Pediatric Speech and Language Services

1.

Consultations & Evaluations

We understand the importance of finding the right evaluation and treatment options for your child. That's why we offer a FREE 15 minute consultation to help determine if scheduling an evaluation is necessary.

During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns regarding your child's communication skills. We will carefully listen to your needs, ask relevant questions, and gather information about the specific challenges they face. The purpose of this consultation is to guide you towards the most appropriate next steps. If an evaluation is necessary, we will schedule an appointment.

Ward Speech & Language Therapy will accept a previous evaluation report from an outside provider, such as a private practice, hospital, or school district, if the evaluation has been conducted within the last 6 months.

2.

Speech Therapy

Is your child difficult to understand, especially to unfamiliar communication partners?

Children with a speech sound disorder may present with the following:

Difficulty producing age-appropriate speech sounds
Replacing one speech sound with another
Leaving out speech sounds in words (saying "ca" instead of "cat")
Producing speech sounds in an unclear or imprecise manner (slushy or mumbled)
Adding extra sounds to words
Pronouncing the same sound differently in different words or contexts

Speech Therapy is beneficial to increase your child's overall intelligibility by targeting articulation and phonological deficits.

3.

Language Therapy

Receptive language refers to an individual's ability to understand and comprehend spoken or written language. Children with receptive language disorders may present difficulty with the following:

Following directions
Answering WH- questions (Who, What, Where, etc.)
Understanding age-appropriate vocabulary
Listening
Interpreting abstract language (figurative language, humor, sarcasm)
Recalling events in a story or conversation
Learning new concepts

Expressive language refers to an individual's ability to produce and convey their thoughts, ideas, and feelings through spoken or written language. Children with expressive language disorders may present difficulty with the following:

Babbling
Using words, phrases, and/or sentences to communicate
Using a variety of vocabulary
Using accurate verb tense and grammar
Organizing thoughts into words
Storytelling
Expressing emotions though words
Initiating and sustaining conversations

Language Therapy is beneficial to aid in your child's ability to comprehend spoken/written information and express themselves in an age-appropriate manner.

Gillian Ward providing Language Therapy services to a child.

4.

Fluency Therapy

Does your child stutter? If so, their speech may consist of the following:

Prolongations ("ffffffffffun" for fun)
Repetitions (b-b-b-b-back for back)
Blocks (difficulty initiating or continuing a word, phrase, or sentence, despite the effort and intention to speak, may present as frequent pausing)

Fluency Therapy is beneficial for teaching children modification and fluency enhancing techniques to address the physical aspects of their speech production. However, we believe in providing a holistic approach to also target the emotional, psychological, and social aspects that often accompany stuttering, such as the child's feelings, attitudes, and beliefs related to their stutter.

5.

Summer Services

Does your child have an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

Receive services during June and July to promote progress and/or maintenance of your child's communication goals.

Speech
Language
Fluency