This Speech Therapy FAQs document contains helpful information for frequently asked questions regarding children’s speech therapy.
About Children’s Speech Therapy
Children’s (Pediatric) speech therapy is a specialized area of speech therapy that focuses on helping children with speech and language disorders or delays. This form of therapy aims to improve communication skills, allowing children to express their needs, thoughts, and feelings more effectively.
Pediatric speech therapists work on a broad spectrum of areas including:
• Speech Sounds: Helping children articulate sounds clearly and correctly to improve intelligibility.
• Language: Enhancing understanding (receptive language) and use (expressive language) of verbal and non-verbal language.
• Literacy: Supporting the development of reading and writing skills, which are closely linked to language development.
• Social Communication: Facilitating the development of pragmatic language skills necessary for social interaction, such as taking turns in conversation, maintaining topics, and understanding non-literal language.
• Voice and Fluency: Addressing issues related to voice quality, pitch, and volume, as well as fluency disorders like stuttering.
• Feeding and Swallowing: Helping children with difficulties in feeding and swallowing that might relate to or impact speech development.
Pediatric speech therapists employ a variety of therapeutic approaches, often incorporating play-based techniques to engage children and make therapy enjoyable. These methods may include:
• Interactive activities and games
• Picture and book-based exercises
• Technology-assisted tools, such as apps and software
• Parent and caregiver education and involvement for carryover of skills into the home environment
The process begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the child’s specific needs. Based on the evaluation, the speech therapist develops a personalized treatment plan with goals tailored to the child’s abilities and the family’s priorities.
Yes, many speech therapists including Lehigh Valley Speech offer teletherapy services, allowing individuals to receive therapy via video conferencing. This can be an effective option for those who have difficulty accessing in-person services or for busy families with full schedules.
Family involvement is crucial in pediatric speech therapy. Therapists often provide strategies and activities for parents and caregivers to use at home to reinforce skills learned during therapy sessions.
• Infancy: For infants, speech therapy might begin if they are not meeting developmental milestones related to babbling, early speech sounds, or if they have feeding and swallowing difficulties that can impact later speech and language development.
• Early Signs: Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice signs of speech and language delays or difficulties. These can include a lack of cooing or babbling during infancy, limited speech sounds, not using words by 12-18 months, or not combining words by age 2.
• Early Intervention: Research supports the benefits of early intervention for speech and language disorders. The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes tend to be. Early therapy can take advantage of the brain’s plasticity and developing communication skills.
• Screening and Evaluation: If there are concerns about a child’s speech and language development, a screening or evaluation by a speech-language pathologist can determine if speech therapy is needed. This evaluation can happen at any age, depending on when concerns arise.
• Foundation for Learning: Early speech therapy helps lay the foundation for future learning and academic success by addressing critical communication and social interaction skills.
• Social Skills: Developing speech and language skills early on supports social interaction with peers and adults, fostering relationships and emotional development.
• Prevention of Further Delays: By addressing delays or disorders early, speech therapy can prevent further developmental delays, particularly in reading and writing.
You can learn more about Developmental Milestones by age at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website.
It’s important to act on any concerns regarding a child’s speech and language development as early as possible. Early assessment and intervention by a qualified speech-language pathologist can make a significant difference in a child’s communication abilities and overall development. Parents and caregivers should consult with healthcare providers if they have any concerns about their child’s speech and language milestones.
The number of sessions required varies greatly among individuals, depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, the individual’s age, and their responsiveness to therapy. The speech therapist will provide an estimated timeline after the initial assessment.
If progress is slower than expected, the speech therapist may reassess the treatment plan and make adjustments. Consistent practice and communication between the therapist, the individual, and caregivers are key to overcoming challenges.
About the Practice
Kelci Santiago provides Speech and Language Therapy for children ages 3 – 10. She might occasionally see children outside her typical age range based on individual needs, specific referrals, or areas of expertise that allow her to provide specialized support, including:
• Existing Client: If Kelci has been working with a child who is making significant progress but then ages out of her typical range, she might continue seeing them to maintain continuity of care and support ongoing progress.
• Sibling of a Current Client: If she’s already working with a family, she might agree to see a younger or older sibling to provide convenience and consistency for the family.
Professional Referral: Kelci might accept a younger or older child based on a referral from a pediatrician, educator, or another speech-language pathologist who believes she could provide the best support for that child’s specific needs.
• Lack of Specialists: In areas where there are few specialists, Kelci might extend her services to younger or older children to fill a gap in available services.
• Preparation for School: Kelci might see a child slightly younger than her typical age range to prepare them for school, particularly if they have identified speech or language challenges that could affect their educational readiness.
