Pediatric speech-language pathologists treat communication challenges, both expressive and receptive, that cause children to have difficulty with verbal communication. Speech therapy also covers oral-motor concerns, such as chewing and swallowing, as well as articulation, auditory processing and social skills.
Our pediatric speech-language pathologists will assess any concern you may have as well as your child’s:
SPEECH LANGUAGE
• Speech is difficult to understand
• Does not babble, no words by 12 months
• No two-word phrases by 20 months
• Difficulty understanding directions or simple questions (may repeat all or part of question or repeat “what”?)
• Stuttering or dysfluent speech to include “blocking” (getting “stuck” on words) or repeating part of a word; may be accompanied by physical struggle behaviors
• Hoarse voice quality; exhibits signs of vocal abuse (i.e. yelling, screaming, noisemaking, loud voice, growling)
FEEDING/SWALLOWING/ORAL MOTOR
• Weak, uncoordinated or ineffective suck
• Uncoordinated rhythm of suck-swallow-breathe; may struggle, arch, infrequently pause to breathe, or exhibit increased tone
• Frequent coughing, choking or gasping for air when eating or drinking
• Loses food or liquid while eating/drinking
• Difficulty transitioning to new food consistencies
• Excessive drooling
• Picky eater / Problem feeder