In most cases, no. Some insurance carriers/plans require you to have a script from your doctor. In general, however, you can book an appointment and begin treatment without having to go through your doctor. To be on the safe side, check your insurance plan for more details.

Sometimes. In the case of tongue thrust, for example, most kids will do so before they begin teething. However, early intervention in speech issues is critical to helping your child. If your child is showing signs of a speech disorder or learning disability, it’s a good idea to enroll them in speech language therapy as soon as possible.

It’s better for your child to have speech therapy and not need it, than to live with an untreated speech or language disorder.

Speech issues in children can have wide-ranging consequences. Beyond having a bit of a lisp or pronouncing words unusually, a speech issue can cause issues with their self-esteem. It can also signify deeper issues, like a learning disability or problems with their hearing.

Because they aren’t able to communicate as well as their peers, a speech issue in a child can cause them to have trouble making friends. This can stunt their growth socially.

Children with learning disabilities face greater challenges in life as well. According to research from the US Bureau of Justice, nearly a third of the inmates in the federal prison system have a learning disability, many of them untreated. Compare this with the 20% of the general population with a learning disability.

Children with untreated learning disabilities are more likely to be unemployed when they grow up as well, according to the US Bureau of Labor.

However, there is hope. Speech language therapy can help your child manage their learning disability or speech issues. They can still go to college, get a good job, and build a good life for themselves, and a speech language therapist can help.

Pediatricians don’t always have the training needed to be able to recognize when a child needs the services of a speech language therapist. They often take the “wait and see” approach. If you have a concern with your child, many pediatricians will provide you with a referral to see a speech therapist if you insist. However, if they won’t provide one, don’t worry – you likely don’t need a referral to see us here at District Speech. Don’t wait and see if your child has a speech/language delay. Set up an evaluation with District Speech and we will be able to provide definitive answers and strategies you can use today.

Speech therapists (SLPs) know the ins and outs of the oral motor structures and focus on the “act” of eating. If your child is having difficulty chewing/manipulating foods, keeping food in their mouth, taking a long time to chew/swallow, and/or are coughing a lot during meals, an SLP will do your evaluation. Occupational therapists (OTs) know all things sensory. If your child is showing difficulties with specific textures, flavors, colors of foods, temperatures, etc., an OT will do your evaluation. In many cases, children with feeding issues have both oral motor and sensory difficulties. We are help determine which type of therapy is best for your child. description

An evaluation allows a speech therapist the opportunity to assess your child’s development. This assessment may include a standardized test, observation through play, medical history information, and/or parent report. In most cases, it includes all four. Through the evaluation, it will be determined if treatment is necessary. Treatment at Adaptive cannot be initiated unless an evaluation has been completed.

Yes. Parents are a very important part of treatment at Adaptive Pediatric Therapy. Parents are often invited into the treatment rooms to observe therapy if the situation is appropriate, and parent education is an integral part of every therapy session. Each session is designed to allow time for the parent and therapist to discuss progress and what was done during the therapy session. Home programs are provided to the parent to increase carryover in all settings and help the child be more successful in reaching their goals.