource Ohio Medicaid.
Session Rates:
$210 for an evaluation, $75 for a treatment session
*prompt pay discount available for treatment sessions, contact for more information*