• Transition to Adolescence or Adult Services: For older children, she might provide transitional support to help them move effectively into services geared toward adolescents or adults, ensuring they have the skills and strategies needed for the next phase.
• High Risk or Early Signs: Kelci might see a younger child if there are high risks or early signs of speech and language disorders, as early intervention can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
Kelci Santiago employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, often incorporating play-based techniques to engage children and make therapy enjoyable. These methods may include:
• Interactive activities and games
• Picture and book-based exercises
• Technology-assisted tools, such as apps and software
• Parent and caregiver education and involvement for carryover of skills into the home environment
Kelci’s specialties in Language Delay and Speech Sound Disorders for children aged 3 to 10 focus on two distinct areas of speech and language development:
Language Delay
Language delay refers to a significant lag in the development of language skills in children, compared to typical developmental milestones. This can involve various aspects of language, including:
• Expressive Language Delay: Difficulty in using language to express thoughts, ideas, or needs. Children with expressive language delay may have a limited vocabulary, use shorter sentences than peers, or struggle with using language in socially appropriate ways.
• Receptive Language Delay: Challenges in understanding what others say. This may manifest as difficulties in following instructions, understanding questions, or processing verbal information.
Language delay can be influenced by a range of factors, including environmental, cognitive, or possibly underlying medical conditions. Early intervention through speech therapy can help children develop the necessary language skills to communicate effectively.
Speech Sound Disorders
Speech Sound Disorders encompass difficulties in the physical production of sounds, which can be divided into two main categories:
• Articulation Disorders: Problems with the physical production of sounds. Children with articulation disorders may substitute one sound for another, omit sounds in words, or distort sounds (e.g., a lisp).
• Phonological Disorders: Issues related to the patterns of sounds. Children with phonological disorders may have trouble understanding and following the rules for how sounds fit together to form words, leading to predictable and patterned speech errors (e.g., omitting the final consonants of words or simplifying complex sound combinations).
Speech sound disorders can affect intelligibility, making it hard for others to understand the child. Therapy often involves exercises to improve the motor skills needed for sound production, as well as strategies to correct and refine the use of speech sounds.
In her practice, Kelci will assess and identify the specific needs of each child in these areas and tailor interventions that support the development of clear, effective communication skills, catering to the individual challenges faced by a child with language delays and speech sound disorders.
Ages 3 – 8: typical session lasts 25 minutes.
Ages 8 – 10: typical session lasts 30 minutes.
These durations may be altered to meet the attention span, learning abilities of the child, and the specific activities planned for the session.
Yes, many speech therapists including Lehigh Valley Speech offer teletherapy services, allowing individuals to receive therapy via video conferencing. This can be an effective option for those who have difficulty accessing in-person services or for busy families with full schedules.
The frequency of speech therapy sessions for children aged 3 to 10 can vary widely based on several factors, including the child’s specific needs, the severity of the speech or language disorder, the child’s age, their ability to concentrate for extended periods, and the goals established in consultation with the family.
• Mild Issues: For children with mild speech or language difficulties, sessions might be recommended once a week or even bi-weekly, especially if the child is also practicing skills at home or in school settings.
• Moderate to Severe Issues: For more significant speech or language disorders, two to five sessions per week might be recommended to ensure intensive and consistent practice.
All of Kelci’s therapy sessions are telemedicine based. This means she can fit therapy sessions into a time that works best for you and your family.
Kelci conducts all her therapy sessions via telemedicine, offering a flexible scheduling approach to accommodate you and your family’s needs. Her busiest hours for therapy are between 3 PM and 6 PM, coinciding with the time most children and families return home from school and other activities. For children who are not yet attending school, Kelci can provide therapy sessions during daytime hours, which may better align with the child’s daily routines and optimal periods of focus.
Kelci will schedule an introductory call with you to understand the child’s initial symptoms and requirements, obtain contact details to facilitate setting up a medical record for the child on the telemedicine platform, and to schedule a Speech-Language Evaluation session with the child.
Kelci will use the Speech-Language Evaluation to identify your child’s speech language needs, share her recommendations and discuss a treatment schedule.
Insurance & Private Pay
Lehigh Valley Speech Therapy requires at least 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations. A full appointment fee will be charged for missed sessions or cancellations without at least 24 hours’ notice.
While many insurance providers require a referral from a Primary Care Physician to confirm the medical need for speech-language therapy and to approve coverage, Kelci also welcomes clients on a private pay basis. This option is suitable for families whose insurance does not cover speech-language therapy or those who prefer to initiate services more promptly based on their personal evaluation of their child’s needs.
