Pediatric Speech Therapy FAQs
At Swaim Therapies, we understand that every child’s communication journey is unique. We’re proud to help children and families in High Point, NC, and throughout the Piedmont Triad build the communication skills they need to succeed at home, in school, and in everyday life. Whether your child is experiencing a speech delay, language challenges, or needs support with social communication, our experienced pediatric speech-language pathologists provide individualized, evidence-based care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Our experienced pediatric speech-language pathologists are dedicated to helping children build the communication skills they need to live a productive life. Through comprehensive evaluations and individualized, play-based therapy, we partner with families to create meaningful progress and lasting confidence.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the questions parents ask us most often about pediatric speech therapy. If you don’t see your question here, we’re happy to help. Contact Swaim Therapies to learn more about our services or schedule an evaluation to determine how we can support your child’s growth and success.
Getting Started with Speech Therapy
What is pediatric speech therapy?
Pediatric speech therapy helps children develop the communication skills they need to express themselves and understand others. Therapy may address speech sounds, language development, social communication, voice, fluency (stuttering), feeding, and swallowing difficulties.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Every child develops at their own pace, but signs that your child may benefit from an evaluation include:
- Difficulty pronouncing words
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Trouble understanding or following directions
- Stuttering
- Difficulty interacting with others
- Challenges with feeding or swallowing
- Speech that is difficult for others to understand
If you have concerns, an evaluation can help determine whether therapy is appropriate.
What age should my child start speech therapy?
Speech therapy can begin as early as infancy if feeding or swallowing concerns are present. For communication delays, children are often evaluated between 18 months and 3 years, but therapy can be beneficial for children of any age.
Can speech delays improve without therapy?
Some children naturally catch up, while others need professional intervention. An evaluation can help determine whether your child is developing appropriately or would benefit from therapy. Early intervention often leads to the best outcomes.
What is early intervention?
Early intervention provides therapy and developmental services for infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. Starting therapy early can have a significant positive impact on long-term communication skills.
What happens during the first evaluation?
A licensed speech-language pathologist will assess your child’s communication skills through play, conversation, standardized assessments, and parent interviews. After the evaluation, you’ll receive recommendations and, if appropriate, a personalized therapy plan.
Do I need a referral?
Most insurances don’t necessarily require a referral from a physician or pediatrician however doctors orders will be needed in order to bill insurance. Some families may need a referral from their pediatrician, while others can schedule an evaluation directly. Our office can help you determine what is needed.
Speech, Language and Communication
What is the difference between speech and language?
Speech refers to how sounds are produced and spoken clearly. Language involves understanding and using words, sentences, and communication to express ideas and understand others.
What conditions do pediatric speech therapists treat?
Speech-language pathologists work with children experiencing:
- Speech delays
- Language delays
- Articulation disorders
- Phonological disorders
- Stuttering
- Childhood apraxia of speech
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Social communication challenges
- Developmental delays
Can speech therapy help a child who is not yet talking?
Yes. Speech therapy can support children who are not yet using spoken words by building the foundational skills needed for communication. Amy may focus on gestures, imitation, understanding language, intentional communication, and functional ways to express wants and needs. When appropriate, AAC may also be introduced to give a child a reliable way to communicate while spoken language develops.
What communication skills are addressed for children with developmental delays?
Speech therapy can address a wide range of communication skills for children with developmental delays. Depending on the child’s needs, Amy may work on understanding language, following directions, using gestures and sounds, developing vocabulary, combining words, answering questions, and communicating wants and needs. Therapy focuses on building functional communication skills that help children participate more successfully at home, school, and in the community.
How do you support children who have difficulty communicating their wants and needs?
A primary goal of therapy is helping children communicate in ways that are effective and meaningful to them. Amy may work with a child on requesting, making choices, rejecting something, asking for help, gaining someone’s attention, or expressing an idea. Depending on the child’s abilities and needs, communication may be supported through speech, gestures, signs, pictures, or AAC.
Autism, Developmental Delays and AAC
Do you work with children who have autism?
Yes. As a speech-language pathologist, Amy Swaim specializes in children on the autism spectrum to improve communication, language development, social interaction, and alternative communication methods when appropriate.
