Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy in Gibbsboro, NJ

Speech therapists work with: articulation (speech sounds, intelligibility), language (expressive, receptive), augmentative and alternative communication (communication devices), pragmatics (social language), stuttering/fluency, and feeding (oral-motor, swallowing, sensory, picky eating).

School-based speech therapy is provided within the school setting, typically by a speech-language pathologist employed by the school district. The primary focus is on helping students improve their communication skills to succeed academically and socially within the school environment. Therapy goals are often related to the educational curriculum, addressing issues such as articulation, language development, social communication, and fluency as they impact the student’s ability to learn and interact at school. Services are usually delivered in small groups or individually during school hours, with frequency and duration determined by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Private speech therapy is offered outside of the school environment, usually in clinics or private practices. This type of therapy provides a more individualized and intensive approach, addressing a broader range of speech and language issues, including those not directly related to academic performance. Goals are tailored to the client’s specific needs and may cover specialized and targeted intervention areas such as apraxia, dyslexia, voice disorders, and feeding/swallowing disorders. Sessions are typically one-on-one and scheduled flexibly, based on the client’s progress and needs. More frequent assessments can be conducted to track progress and adjust therapy plans. Private speech therapy is often funded by the client’s family or through insurance, offering personalized and comprehensive intervention.

Speech refers to the physical production of sounds and words, encompassing articulation (how speech sounds are made using the tongue, lips, jaw, and mouth) and/or coordination, voice (use of vocal cords and breathing to produce sound), and fluency (rhythm and flow of speech).

Language includes vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to understand and produce sentences. Language can be divided into receptive language (understanding what others say) and expressive language (using words and sentences to communicate thoughts). It can also include social communication and pragmatic language skills.

While speech focuses on the mechanics of producing sounds, language encompasses the ability to understand and express language.

During the evaluation, the assessment may include a medical records review, parent report, standardized testing, observation through play, and dynamic assessment. Following the evaluation, it will be determined if treatment is necessary. You will receive a copy of your child’s evaluation within 7 days of the evaluation.

Speech therapy evaluations and sessions take place at our clinic in Gibbsboro, NJ.

Your speech pathologist will provide recommendations for therapy frequency following the initial speech evaluation. Therapy appointments typically occur in recurring timeslots 1-2 times per week for 30 minutes. There may be additional and more intensive services recommended. Frequency is determined by numerous factors, such as the type of disorder, current skill set, severity of disorder, age, and comorbidities.

One hour for initial evaluations and 30 minutes for therapy sessions.

No.

Speech services will begin a minimum of 14 days after the initial evaluation, pending insurance approval.

Caregivers are an integral component of the team. Caregivers are invited into the treatment room in the administrative wing to observe therapy and/or participate when deemed appropriate. Home programs may be provided to increase carryover in all settings. If caregivers are not physically present during the session, they can request completion of a speech therapy session note for details regarding the session.

There is no one-size-fits-all or quick fix to therapy. Each child develops and progresses at different rates. It may take several months, or years, to see progress. With consistency, progress and meeting goals are possible. Parental involvement, such as practicing at home, can accelerate progress. It is important to note that progress may be impacted by a child’s motivation, incorrect practice or unrealistic expectations and/or demands placed on the child.

For young children, unfamiliar listeners should be able to understand 25% of speech by age 1, 50% of speech by age 2, 75% of speech by age 3 and 100% by age 4.