From a therapeutic standpoint, having a referral from your child’s primary healthcare provider can be invaluable. It ensures that the speech therapy plan complements any ongoing medical treatments or considerations, providing a more integrated approach to your child’s overall health and development.
To secure a referral for speech therapy, it’s important to discuss any speech or language concerns you have with your child’s primary care doctor. Based on this discussion, the doctor can then provide a referral for speech therapy services.
The physician’s office will typically fax the referral to Lehigh Valley Speech at 888-425-0442.
Lehigh Valley Speech Therapy is a participating provider with most insurances, including:
• Aetna First Health
• AmeriHealth PA
• Capital Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Highmark Blue Shield
• Horizon BCBS
• Independence
• United Healthcare
You can visit the online website of your insurance or call the number located on the back of your insurance card to search for the provider’s name.
Coverage for speech therapy can be confirmed by reviewing your specific insurance policy details or contacting your insurance provider directly.
Insurance coverage for speech therapy often includes conditions that affect speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. Coverage specifics can vary, so it’s important to consult with your insurance provider about your particular case.
Reimbursement is typically based on specific ICD-10 diagnosis codes and CPT treatment codes that correlate with the speech therapy services provided. The Practice can provide a list of commonly used codes, but recommend confirming coverage directly with your insurance.
Some insurance plans require prior authorization for speech therapy services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or our administrative team can assist in determining if this is necessary for your plan.
Insurance plans may have limits on the number of covered sessions within a certain timeframe. It’s crucial to understand your policy’s specific limits to plan your therapy schedule accordingly.
Your insurance plan may include deductibles and co-pays for speech therapy services. These out-of-pocket costs vary by policy, and we advise consulting with your insurance provider for detailed information regarding your responsibilities.
Insurance plans typically require that speech-language therapy be deemed a medical necessity for coverage. If your insurance does not cover speech therapy, Lehigh Valley Speech Therapy offers services on a private pay basis, allowing you to access the support your child needs without insurance constraints.
In the event of an insurance claim denial, the Practice will review the specifics of the denial, advise you on the possible reasons, and discuss the next steps, which may include an appeal or alternative payment options.
In the event of a billing error, Lehigh Valley Speech Therapy commits to processing refunds to Private Pay patients within 5-7 business days following notification and confirmation of the mistake. We prioritize issuing refunds via the original payment method whenever feasible.
Telemedicine & Technology
To begin telemedicine speech therapy, you’ll first set up an account on the telemedicine platform and enter your child’s information. This platform will securely store all records and details related to your child’s sessions with Kelci.
For ongoing therapy appointments, this same platform will be utilized to conduct video-conference sessions, enabling direct interaction between Kelci and your child in a virtual setting.
Kelci Santiago uses a telemedicine platform called Kanga, owned by Presence Software. It is designed for children’s telemedicine and facilitates remote healthcare services, including speech therapy, pediatric consultations, and other health services for children.
You can find more about Kanga at the the Presence website here: https://presence.com/kanga-online-therapy-platform/
The Kanga platform is HIPAA and FERPA compliant. Their ethos is built around maintaining transparency, trust and security of their customers’ data.
You can view the company’s Privacy Policy here: https://presence.com/about/privacy-policy/
You will need a device such as PC, Mac, Chromebook or iPad with a stable internet connection. The device will need to be equipped with a webcam and an audio headset. You will use a web browser (Chrome, Firefox or Edge) to access the Kanga application using a link sent to you by Kelci prior to the start of your therapy session.
Kanga Supported Hardware:
• A PC running Microsoft Windows® 8 or later with the latest version of Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox™, or Microsoft Edge™ web browser.
• A Mac® running Apple macOS® 10.12 or later with the latest version of Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox™, or Microsoft Edge™ web browser.
• A Chromebook™ with an 11.6 inch display running the latest version of Chrome OS™ with the latest version of the Google Chrome web browser.
• A compatible iPad (iPad Air® 2nd or 3rd generation, iPad 5th, 6th, or 7th generation, or any iPad Pro® model) running Apple iPadOS® 13.6 or later with the latest version of the Apple Safari® web browser. Access to the Presence platform on an iPad is available to students only. Assessments are not supported on iPads devices.
