FAQ

Speech Therapy Questions for Tina Thompson

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Often you know your child needs speech therapy if they experience language delays, disorders, and deficits. Many situations occur where a child may need speech therapy. I have almost a decade of experience working with a variety of children with disabilities and challenges.

If your child is experiencing any disorders, delays, or deficits listed here, please get in touch and talk to your doctor about referrals and options.

What are the most common examples of speech therapy needs?

These include but are not limited to:

Speech sound deficits (articulation)
Phonology (substitution or omission of sounds in words)
Cluster Reduction (pot for spot)
Reduplication (wawa for water)
Weak Syllable Deletion (nana for banana)
Final Consonant Deletion (ca for cat)
Velar Fronting (/t/ for /k/ and /d/ for /g/)
Stopping (replacing long sounds like /s/ with short sounds like /t/)
Auditory processing – this can affect a person’s ability to attend, understand, and remember
Fluency/stuttering
English-Language Learner deficits
Cleft-palate

Some have cognitive-linguistic delays whereby an individual may have difficulty paying attention to a conversation, staying on topic, remembering information, responding accurately, understanding jokes or metaphors, or following directions.

Expressive Language Delays may include difficulty answering questions, expressing basic wants/needs, and more.

Receptive Language Delays involve difficulty understanding what is being asked of them and more.

Social Pragmatic Disorders include difficulty with others, conversations, and social situations.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication involves finding other ways to communicate, including signs, pictures, communication boards, and/or devices.

Speech therapy also helps those with Autism or who are Hearing Impaired.

Where does speech therapy take place?

In our private pediatric clinic, located in Olympia, Washington.

What sets you apart from other speech therapists?

I have been practicing for ten years and have worked in various settings (private clinics, schools, and outpatient pediatrics). I am comfortable with a wide array of disabilities and challenges.

I am a mom and therapist, which allows me to connect deeper with you and your children.

My goal is to serve you and partner with you so your child can be as successful as possible. If you have a concern about your child, I empower you to trust your gut.

Please get in touch with me here.

Do you only treat children for speech therapy?

We treat adults as well as children. Please get in touch with us to learn more about adult therapy.

Occupational Therapy Questions for Jennifer Blossom

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy utilizes the therapeutic use of everyday activities to help people be as independent and successful as possible. Occupational therapists (OTs) address the whole child, including emotional, social, and physical needs.

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?

Occupational Therapy looks different for every child and will be specific to your child’s needs. Your child may need occupational therapy if you notice delays in their milestones, trouble focusing or concentrating at school, struggles with gross and fine motor skills, difficulties managing their emotions, avoids eye contact, has poor social skills, struggles with basic day-to-day tasks like dressing, bathing, eating, or play skills.

Where does occupational therapy take place?

In our private pediatric clinic, located in Olympia, Washington.

How does occupational therapy work?

I will treat your child in the comfort of your own home. Together, we will develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the goals and needs of your child and implement how we can support these goals during our treatment sessions and beyond.

What makes you different from other occupational therapists?

I have practiced for over six years and have treated many children in private practice, aquatic therapy, and schools. I am passionate about helping children and including the family throughout our entire journey.

I’m a mom to two young boys, which helps me connect deeper with my pediatric patients and their families. I care deeply for your child’s success and want to empower you as the parent as well.

Do you only treat children for occupational therapy

We treat children from birth up to 18 years of age.

General Questions

Who is involved in the therapy process?

Parental involvement is vital. It’s a team approach that includes the therapist, parent/s, AND child as we work together to support treatment and build the relationship to meet and succeed in our goals together. You can read more about our approaches here.