Early Childhood
A more engaging and meaningful approach
We offer a welcoming environment that enhances communication and eases anxiety for young children. Our flexible locations encourage family and community involvement, enhancing collaboration and support for therapy goals.
Early Childhood Speech-Language
Some children have problems with receptive language, or understanding. They may have trouble:
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understanding what people mean when they use gestures, like shrugging or nodding;
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following directions;
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answering questions;
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pointing to objects and pictures; and/or
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knowing how to take turns when talking with others.
Some children have problems with expressive language, or talking. They may have trouble:
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asking questions;
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naming objects;
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using gestures;
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putting words together into sentences;
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learning songs and rhymes; and
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using correct pronouns, like "he" or "they."
Source: American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)
Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Some children have problems with receptive language, or understanding. They may have trouble:
-
understanding what people mean when they use gestures, like shrugging or nodding;
-
following directions;
-
answering questions;
-
pointing to objects and pictures; and/or
-
knowing how to take turns when talking with others.
Some children have problems with expressive language, or talking. They may have trouble:
-
asking questions;
-
naming objects;
-
using gestures;
-
putting words together into sentences;
-
learning songs and rhymes; and
-
using correct pronouns, like "he" or "they."
Source: American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)
Pediatric Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia can occur in one or more of the four phases of swallowing and can result in aspiration—the passage of food, liquid, or saliva into the trachea—and retrograde flow of food into the nasal cavity.
The long-term consequences of feeding and swallowing disorders can include
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food aversion;
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oral aversion;
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aspiration pneumonia and/or compromised pulmonary status;
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undernutrition or malnutrition;
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dehydration;
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gastrointestinal complications, such as motility disorders, constipation, and diarrhea;
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poor weight gain and/or undernutrition;
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rumination disorder (unintentional and reflexive regurgitation of undigested food that may involve re-chewing and re-swallowing of the food);
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an ongoing need for enteral (gastrointestinal) or parenteral (intravenous) nutrition;
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psychosocial effects on the child and their family; and
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feeding and swallowing problems that persist into adulthood, including the risk for choking, malnutrition, or undernutrition.
Source: ASHA
What activities are done in Early Childhood Speech-Language Therapy?​
For children, speech therapy usually involves play, like sequencing activities or language-based board games.
Some examples of speech therapy activities include:
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Tongue and mouth exercises: Your speech therapist will show you exercises and movements to strengthen your tongue and mouth. These exercises help train your tongue to move in coordinated patterns.
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Facial movements: Controlling the expression on your face can help improve your motor skills. Your therapist might have you smile or pucker your lips, then relax your face.
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Reading out loud: If your speech disorder prevents you from moving your mouth and tongue properly, reading out loud can strengthen the connection between your brain and mouth.
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Playing word games: Studies have shown that memory games, word searches and crossword puzzles can maintain cognitive function and improve thinking skills.
A more engaging and meaningful approach
In addition to our office location, conducting speech therapy in public spaces such as libraries, playgrounds, or community centers provides a dynamic and functional environment for enhancing communication skills. These settings naturally encourage interaction.
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