Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between speech and language?

Speech is defined as spoken language. It refers to "how" we produce sounds and words and involves articulation, voice, and fluency.

Language is a socially shared code that represents concepts with arbitrary symbols, which provides a set of rules as to how those symbols can be combined and used. It refers to the entire system of expressing and receiving information in a way that's meaningful. It involves our understanding of others (receptive) and our meaningful expression of thoughts and feelings (expressive).

What is a Speech-language pathologist or SLP?

An SLP is a professional who provides services related to communicative disorders. The role of an SLP is to identify, assess, treat and prevent communication disorders in all modalities (spoken, written, pictorial and manual) both receptively and expressively. Speech language pathologists also work with clients who wish to change their dialect and those who have swallowing disorders.  Speech language pathologists are required to receive a master’s degree and may also have a doctoral degree. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association issues a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) to individuals who meet certain criteria. Individuals who have received their CCC-SLP have obtained a master’s degree or doctorate in the field with at least 25 hours of clinical observation and 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum. In addition, certificate holder must have a year of paid professional experience and have passed a national examination. Ongoing professional development must be demonstrated through a variety of continuing education options including conferences and classes. The state department of education and the State professional licensing board can also issue credentials for Speech-Language Pathologists.

How can I tell if my child has a speech or language disorder?

These "red flags" are intended as a guideline if you suspect that your child has a speech or language disorder (see also SPEECH-LANGUAGE MILESTONES). Please keep in mind that all children develop at their own rate. If you think that your child is not developing normally then contact your pediatrician.

Infants:
Lack of eye contact.
Lack of cooing or babbling.
Child does not recognize name.
Child does not recognize caregiver's face.
Child does not smile at caregiver.
Feeding related problems (poor suck, swallow)

Toddlers or Preschoolers:
Lack of eye contact.
A sudden loss in communication.
Child does not play or interact with peers.
Child does not use speech to communicate needs and wants.
Feeding related problems (excessive pickiness, messy eating, gagging or choking).
During play child gravitates to one specific toy and plays inappropriately (repeats one motion).
By 24 months: speech is not 50% intelligible to unfamiliar listeners.
By 36 months: speech is not 75% intelligible to unfamiliar listeners.

School age:
Child is unintelligible to unfamiliar listener.
Child takes a long period of time to respond to questions.
Child cannot follow a series of directions.
Child does not initiate conversation or engage with peers.

What should I do if I suspect my child has a speech or language disorder?

If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, do not hesitate to address your concerns to your pediatrician. Request a referral to have speech-language pathologist (SLP) evaluate your child to determine whether or not your child qualifies for services. If services are warranted, your SLP should present her findings and goals for treatment before beginning treatment.

What activities will encourage my child's speech and language development?

For a list of activities to encourage speech-language development in children ages birth to 6, please click the following link: www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Parent-Stim-Activities

How do I get started with my speech-language evaluation or consultation at Milestones?

Contact Gracia Holtz, SLP at 571-338-1863 to schedule an appointment. Gracia is happy to answer any questions you may have about the evaluation process during this phone call. To make your child's initial registration process faster, you can download our FORMS, fill them out, and bring them with you on your first visit.

Will Milestones accept my insurance?

Milestones does not participate with any insurance companies however Gracia is able to provide you with any requested information or documentation (e.g., written evaluation, treatment notes, diagnoses) once you submit the claim form. You may wish to contact your insurance company prior to your initial visit to verify coverage for the evaluation and possible treatment. It is important that you understand your benefits and that you verify insurance coverage and any restrictions on out-of-network treatment.