Pediatric Speech Therapy

About This Treatment

What is pediatric speech therapy? 

Pediatric speech therapy can help children to increase their ability to communicate or swallow successfully. Speech therapy may be recommended by any provider that works with your child such as a primary care provider, physical therapist, occupational therapist, otolaryngologist (ENT provider), or gastrointestinal specialist. A referral must come from a Physician (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician’s Assistant.

A Speech Language Pathologist or SLP, can assist children with a variety of challenges:

• Verbal communication: voice disorders such as fluency (stuttering), articulation (making the correct letter sounds), social communication skills and sound disorders (strength or pitch of their voice)
• Nonverbal communication: sign language and alternative augmentative communication (picture boards and electronic devices)
• Feeding and swallowing: infant feeding issues at breast or bottle, coordination of swallow, altering diets for safety
• Cognitive conditions: traumatic brain injury (TBI), organization of thought, memory, sequencing events and skills for improved performance

Early and consistent intervention is important to a child’s success. If you notice anything unusual about the way your child speaks or communicates or if they demonstrate difficulties with swallowing and nutritional intake, we encourage you to talk with your primary care provider.

What does treatment look like? 

When starting treatment, a SLP, will conduct an evaluation to determine the proper course of treatment for the child and goals are set. While treatment plans vary per child, therapy sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and can be once or twice a week depending on needs. Therapy is often play-based or coaching style sessions. The SLP will provide home exercises to continue the child's progress to reaching the families goals.

Why choose Franciscan Health?

Our pediatric speech therapy teams at Franciscan Health are experienced in various medical complexities and utilize a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of speech, occupational, and physical therapy professionals work together to collectively treat and manage the patients' needs and are often in the same location and appointments can be conveniently scheduled. Along with some locations offering virtual appointments, we also offer more advanced testing such as a swallow study. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider for a referral.