Q: When should I start speech therapy?
A: Early intervention is essential to reaching optimal progress in the shortest period of time. There are services such as The Regional Centers and other funded programs because identifying and treating speech, language and other developmental delays early lead to a better prognosis.
Q: My child is 4 years old and still uses “baby talk”. Is that okay?
A: No. Children should be able to use certain sounds by specific ages. By age 4, your child should be able to say the following sounds: p, b, m, n, h, w, t, d, k, g, f and v. In addition, people outside the family should be able to understand most of what your child is saying. Your 4 year old should also be using almost adult-like grammar with an average sentence length of 4-5 words. If you suspect a speech and language problem, it is important to contact a speech-language pathologist.
Q: Do speech-language disorders affect learning?
A: Speech and language skills are essential to academic success and learning. Learning is the basis of communication. Reading, writing, gesturing, listening and speaking are all forms of language. Learning takes place through the process of communication. The ability to communicate with peers and adults in the educational setting is essential for a student to succeed in school.
Q: What is Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?
A: Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) involves developing an awareness of the orofacial musculature, implementing a series of exercises to tone, strengthen, establish correct placement and function of the tonque, lips, jaw, and throat to produce normal patterns of swallowing, tongue resting posture, and speech.
Q: The orthodontist said my daughter needs to get braces again because of her tongue thrust. What does that mean and why did her teeth move so much after we removed her braces?
A: A tongue thrust is a consistent pushing of the tongue against the front teeth during a swallow, when at rest, and during speech. This pressure against the teeth over time will cause the teeth to move out of alignment. Tongue thrust therapy is needed to correct this negative behavior and ensure a successful outcome for your daughter following the removal of her braces.
Q: How long does Oral Myofunctional Therapy last?
A: Usually 2 to 3 months; 1 forty five minute session a week. The patient’s age and severity of problem must also be taken in to consideration.
Q: At what age can therapy begin?
A: Children as young as 4 can benefit from a speech/OMD evaluation to determine if there are some causative factors that require early intervention to promote normal development. Children of 7 or 8 years of age are usually mature enough to complete the training of oral myofunctional therapy
Q: What does seeing the speech therapist entail?
A: First the patient/ parent, guardian will fill out a case history form, the patient will be evaluated to determine the problem, a complete speech report will be written and explained to the parents including all the goals and recommendations. Once that is done therapy can begin.
Q: Is therapy expensive?
A: Speech Source Therapy Inc. is a contracted provider with the several regional center and in network with multiple medical insurace providers including Kaiser Permanente. For those who pay out of pocket, a sliding scale may be considered.
If you are interested in joining a professional team with whom you can grow, please contact us at SFV: (818) 788-4121
LA: (213) 493-6698.
For more information, call us, email us or send your resume to HR@speechsourceinc.com.
"My four-year-old son Elijah was diagnosed with Autism at two years old. He has been attending Speech Source Therapy for over a year and a half now. Irene was amazing with assisting us in starting his services right away. Since the beginning we were very happy with the support and therapy he received! Once the covid-19 pandemic hit my husband and I were worried about how we would continue to get him the help he needed. After discussing it with my husband, we decided to give teletherapy a shot. Speech Source transitioned us into teletherapy via Zoom and we could not have been happier with the decision! Throughout the past five months Elijah's language development has been flourishing! We're constantly hearing him produce more sounds, say more words, and he's even been able to tell me " I love you" a few times. As a parent of a child who was considered nonverbal when diagnosed, those were the most beautiful words I've heard in my life. Elijah enjoys interacting with his therapist, doing the interactive learning videos, and the fun activities his therapist plans for session. I highly recommend giving teletherapy a chance as I have seen great progress with my son. It's very important to give our children a routine, support, and stability during these times to aid in their learning. We are forever grateful to our therapist Jessica and Speech Source Therapy for all of their dedication and support in helping Elijah. My husband and I are very excited for the future and to see our son progress."
"I took my 2-year-old son to Speech Source for his issue with articulation, and Kimberly was our therapist. We had a wonderful experience with her. She developed a quick bond with our son and helped him come a long way with his articulation. She also was very helpful in explaining the process to me, so I could practice with him at home. My son adored Kimberly, and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking speech therapy for themselves or their child.
Speech Source is also a very well-equipped facility with lots of great toys, books and activities (even a small gym room) that engage children and help them get excited about the process."
"We started going to Speech Source Therapy 2 years ago when my daughter turned 3 years old. We were referred. First, we met Heidi, the owner who was so sweet and caring. Heidi evaluated my daughter and chose the perfect therapist for us, Kimberly. Kimberly has been such an asset to my daughters over all communication; in every sense. Kimberly learned my daughter and tailored her sessions specifically for her. My daughter speaks clearly and with confidence. She continues to grow and learn from Kimberly with new innovative and surprising techniques every week. Kimberly is such an asset in our child’s overall development, we have every intention to continue. My daughter has fun and loves to play and learn with Kimberly."
Speech source therapy knows how to assess a child and give them exactly who and what they need. I am so grateful for all they provide for children at all levels. They truly care.
Speech Source Therapy Inc. has open employment positions for SLP, SLPA, OT, COTA, PT, and CDS. We are looking for professional individuals to join our team. Speech Source Therapy Inc. will help guide, support and educate to ensure the highest level of servies possible.
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