Pediatric Speech Therapy

Who This Helps

Pediatric speech therapy at BSPS helps children with:

• Speech sound disorders - difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly (articulation) or using sound patterns (phonology)
• Language delays - using fewer words than expected or difficulty understanding language
• Apraxia of speech - a motor speech disorder affecting the ability to plan and coordinate speech movements
• Fluency disorders - stuttering or cluttering that disrupts the flow of speech
• Social communication challenges - difficulty with conversational skills, reading social cues, or pragmatic language
• Voice disorders - unusual vocal quality, pitch, or volume

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Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for an evaluation:

• Difficult to understand compared to other children their age
• Uses fewer words than expected for their age
• Struggles to follow simple directions
• Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
• Avoids speaking or gives up easily
• Repeats sounds, syllables, or words frequently (stuttering)
• Has difficulty with reading or spelling
• Does not seem to understand what others are saying
• Speech has gotten worse instead of better over time

Trust your instincts. If something feels "off" about your child's speech or language, an evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

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Why Treatment Matters

Speech and language skills are the foundation for everything - academic success, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Children who receive appropriate speech therapy:

• Communicate more clearly and confidently
• Perform better academically, especially in reading and writing
• Build stronger friendships and social skills
• Experience less frustration and behavioral challenges
• Develop skills that support them for life

The earlier we start, the more we can help. But it's never too late to see improvement.

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What to Expect at BSPS

Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

We'll assess your child's speech, language, and communication skills in a warm, welcoming environment. You'll receive a detailed report explaining our findings in plain language - no jargon, no confusion - along with clear recommendations.

Therapy is 1:1, play-based, and personalized.

Every child is different, and so is every therapy plan. Your child will work directly with their therapist (not in a group setting) using engaging, age-appropriate activities that make therapy feel like play while building real skills.

We partner with you every step of the way.

You'll know exactly what we're working on and how to support your child at home. We collaborate with teachers, pediatricians, and other providers to ensure progress carries over into everyday life.

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Our Approach

At BSPS, we combine evidence-based techniques with genuine compassion:

• Individualized treatment plans designed for your child's unique needs and goals
• Play-based therapy that keeps children engaged and motivated
• Family-centered care that includes you as an essential team member
• Progress monitoring with regular updates and measurable goals
• Expert therapists with specialized training and ongoing professional development

We believe therapy should be effective AND enjoyable. When children feel successful and supported, amazing things happen.

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Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty coordinating the movements needed for speech. Unlike other speech sound disorders, CAS is not caused by muscle weakness - it is a planning and coordination problem. Children with apraxia know what they want to say, but their brain struggles to direct the precise muscle movements required to produce speech clearly.

Signs of childhood apraxia of speech include:

• Limited babbling as an infant
• Inconsistent speech errors (saying the same word differently each time)
• Difficulty imitating speech sounds
• Groping or struggling movements when trying to speak
• Better understanding of language than ability to express it
• Difficulty with longer words or phrases

CAS requires specialized, motor-based therapy approaches. At BSPS, multiple clinicians have completed advanced training in motor speech treatment, including PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets). We use intensive, individualized therapy to help children with apraxia develop reliable, clear speech. Because CAS treatment requires specialized expertise, it is important to work with a therapist who has specific training in motor speech disorders.

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Stuttering & Fluency Disorders

Many young children go through a period of normal disfluency as they learn to speak - repeating words or phrases, using filler words, or revising sentences mid-thought. This is a typical part of language development and usually resolves on its own.

However, stuttering is different from normal disfluency. Signs that may indicate stuttering rather than typical development include:

• Repeating parts of words (sounds or syllables) rather than whole words
• Prolonging sounds ("Sssssnake")
• Blocks where no sound comes out despite effort
• Visible tension or struggle when speaking
• Avoidance of certain words or speaking situations
• Frustration or awareness about their speech

When to seek help: If your child's disfluencies have persisted for more than 6 months, are accompanied by tension or struggle, or if your child is becoming frustrated or avoiding speaking, we recommend scheduling an evaluation. Earlier intervention generally leads to better outcomes for fluency disorders.

At BSPS, our approach to fluency therapy is individualized and supportive. We help children develop strategies for smoother speech while building confidence and reducing anxiety around communication.

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Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides tools and strategies to communicate effectively. AAC ranges from simple picture boards and sign language to high-tech speech-generating devices and apps.

At BSPS, several of our clinicians have specialized training in AAC evaluation and implementation. We help families:

• Determine the most appropriate AAC system for their child
• Learn to use and program communication devices
• Integrate AAC into daily routines and activities
• Build communication skills through AAC-supported therapy

AAC does not replace or hinder spoken language development - research consistently shows that AAC supports and often accelerates verbal communication. If your child is struggling to communicate verbally, an AAC evaluation can open new pathways for connection and expression.

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Frequently Asked Questions