How can speech therapy help a child with autism?
Amy works with children with autism to support meaningful communication based on each child’s individual strengths, needs, and goals. Therapy may address understanding and using language, expressing wants and needs, social communication, play skills, and alternative forms of communication such as AAC when appropriate. The focus is on helping each child communicate more effectively in ways that are functional and meaningful in everyday life.
What evidence-based approaches do you use with children with autism?
Amy selects therapy strategies based on each child’s individual communication needs and the current evidence supporting their use. Depending on the child, strategies may include naturalistic language interventions, modeling, visual supports, play-based therapy, parent coaching, and AAC. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, Amy individualizes therapy to help each child make meaningful progress.
Does using AAC prevent a child from learning to talk?
No. Research does not support the idea that AAC prevents or delays speech development. For children who need additional communication support, AAC can provide an effective way to communicate while also supporting language development. Amy may recommend AAC when it is appropriate for a child’s communication needs, and it may be used temporarily or remain an important part of the child’s communication system over time.
Will my child be expected to talk during speech therapy?
Not necessarily. Spoken language is one form of communication, but it is not the only one. Amy focuses on helping each child develop functional communication in the way that works best for them. Depending on the child’s needs, this may include spoken words, gestures, signs, pictures, communication boards, or an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) system. The goal is to give children effective ways to communicate their thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.
How do you make sure therapy is respectful of my child's individual needs?
Every child communicates and learns differently. Amy takes the time to understand each child’s strengths, communication needs, interests, and goals so therapy can be individualized to the child. She uses evidence-based strategies that support meaningful communication while respecting each child’s unique way of learning and interacting with the world. The goal is to help children communicate, participate, and connect with others in ways that are meaningful to them.
Our Approach to Therapy
What does “evidence-based” speech therapy mean?
Evidence-based speech therapy combines the best available research with the clinical expertise of the speech-language pathologist and the individual needs, strengths, and preferences of each child. At Swaim Therapies, Amy uses evidence-based strategies while considering how each child learns and communicates best. The goal is to provide therapy that is purposeful, individualized, and meaningful for both the child and family.
What is naturalistic speech therapy?
Naturalistic therapy incorporates communication practice into meaningful activities, play, and everyday interactions rather than relying solely on structured drills. Amy may use a child’s interests and favorite activities to create opportunities for communication in a natural, engaging way. This can help children practice skills such as requesting, commenting, taking turns, making choices, and following directions in situations that are meaningful to them.
Is speech therapy fun?
Yes! Pediatric speech therapy is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate. Therapists use games, books, toys, crafts, and play-based activities to help children learn while having fun.
What to Expect from Therapy
How often will my child attend therapy?
Many children attend therapy once or twice each week, although recommendations vary based on the evaluation, individual goals, and family needs.
How long are therapy sessions?
Most therapy sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on your child’s age, attention span, and treatment plan. Evaluations may take a bit longer depending on parental concerns and the child’s age and attention span.
How long does speech therapy take?
Every child is different. Some children meet their goals in a few months, while others benefit from therapy over a longer period. Progress depends on the child’s needs, consistency of attendance, and practice at home.
How soon will we see progress?
Every child progresses differently. Many families notice improvements within the first few months, especially when therapy is combined with regular practice at home.
How involved are parents in speech therapy?
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children carry communication skills beyond the therapy setting. When appropriate, Amy incorporates parent coaching and practical strategies that can be used during everyday routines and activities. The goal is to help families recognize natural opportunities for communication and feel confident supporting their child’s progress outside of therapy.
How can I help my child at home?
Simple everyday activities can make a big difference, including:
- Reading together
- Talking throughout daily routines
- Encouraging conversation
- Limiting passive screen time
- Practicing strategies recommended by your therapist
Practical Questions
Will my insurance cover speech therapy?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Our office can help verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Do you offer virtual speech therapy?
We do not offer virtual speech therapy.
Do you offer feeding and/or swallowing services?
We do not currently offer feeding and/or swallowing services.
Every Child Has Something to Say. Let’s Help Them Be Heard.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or communication skills, we’re here to help. Schedule an evaluation to learn more about your child’s strengths and how speech therapy may help.