What is speech therapy?
A plain-language look at what happens in therapy, who it helps, and what a first session feels like.
4 min read
ReadUnderstand your child's speech and language
Short, jargon-free explanations written for caregivers — not for clinicians.
Start with your child's age
Birth–12 months
Babbling, eye contact, responding to sounds and names.
Check milestones
12–24 months
First words, pointing, following simple directions.
Check milestones
2–3 years
Word combinations, being understood, growing vocabulary.
Check milestones
3–5 years
Sentences, stories, speech clarity, playing with others.
Check milestones
5+ years
Conversation, reading readiness, classroom communication.
Check milestones
The basics
What does a speech-language pathologist do?
SLPs support talking, understanding, social communication, speech sounds, feeding, and more.
4 min read
ReadSigns my child may need speech therapy
Common things caregivers notice at each age — and what is usually still within typical range.
5 min read
ReadSpeech vs. language
Speech is how words sound. Language is how meaning is shared. The difference changes the support.
3 min read
ReadGrowing up with two languages
Navigating services
When should I ask for an evaluation?
You never need permission to ask. Here is when it is especially worth doing.
3 min read
ReadEarly Intervention explained
Free developmental services for children under 3 — who qualifies and how to start.
5 min read
ReadPreschool services explained
What changes at age 3, and how school-based services work.
5 min read
ReadSchool-age speech services explained
IEPs, 504 plans, and how therapy fits into the school day.
6 min read
ReadPrivate therapy explained
How private care differs, what insurance usually covers, and what to ask.
4 min read
ReadSpecialized support
Feeding and communication concerns
Picky eating, choking worries, and when feeding therapy helps.
5 min read
ReadAAC explained simply
Devices and picture systems do not replace speech — they usually grow it.
4 min read
ReadAutism and communication support
Respectful, strengths-based ways to support an autistic child's communication.
6 min read
ReadNot sure what to do next?
Answer a few questions and we'll build a care roadmap with you.