General
Does Speech Pathology and Educational Center (SPEC) accept insurance?
Yes, we accept select insurance programs and/or plans. Please contact us to discuss any specific questions or to find out if we are providers for your insurance program or plan.
Are there any community services available for the speech and language impaired?
Yes. There are federal Part C programs for children ages 0 to 3, preprimary programs available for the 3 year old to pre-kindergarten level and school age children attending public schools may also able to participate in a school based program at no cost (if certain criteria are met). Hospitals and your local community may offer support groups and therapy programs for people who have suffered a stroke, have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions. Many resources may be available in your community for these and other disabilities not mentioned. Make calls, ask friends and associates, search the Internet and libraries, and find out what is available for you and your family.
Can stuttering be cured?
While stuttering can be controlled very successfully with therapy, it cannot truly be said to have been "cured." Many people who have undergone therapy interact with others who are unaware that the person to whom they are speaking has received or needed speech therapy.
Do children outgrow some speech impediments on their own? At what age should I begin speech/language therapy for my child?
Generally speaking, all speech sounds should be present in a five year old. After assessment, a Speech Language Pathologist should be able to tell you if the concerns you have are of a developmental nature (i.e. the child will self-correct on his/her own with time) or whether the child is in need of therapeutic intervention. Current research indicates that waiting for problems to go away is usually not the best solution, and additionally, it is usually faster and easier to complete a speech and language therapy program when the child begins at an earlier age. For some disabilities, such as deafness, cerebral palsy and Down’s Syndrome (just to mention a few), therapy programs may begin as early as infancy for feeding, to establish positive parental involvement and education, and to improve speech and language development. Preschoolers and toddlers can ordinarily benefit from speech therapy when their difficulties place them below age expectancy.
Do I need a referral to receive speech or language therapy?
In most cases, we require a physician's referral or prescription for us to provide an evaluation and subsequent therapy. We will explain the process during our intake interview.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept credit cards (Visa, Master Card, AmEx & Discover) for payment of any of our services.
Do you offer financial assistance or a sliding fee scale?
We are involved with various programs that offer financial assistance for our services. Please contact us to discuss our normal rates and fees.
Do your therapists work with other disciplines, such as Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis?
Yes! We are able to work with therapists of any other discipline, including but not limited to: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Behavior Analysts/Therapists, Audiologists, Psychologists, Neuro-Psychologists, Ear-Nose-and-Throat physicians, and many more. If you feel that your child requires additional therapy services, such as occupational therapy, we would be happy to provide it through the excellent professionals that work at our center.
Does Speech Pathology and Educational Center (SPEC) accept Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Medicaid-Medipass, CMS and Medicaid (SMMC) with various insurances.
How long will speech therapy take?
Prior to establishing personal contact with the client, it is impossible to provide much more than an educated guess based upon past therapeutic experiences with other similarly situated in answer to this question. Indeed, this query can be difficult to answer honestly and accurately even after therapy has begun. Numerous important variables such as consistency, motivation, and structural (physical) limitations and/or anomalies can inhibit or enhance the rate of progress. Home practice is yet another variable which can determine the length and success of a therapy program.
Is there a period of time during which it is normal for a child to stutter?
Yes, there are many instances of normal developmental disfluencies which can be confused with, but are different from, true stuttering. Consult a Speech Language Pathologist if you have such concerns and he/she should be able to help you discern the differences.
What ages does Speech Pathology and Educational Center (SPEC) see?
We see clients of all ages, although most of our work is with children under 12.
What days and/or hours do you work?
Our office is open from 8:00am to 7:00pm, Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.
What do the letters after your name signify?
The “MA” and “MS” are abbreviations for Master of Arts and Master of Sciences degree. The "C.C.C." is an abbreviation for a Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) only after successfully completing accredited course work, passing a national competency test, and finishing a supervised clinical fellowship.
What is 'Natural Environment' therapy?
Natural Environment therapy refers to speech and language therapy services being given in the clients natural communication environments (i.e. home, school, after-school care facility, adult workshops). We are proud to offer natural environment therapy services. Please feel free to contact SPEC to discuss your child and/or family needs.
