Contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP) right away. Research has shown that getting therapy in the first few years of life (what we call early intervention) makes a big difference in the long run.
There are many SLPs in the Missoula area. Call a few and find one that fits your needs best.
When families call me, I gather information about the reason for the referral as well as any concerns they have. I ask for their insurance information, or preferred payment method. Then both the family and I can contact your medical insurer and verify what services, and what percentage of those services, are covered. I will gather information about your child’s medical and educational history. Usually families fill out a survey through my practice’s software before the first session.
Typically, the first session will be an evaluation, especially if this is the first time your child has had speech-language therapy. Evaluations vary depending on the nature, complexity and severity of the specific issue, but they often can be completed in one 60-90 minute session.
Speech & Language Evaluations
If only speech or only language is being assessed, then a brief screener will be given for the other area. Other aspects of the evaluations are similar and typically include:
- Standardized tests
- Free play and/or natural conversations, depending on age
- Looking at or reading story books, retelling or discussing the story
- Informal screening for visual, auditory and cognitive impairments
- Peripheral oral mechanism exam (assessing the structures of the face and mouth and how they work for speech)
Feeding/Oral-Motor Evaluation
When there is a concern about a child’s oral skills for eating or speech, an evaluation by an SLP may be appropriate. SLPs assess strength, endurance, precision and range of motion needed to speak and eat safely and efficiently. They can also address problematic food aversions (sensory concerns related to food and drink).
Some clinics offer instrumental examinations and swallow studies (endoscopic examination and videofluoroscopic swallow study). These allow a clinician to observe what is happening inside the mouth and throat when eating and drinking. I do not provide these services but am happy to refer you to a provider who does.
Feeding evaluations often include:
- Observations of your child eating, drinking, and/or taking a bottle
- Trialing foods with a variety of textures, colors and smells
- Trialing different bottles, cups or utensils
- Oral mechanism exam—more in depth than with a speech or language evaluation
Oral-motor only evaluations (no feeding/eating concerns) typically include:
- Standardized tests of speech
- Oral mechanism exam—more in depth than with a speech or language evaluation
- Free play and/or natural conversations, depending on age
- Informal screening for visual, auditory and cognitive impairments
- Screening of receptive language
After the evaluation, the SLP will provide a written report with: test results, clinical observations, a diagnosis or clinical description of behaviors, a prognosis and a plan for therapy with goals. I prefer to have a brief discussion with the family at the end of the evaluation. I give my impressions and, if their child is a good candidate for therapy, set up a therapy schedule.
Although it varies by client, therapy is most often scheduled for 30-60 minutes, 1-3 times a week. The amount of months in therapy varies widely, as do the reasons for receiving therapy. I discuss this with clients once the evaluation report is completed and on an on-going basis as we review the progress made in therapy.
I don’t have a referral, but I have a question:
- How do I know my child’s speech is normal for his/her age?
- How do I know my child’s language is normal for his/her age?
- My child sometimes stutters. Is that normal?
- If other people in our family had speech therapy, does that mean my child will?
- What is a late talker? And do children outgrow it?
- My child is a really picky eater, should I be concerned?
- If my child can get speech-language therapy when they start kindergarten, do I need to put them in therapy before then?
If you don’t find the answer in the FAQs Section, contact me and I’d be happy to speak with you.
For more general questions about speech, language, and oral-motor development, check our resources page.