Speech Therapy - Frisco, TX

First, I would like to applaude you for your concern. There is so much current research that does not follow the old school ideas of "later developing sounds" not being addressed until certain ages. There is also a lot of current research that links articulation difficulties with certain struggles found with learning to read (I believe these journal articles can be found on the ASHA web site).

A speech evaluation is a non-invasive procedure that could only lead to two outcomes - your peace of mind knowing that your child is developing in a typical manner, or the information you need to help your child develop those areas of concern.

I have been practicing speech-language pathology for 15 years. I would recommend the evaluation. Although I conduct evaluations, your evaluation through the school district would be free. I suggest you find out if your district will conduct a standardized speech-language evaluation, and not simply a play -based analysis. That way you will know what to expect, if you should desire to go that route. Be sure to ask if the district does summer testing, that way you may not have to wait until the fall.

Please let me know if you should have any further questions ###-###-####), and don't let the mounds of paperwork the school has scare you. I used to conduct the assessments for a school district. The program is funded by the government - and that will mean a lot of paperwork!

If you are interested, I have a parent-child articulation camp. It will run 7/30-8/2. Every child will have activities designed specifically for his/her sounds. The camp will run from 9:30-11:30, and is located in Plano. For additional information, I invite you to visit www.startherapyprograms.com, and read the Sizzling Sound Camp portion of the summer schedule.

Good luck! Your child is fortunate to have a mother who is striving to be his advocate.

Regards,
S.

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Both my boys had apparent speech problems (minor like yours seems to be) when they were younger, but they resolved as they matured. I think you can work on this at home, as well. Definitely, ask the pediatrician - ours said you didn't need to worry until they were older (i.e., older than 6 or 7 - boys are slower to mature). But, from your posting the problem doesn't sound like you need intervention yet. If you can generally understand what he's saying and he understands what you're saying, then I wouldn't worry at this point. If you are perceiving problems in the comprehension area as well, then it could be a auditory processing problem and you'd really want someone to evaluate hearing, as well (i.e., he may be hearing things the way he's saying them).

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J., I'm not sure where you live, but I took my son to Lakewood Pediatric Therapy when he was 3 years old. I found them through my pediatrician. They worked with our insurance (even though getting reimbursed was a little tough at first). You can go through your school district, but it may be almost a year before you can even get in IF you qualify. Check with your health insurance first and then shop around. There are many wonderful places out there, but I do recommend starting now. It will be to his benefit by the time he starts kindergarten. Good luck!

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A lot of Speech therapists (especially those who take insurance) do the initial eval for free and if not, your insurance should cover it anyhow. Sheryl, the SLP that responded to your post is excellent and my own son was in one of her group classes so I can definitely recommend her. Also, if you're in the Collin county area I can recommend a few others also if you're interested in the private route. My son has been in speech therapy since he was 1 and it's REALLY helped.

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Hi J.
I would ask your pediatrician for a referral first. There is a place called OUR CHILDREN'S HOUSE in Grapevine that offers speech, PT, OT and developmental therapy. They are very nice there and the therapists are super. Definitely ask for Kendra or Sara to work with your DS.

Otherwise I would call your area's Early Child Intervention program for information.

Good luck to you and your little one.

Maybe Cooks, we used Children's Hospital in Seattle.

I would talk with your pediatrician and see where they recommend. Our Children's Baylor is in Frisco and Allen. Check with them or with you ISD (since it is summer, don't know if they do evaluations).

I would contact your school district (or your local school). They should be able to help you....after all that is what you pay taxes for. :)

I don't have time to read the responses before responding so I apologize if I repeat. Contact ECI. They will do a free eval and free therapy if needed. My daughter needed physical therapy and ECI was great!

Speech therapy is free through the school district. Contact your local elementary school and they will get you in touch with the proper people. Some one will come to your house for an information session, then you will be scheduled for an evaluation. My daughter has been in speech therapy since she was 4.

Looking at the sounds your son needs help with, I will let you know that "th" is not usually mastered until age 5 (late age 5 even). As far as the "y" that may be a delay, but not really sure.

Anyway, hope this helps.

J.

I would go the private route. I know it is more expensive but it will be worth it in the long run. Early Childhood Intervention is only for 0-35months. Start with asking your pediatrician. He/she should be able to give you a few good referrals.

Hi J.,
My son is also 3 1/2 and we just started speech therapy. We started with the school district (Wylie) which did not qualify him for the program even though his stuttering is considered "significant". It was a frustrating experience and I would just say from our personal experience a serious waste of time and energy on me & my sons part. We were told about the Callier Center @ UTD - it is a research and treatment center for speech disorders and specializes in little ones. I seriously cannot even find the words to tell you how impressed we are with this program. We feel happy now that the school district route didn't work out b/c now he has specialized individual & group time which he wouldn't have gotten through the school. At this age, you can do so much in so little time! Good luck!! Let me know if you want any more info!

Start with the school dist first (your child has to have a major speech imparment to qualify though) and if that dosnet work try Cooks Children (we go there and they are great!) and also the Child Study Center of FTW does evals too.

Talk to your pediatrician. He can get you a referral
within your healthplan.

When my now 8 yr. old was 4, he was tested through the public school system..I went with them because they were free. However, after a yr I didn't really see any improvement. Then I tried to re-enroll him for when he was 5 and they wouldn't let me since I was homeschooling. At first I was really frustrated because I didn't want to pay for speech if I could get it for free. Well, I ended up sending him to UNT speech...what a difference. I was a little hesitant since his teachers were going to be grad students but they were great. He went there for a yr and he learned more there in one semester then he did in a full yr with the public school. It was well worth the cost.

Contact the school district you live in services are free if you qualify. Pronouncing the th incorrectly is normal for that age though. It doesn't hurt to get him tested. they should have a Pip program or child find.

A friend of mine used ECI (early childhood intervention). They were recommended to her by both her pediatrician and babysitter. One location is Baylor House in Waxahachie. She said you can call the below #’s. She didn’t have their direct number at the time when I mentioned this to her. This list is some of the teachers. Maybe they can direct you.

ECI DAWN ###-###-####

VESHIA ###-###-####

I hope this helps!

Jen ###-###-####