Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?  A SLP  is a specialist who evaluates and treats children and adults with speech and language difficulties.  Speech-Language Pathologists should be certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) with a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in SLP.  In addition, SLP’s should be licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology.  SLP’s are sometimes referred to as Speech Language Therapists and Clinicians. 

How do I know if my child needs speech/language therapy?  The only way to determine if your child needs therapy is through an evaluation with an SLP.  A  pediatrician may suggest a child does or doesn’t need therapy, but only an SLP can identify speech & language delays.

I’m not sure if my child is on track with his speech...what should I do?  An SLP can begin with a screening.  A screening can be completed in 15-30 minutes and can often relieve parents’ concerns about their child’s speech/language skills.  A screening can also indicate if further testing is needed to determine if any speech/language areas are delayed.

What is the difference between speech and language?  Speech is the “how-to” of talking.  It involves the coordination of the muscles and movements needed to produce speech sounds, which is called articulation.  Speech also includes fluency and voice aspects.  Difficulty with fluent speech is often called stuttering.  Language skills involve understanding what your child hears and finding the right words to say what he/she wants to say.

What causes speech/language delays?  Speech Language Pathologists focus on remediating delays in speech and language, but many parents seek answers for their child’s difficulties.  While the cause of some speech and language delays remain unknown, some known causes are ear infections or hearing difficulties, family history and dynamics, weak oral motor skills, poor habits (ex: pacifiers), and learning difficulties.

Can I get a speech/language evaluation and therapy in the public schools?  Federal law requires that schools provide evaluations and therapy to students who are suspected of having delays which interfere with their ability to learn in school.  Unfortunately, a child must have a significant problem before this process is initiated.  Often, the evaluation process can take a significant amount of valuable time (2-3 months) before therapy begins.  All services within the schools must take place during their regular student hours, which is often inconvenient for busy families.  Qualification for services is very difficult, but worth the effort if you feel your child is severe enough to qualify for school services.

Should I schedule my child for an evaluation before kindergarten?  Yes!  If you are concerned about your child’s speech or language skills, early intervention is very important!  The more skills your child has before beginning kindergarten, the better prepared he or she will be!

 

Talk Time Therapy, Inc.

Talk Time Therapy, Inc.

 

Alice Pamplin, M.S., CCC-SLP

alice@talktimetherapy.com

704-668-1728

 

Carrie Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

carrie@talktimetherapy.com

704-560-4824

 

Mailing Address:

7900-D Stevens Mill Road

Suite 122

Matthews, NC  28104

Bringing Speech & Language Therapy to

You!