Kanga Supported Web Browsers:
Kanga does not support Internet Explorer on Windows, Safari on macOS, or other browsers not listed above. You can download one of the supported browsers through these links:
Download Chrome
Download Firefox
Download Edge
Kanga Recommended Headsets:
• 40mm headset: ANDREA EDU-455 STEREO HEADSET, 40mm stereo speakers with deep bass sound, noise-canceling microphone
• USB headset: ANDREA OVER EAR USB NC-455VM, 40mm stereo speakers with deep bass sound, noise-canceling microphone
• Headset Splitter: ANDREA Y-100B – Splitter cable allows you to connect 2 headphones simultaneously to your computer so parents and providers can monitor and listen to what the student is hearing
For technical support and additional technical requirements, please refer to the Kanga Technical Specifications provided on their website: https://presence.com/tech-requirements/
You may need to assist your child with logging into the Kanga platform and connecting to the therapy session.
Whether you need to sit with the child during a telemedicine session often depends on several factors including the child’s age, the nature of the consultation, and specific requirements of the therapist.
Here are some considerations:
• Child’s Age: Younger children, especially those in early childhood, typically require a parent or guardian to be present to help facilitate the session, manage the technology, and assist with any activities or exercises the healthcare provider may recommend.
• Type of Service: The specific type of telemedicine service can also dictate the need for parental presence. For instance, speech therapy sessions for very young children might need more hands-on assistance from the parent, whereas older children receiving routine check-ups might not.
• Child’s Needs: Children with certain developmental or behavioral conditions might benefit from having a parent close by to provide support, ensure they remain engaged, or assist with communication between the child and the healthcare provider.
Benefits of Parental Involvement
• Support and Comfort: The presence of a parent can provide emotional support and comfort to the child, helping to reduce any anxiety or discomfort associated with the virtual consultation.
• Facilitation: Parents can help facilitate the session by managing the technical aspects of the telemedicine platform, organizing any necessary materials, and ensuring the child stays focused and engaged.
• Information Sharing: Parents can share valuable insights with the healthcare provider about their child’s behavior, symptoms, or progress, contributing to a more comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
• Learning and Reinforcement: By being present, parents can learn firsthand about the strategies and exercises recommended by the healthcare provider, enabling them to reinforce these practices effectively at home.
Kelci does not currently see any patients in an office setting. Kelci works with children via telemedicine. This provides a convenient way for your child to be treated from the comfort and nurturing environment at home.
Practice At Home
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s speech therapy progress outside of formal sessions. Here are strategies parents can use at home to assist with their child’s speech therapy:
• Engage in Daily Conversations – Encourage regular, interactive conversations with your child about their day, interests, and experiences. This helps improve expressive language skills and encourages the use of new vocabulary.
• Read Together – Reading books together can significantly enhance language development. Ask questions about the story, encourage your child to predict what will happen next, and discuss the characters and settings to build comprehension and narrative skills.
• Play Language-rich Games – Engage in games that promote language development, such as “I Spy” for practicing sounds and building vocabulary, or storytelling games that encourage creative use of language and sentence formation.
• Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes – Singing can be a fun way to work on rhythm, intonation, and sound repetition. Songs with repetitive phrases are particularly beneficial for speech and language development.
• Use Technology Wisely – Utilize educational apps and videos recommended by your child’s speech therapist that focus on language development and speech practice. Ensure screen time is interactive and used as a supplement to active, engaged learning activities.
• Incorporate Speech Practice into Daily Routines – Make speech practice a natural part of daily activities. For example, name objects during grocery shopping or describe actions while cooking together. This contextual learning reinforces new language skills.
• Model Clear Speech – Speak clearly and at a slightly slower pace, using simple sentences if necessary. This helps your child hear how words and sounds are correctly pronounced.
• Offer Positive Reinforcement – Provide positive feedback and encouragement for efforts and improvements, no matter how small. Celebrate successes to motivate your child.
• Follow the Therapist’s Guidance – Implement strategies and exercises provided by the speech therapist. Consistent practice of these targeted activities can significantly impact your child’s progress.
• Create a Supportive Environment – Foster an environment that encourages communication without pressure or judgment. Ensure your child feels listened to and understood, creating a safe space for them to practice speech and language skills.
• Monitor Progress and Communicate with the Therapist – Keep track of your child’s progress and any challenges they face. Regular communication with the speech therapist ensures that the home activities remain aligned with the therapy goals and allows for adjustments based on your child’s evolving needs.
• Encourage Social Interaction – Arrange playdates and social activities with peers. Social interactions are crucial for practicing conversational skills, understanding social cues, and using language in various contexts.
By actively participating in your child’s speech development and incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly contribute to their progress and success in speech therapy.