What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic evaluation?
A screening is a quick look to determine whether or not specific speech and language areas require additional assessment. A diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive testing of specific speech and language areas to develop an appropriate therapeutic program.
When do you require payment for therapy services?
We typically require payment for services when the service is provided. However, please contact us if you require a different payment schedule due to financial restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
Will my health insurance cover this service?
Every insurance policy is different so you need to check the specific terms of yours. If you do have coverage be sure you understand such things as restrictions on the number of sessions per calendar year, frequency and duration of services allowable and coverage only for specific diagnostic codes that may be applicable under your policy. You also need to be aware of deductibles and percentage of coverage. Under some policies a medical necessity, as evidenced by a note from your physician, is required. PPO’s, HMO’s and Point of Service plans may or may not permit you to choose your own provider.
Speech & Language
Do speech and language disorders affect learning?
Good speech and language skills are essential to academic success and learning. Language is the basis of communication, reading, writing, gesturing, listening, and speaking. Learning takes place through the process of communication. The ability to communicate with peers and adults in the educational setting is essential for the success of any student.
How do I know if my child needs to have his speech and language skills evaluated?
Typically physicians or teachers will notice a delay or disorder in a child's communication skills. They can recommend that your child be evaluated. Parents may also notice a delay in communication skills, and should discuss their concerns with their child's doctor and teacher, or contact a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation. Parents may also notice behavior problems arising from school-aged children because the children are frustrated with their communication problems, but aren't sure of how to express their problems to adults. In any case, if you are concerned about your child's speech and language development and/or use, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
How do I know if SPEC’s programs may benefit my child?
Well, does your child……
…. Have difficulty sharing?
…. Have difficulty listening in a conversation?
…. Have difficulty making friends?
…. Have difficulty taking turns in a game or a conversation?
…. Have difficulty keeping their distance when they talk to people?
If your answer to any or all these questions is yes, call us for further information.
How often will my child have to be seen for speech-language therapy?
Each case is different, but for the most part clients are seen two to three times a week for 30-60 minute sessions. More involved children, like children with autism or Down Syndrome, may require more sessions per week, or 60 minute sessions. Our center also offers various speech and language educational programs that can be offered in conjunction with speech-language therapy, thereby increasing the intensity of treatment which is especially important for many disorders.
How will I know if my child has delayed speech and/or language skills?
My child is only two years old, but isn't communicating like other two-year-olds. Should I wait for him to "grow out of it"?
No, please contact us for an appointment to evaluate your child's communication skills immediately. Typically, if children are showing a delay in communication skills at this young of an age, treatment may be quick, as early intervention works very fast and effectively. It is always better to be safe than sorry! Research has shown that early speech and language difficulties can develop into academic, social, and behavioral difficulties down the road.
My child was dismissed from speech therapy at his school. I feel that he still needs treatment, what can I do and why was he dismissed at school?
Schools operate under separate guidelines than private practitioners. When a child receives speech and language therapy in the schools, it must be "educationally relevant" and must focus on educational goals and objectives. Your child may have been dismissed because they reached a higher functioning communication level, and therapy was no longer "educationally relevant" for them. If you feel that your child still needs speech and language services, you may pursue private treatment from a speech-language pathologist in a private practice setting.
What are characteristics of speech and language disorders that affect school age children?
Difficulty pronouncing sounds, understanding what is heard, oral expression, thinking skills, interruption of the flow of speech and quality of voice are among the many characteristics of speech and language disorders observed in school age children.
What causes speech and language disorders or delays?
Each speech and language disorder or delay is unique and can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to have suspected speech and language problems evaluated by a licensed speech-language pathologist. After a full evaluation, a reason or possible cause, for the disorder or delay can be discussed.
When should parents really be concerned?
Well, does your child...
.... have poor eye contact?
…. have numerous ear infections?
…. dislike textured food?
…. have difficulty paying attention?
…. have difficulty following directions?
…. dislike brushing their teeth?
.... articulate all speech sounds incorrectly?
If your answer to any or all of these questions is yes, call us for further information.
