Pediatric Speech Therapy Services
TDLC is proud to offer speech therapy services to the Greater Houston area. The goal of our speech therapy clinic is to provide speech-impaired children with the crucial communication skills necessary to meet the demands of their educational, occupational and social roles.
Our speech therapy specializes in addressing behaviors and other issues that may interfere with the learning process, thus helping maximize therapy benefits for each child. Specifically, our in-depth experience with children with autism puts us in a unique position; we understand how to best provide speech therapy services to individuals with autism and overcome the particular difficulties they may encounter.
Our Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in a wide array of speech disorders and severities. We strive to provide quality and nurturing therapy services tailored to fit each client's needs, despite possible cognitive or behavioral challenges. Our speech therapy team understands the frustration children face when they have difficulties comprehending and producing language. With the incorporation of the latest technology, our therapy is designed to be individualized, fun, and supportive, while increasing communication (both oral and/or written language skills).
We are excited to incorporate the latest technology to help our patients including the use of the revolutionary iPad and a wide variety of language, communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications in many speech therapy sessions. This is just another reason we enjoy working with our clients and our clients enjoy working with us!
TDLC believes the union of Speech-Language Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is highly beneficial in promoting continuity and overall success. When our clients receive both treatments, our ABA therapists can work on reducing undesirable behaviors, allowing our Speech-Language Pathologists the opportunity to provide the most effective treatments possible.
our Speech Pathology Team
Our dedicated Speech Pathology Team, including three Speech-Language Pathologists and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, is one of our greatest assets! Our Speech-Language Pathologists are certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the state of Texas. They bring a wealth of experience regarding the pediatric population, specifically those with Autism. With individualized approaches, they incorporate a variety of therapy materials, techniques, technology and programs. They love what they do, and it shows!
TDLC encourages and supports the continuous training and education of our Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, allowing them to stay current on the latest treatments in the field of speech pathology, and often exceed continuing education requirements.
Our team has experience addressing most speech and language disorders, including:
- Apraxia of Speech
- Autism
- Early Intervention of Speech/Language Delay
- Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders
- Dysarthria
- Fluency/Stuttering Disorders
- Auditory Processing Disorders
- Oral Motor Disorders
- Articulation Disorders
- Phonological Disorders
- Pragmatic Language and Social Language Skills
- Learning Disabilities
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Sign Language (ASL)
- Pitch and Volume Deviations
Does my child need Speech therapy?
The following are some speech-language milestones for early childhood, listed by age. While every child learns to speak at his or her own pace, general milestones can serve as a guide to normal speech and language development — and help doctors and other health professionals determine when a child might need extra help.
By the end of six months, your child may:
- Make gurgling sounds when playing with you or left alone
- Babble repetitive syllables, such as "ba, ba, ba"
- Use his or her voice to express pleasure and displeasure
- Move his or her eyes in the direction of sounds
- Respond to changes in the tone of your voice
- Notice that some toys make sounds
- Pay attention to music
By the end of 12 months, your child may:
- Try to imitate words
- Say a few words, such as "dada," "mama" and "uh-oh"
- Understand simple instructions, such as "Please drink your milk"
- Understand "no"
- Turn and look in the direction of sounds
By the end of 18 months, your child may:
- Point to an object or picture when it's named
- Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts
- Follow simple directions accompanied by gestures
- Say as many as eight to 10 words
By the end of 24 months, your child may:
- Ask for common foods by name
- Use simple phrases, such as "more milk"
- Begin to use pronouns, such as "mine"
- Ask one- to two-word questions, such as "Go bye-bye?"
- Follow simple commands without the help of gestures
- Say more words every month
- Speak 50 words and understand more
Where to Start…
Our SLPs will conduct a speech/language evaluation to determine the need, nature, and/or severity of your child’s speech concerns. Upon completion, the evaluation will be shared/explained to the parent, including therapy and at-home recommendations.
Speech therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. Each session is followed by communication with the parent or caregiver, discussing progress and any home-programs recommended to facilitate in the carry-over of new skills. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
(Some information on this page can also be found at the Mayo Clinic website, at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-development/AN01026)