Games and toys can be instrumental in supporting speech and language development for children. When selecting games and toys, it’s beneficial to choose those that promote interaction, creativity, and language use. Here are some recommendations:
• Picture Books – Books with vibrant pictures and minimal text encourage storytelling and vocabulary development. Parents can ask open-ended questions about the pictures to facilitate conversation.
• Board Games – Simple board games like “Candy Land” or “Chutes and Ladders” for younger children, and “Guess Who?” or “Scrabble Junior” for older children, can enhance turn-taking skills, following directions, and specific language use related to the game.
• Story Cubes – Story cubes are dice with pictures on each side. Rolling the dice and using the pictures to create stories can boost imagination, narrative skills, and sequencing.
• Puzzles – Puzzles offer opportunities for problem-solving and vocabulary development, especially those that are themed (animals, vehicles, etc.). Discussing what each piece represents and where it might fit encourages descriptive language and spatial concepts.
• Pretend Play Sets – Sets like kitchens, doctor’s kits, or toolboxes encourage role-playing and social interaction, which are great for practicing dialogues, action words, and following instructions.
• Flashcards – Flashcards with pictures can be used for a variety of games, including naming, categorizing (e.g., food, animals), and even simple storytelling by linking cards together.
• Memory Games – Matching pairs games enhance concentration and vocabulary. Customizing a game with pictures relevant to the child’s speech therapy goals can make it even more beneficial.
• Art Supplies – Drawing, painting, and crafting activities encourage descriptive language, requests, and narratives about what they’re creating and why.
• Interactive Electronic Toys – Toys that require verbal interaction or produce verbal responses can be useful, especially if they encourage repetition of words or phrases, though these should be used sparingly and complement rather than replace human interaction.
• Musical Instruments and Toys – Simple instruments like drums, xylophones, or even toys that play songs can stimulate auditory skills and rhythm, which are important for language development.
• Building Blocks and LEGO – These toys not only foster creativity and problem-solving but also encourage the use of positional language, descriptive language, and storytelling about their creations.
• Puppet Theater – Puppets can be used to create dialogues, tell stories, and express emotions, providing a fun and interactive way to practice language skills.
When using these games and toys, the key is for parents and caregivers to be actively involved, providing models of language, asking questions, and encouraging the child to express themselves. It’s also beneficial to rotate toys and games regularly to keep the child engaged and expose them to a broad range of vocabulary and language structures.
You can see specific games and toys Kelci recommends on the Recommended Play page.
There are certain practices and behaviors parents should avoid when assisting their child with speech therapy at home. These actions can inadvertently hinder a child’s progress or affect their confidence in developing speech and language skills. Here are some key points to consider:
• Avoid Overcorrecting – Constantly correcting a child’s speech mistakes can lead to frustration and decreased motivation. Instead, model the correct pronunciation or usage within your response, providing a positive example for the child to emulate.
• Avoid Interrupting or Speaking for the Child – Give your child ample time to express themselves without interrupting or quickly supplying words for them. This helps build their confidence and encourages them to use their language skills independently.
• Avoid Using Baby Talk – While it might be tempting to use baby talk with young children, using correct language forms and complete sentences helps model proper speech and language development.
• Avoid Pressuring the Child – Putting too much pressure on a child to speak correctly or constantly prompting them to perform speech exercises can create anxiety and resistance. Keep activities fun, engaging, and part of natural interactions.
• Avoid Negative Feedback – Criticizing or showing disappointment in your child’s speech attempts can harm their self-esteem and willingness to communicate. Focus on positive reinforcement and celebrate efforts and progress.
• Avoid Excessive Screen Time – While certain educational apps and programs can be beneficial, excessive screen time can reduce opportunities for interactive play, conversation, and real-life experiences that are crucial for language development.
• Avoid Isolating Speech Practice to Specific Times – Instead of relegating speech practice to a specific “therapy time,” integrate language and speech development activities into everyday routines and interactions. This makes practice feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of the day.
• Avoid Disregarding Professional Advice – Ignoring the recommendations and strategies provided by your child’s speech therapist can slow down progress. It’s important to stay consistent with the therapeutic plan and approaches advised by professionals.
• Avoid Creating a Stressful Environment – A stressed and overly structured environment can hinder a child’s natural inclination to communicate. Ensure that the home atmosphere is relaxed and conducive to open, stress-free communication.
• Avoid Unrealistic Expectations – Each child’s progress with speech and language development will vary. Setting unrealistic goals or timelines for improvement can lead to disappointment and pressure. Celebrate small achievements and understand that progress takes time.
By being mindful of these points, parents can create a supportive, encouraging, and effective environment for their child’s speech and language development, complementing the professional speech therapy their child receives.