Traditional Therapy Funding Sources
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Common Questions About Pediatric Therapies
Will a diagnosis negatively impact my child and follow them throughout their life?
Getting a diagnosis is the beginning of a long, difficult, and scary journey. BUT it is important to think of it as the first step in the right direction. There are five big reasons that getting a diagnosis is actually a GOOD thing.
Funding & Accommodations: Getting your child diagnosed opens up doors to therapies, services, insurance coverage, and accommodations at work, school, and in the community.
Understanding: Learning about your child's diagnosis can also improve your relationship with your child. It can help you learn more effective ways of interacting, supporting their development, communicating, and building connections.
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Awareness: Understanding a diagnosis can empower you and your child to put a name to this part of their identity. They can learn to advocate for their needs and explain to others why they are different.
Community: Getting a diagnosis can help you connect with a community with similar experiences and who can share lots of information, referrals for helpful providers, information on local events, etc.
Services: Getting a diagnosis also Informs what specialists you may want to seek out, for example feeding, sensory regulation, social skills, etc. Getting as much help as possible, as early as possible will make a huge difference in your child's progress over their lifetime.
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Common Questions About Pediatric Speech Therapy
Does my child need speech therapy?
What are the signs?
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Not babbling or making sounds by 6-9 months.
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Not pointing by 12 months.
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Not saying any words by 12-18 months.
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Not putting two-word phrases together by 2 years.
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Difficulty being understood by others (e.g., unclear speech sounds).
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Difficulty following directions or understanding what's being said.
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Limited vocabulary for their age.
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Frustration due to an inability to communicate.
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Click here to view Red flags for communication development.
Will my child outgrow this speech problem on their own?
While some minor issues might resolve, research shows that many speech and language problems do not disappear without intervention. Early intervention often leads to the best outcomes.
Does speaking two languages cause speech delays?
No, this is a myth. Research consistently shows that learning multiple languages does not cause or worsen speech or language delays.
My child has a lisp/stutters/mispronounces specific sounds (e.g., 'w' for 'r'). Is this normal?
It is normal for kids to develop different sounds at different ages.
Click here for more information about the normal ages for learning different sounds.
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There are many TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL patterns of sound errors that developing children use to simplify speech as they are learning to talk. They do this because they do not yet have the ability to coordinate the lips, tongue, teeth, palate and jaw for accurate articulation. As a result, they simplify complex words in predictable ways until they develop the coordination required to articulate clearly.
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How long does speech therapy last, and when will I see results?
The duration varies greatly depending on the child's individual needs, the severity of the issue, other occurring disabilities. consistency of attendance, and home practice. Some children make rapid progress, while others require longer-term support. Therapists work to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and will monitor progress.
My child understands me but doesn't speak much (receptive vs. expressive language)
Kids are expected to understand more than they are able to express. However, if there is a large difference between the two areas or if the gap is only getting bigger, it could mean that there is something causing them to have trouble expressing what they know.
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Click here to learn more about the difference between receptive and expressive language.
What's the difference between a speech delay and a speech disorder?
Speech Delay: A child is developing speech sounds in the normal sequence, but at a slower rate than typically expected for their age; they are behind on the typical timeline.
Speech Disorder: The child is showing atypical or unusual errors patterns in their speech sounds and errors are often more persistent; these are sometimes linked to underlying conditions like neurological conditions, structural differences, hearing loss, or genetic syndromes.
Could hearing loss be the reason for my child's speech delay?
It is possible, especially if a child has experienced frequent ear infections. We always recommend having an audiological evaluation to rule out hearing loss if you have any concerns about your child's speech or language development.
What can I do at home to help my child's speech?
Parents are crucial to the therapy process! Tips include:
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Practice regularly: Carry over activities and strategies the therapist suggests.
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Do not simplify language all the time, kids need complex model to learn!
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Read actively: Choose age-appropriate books and make reading interactive.
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Offer choices: (e.g., "Do you want the ball or the car?")
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Model sounds/words: Engage in playful imitation.
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Create a supportive environment: Encourage communication without fear of judgment.
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Is it my fault my child has a speech delay/disorder?
Absolutely not. Speech and language disorders are not caused by parental actions. It's important for parents to avoid self-blame.
My child babbles/makes sounds and includes random words. Is that a concern?
It depends on their age. When kiddos are starting to use real words (around 12 months) they may start including them into their babbling, almost like they are imitating sentences but only know a few words to plug in. As kids get older and are expected to start combining words (18 months+) they should use far less babbling.
Common Questions About Pediatric Occupational Therapy
What is occupational therapy for kids?
Pediatric OTs help children develop the skills needed to participate fully in their daily "occupations" – which, for a child, include playing, learning, self-care (dressing, feeding, hygiene), and socializing. OTs assess performance skills and environmental factors to increase participation in developmentally appropriate activities.
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Click here to read more about pediatric occupational therapy.
My child struggles with daily routines like getting dressed or transitioning between activities. Can OT help?
Absolutely. OTs help with daily living skills (dressing, bathing, self-feeding) by breaking down tasks, teaching sequencing, and using visual schedules. They also work on emotional regulation and coping strategies for transitions.
How do I know what sensory red flags to look for?
People can be over- or underresponsive to different types of sensory stimulation to different degrees, which may cause them to seek out or avoid different sensations. All people may display degrees of these behaviors; it is when the behavior starts affecting our functioning that it becomes a concern. If you have any sensory concerns for your child it is important to get an assessment from a licensed Occupational Therapist. Sensory processing issues can impact a child’s ability to participate in their social and academic environment.
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My child is clumsy/has messy handwriting/hates tags on clothes. Could this be OT related?
Yes, these are common concerns that OTs address. OT helps with:
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Motor Skills: Fine motor (pencil grasp, cutting, buttoning), gross motor (coordination, balance, climbing).
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Sensory Processing: Hypersensitivity (tags, loud noises, certain textures) or hyposensitivity (constantly seeking movement, crashing into things). OTs help regulate responses to sensory input.
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Handwriting: Legibility, letter reversals, grip, posture.
How involved should I be as a parent in OT?
Parent involvement is crucial. OTs often provide "home programs" with activities and strategies to integrate into daily routines. Open communication with your therapist about your child's progress and challenges at home is key to successful outcomes.
How can OT help my picky eater?
OTs can address feeding difficulties by exploring sensory aversions to certain textures, smells, or appearances of food. They can also work on oral motor skills and create strategies to make mealtimes less overwhelming.
How long will my child need OT?
Similar to speech therapy, the duration varies based on the child's specific needs, the complexity of the challenges, and how consistently strategies are implemented at home and in therapy sessions. Therapists will set goals and track progress.