Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SLP?

ChatGPT

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a specialized healthcare professional who assesses and treats individuals, both children and adults, experiencing challenges with speech or language. While the terms speech and language are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct aspects of communication. Speech difficulties involve challenges with the physical act of speaking, including the coordination of muscles and movements required for clear articulation. On the other hand, language difficulties pertain to problems with understanding and using language, such as comprehending spoken or written words, finding the right words, and organizing them coherently to convey messages or engage in conversations.

In addition to speech and language, an SLP also addresses issues related to swallowing, known as dysphagia. This includes evaluating and treating difficulties in any stage of the swallowing process, from chewing and moving food with the tongue to coordinating the mouth, throat structures, and muscles, as well as ensuring safe breathing while eating. Our dedicated SLPs at Communicating Above Barriers are committed to providing personalized and effective interventions to support the needs of our clients, empowering them to thrive in their daily lives.

How do I know if my child needs Speech Language Therapy?

Speech and language challenges are more prevalent than many people realize. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to trust their instincts when it comes to their child’s developmental milestones. Timely intervention is a critical element in achieving long-term success for children experiencing speech and/or language difficulties. Scheduling an initial evaluation enables our clinicians to pinpoint specific areas of language or particular articulation errors that need attention. At Communicating Above Barriers, we’re dedicated to providing tailored support to ensure every child can communicate effectively and confidently.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

During the initial appointment, parents will be asked to complete a consent form and a comprehensive background information questionnaire. This questionnaire covers your child’s family history, health, developmental milestones, educational experiences, and any specific concerns or goals you have for their development. Ideally, the questionnaire should be completed while your child is engaged in assessment activities with the clinician. However, if your child finds it challenging to separate, we encourage parents to stay in the evaluation room to provide comfort and support.

Following the evaluation, your Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will provide a summary of the session and share any observations made during the assessment. Within four weeks, a formal written report will be provided, detailing standardized test results, percentile ranks, and age-equivalent levels. A subsequent meeting will be arranged to discuss these results and outline a potential plan of care tailored to your child’s needs. We also welcome you to bring any referrals or previous reports to the initial session to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your child’s history and needs.

What can I expect at an regular session?

Therapy is a personalized experience for each child, involving direct engagement with your child as well as strategies to implement at home to enhance their speech and language skills. You and your child may receive homework assignments to complete between sessions. These activities are crucial for reinforcing what your child learns in therapy and ensuring that these strategies are applied across various environments.

At Communicating Above Barriers, we prioritize setting goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Our approach is centered on providing support that is both effective and relevant to your child’s specific challenges and objectives.

Do I need a referral?

No.

Insurance and Billing

Yes! We do accept vaCertainly! We accept a variety of insurance plans. To confirm whether we accept your specific insurance provider, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding insurance coverage for our services.rious insurances. Please contact us so we can let you know if we accept your insurance company.

How many sessions will my child need?

The expected prognosis is tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. Our judgment is informed by a combination of formal and informal evaluations, observations, interactions, and data tallies. The number of sessions and the overall duration of therapy will be determined based on these factors. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to ensure the most effective outcomes for each individual we serve.