Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us so we can set up our 15-minute consultation. From there, we can discuss if your child has been evaluated in the past year, the progress they have made, and if an evaluation is warranted. We provide both formal evaluations and informal evaluations.

Our sessions are 45 minutes in length.

We work with a wide range of ages from 2-18 years.

AAC stands for “Augmentative and Alternative Communication.” The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as “all forms of communication (other than verbal/oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. Facial expressions, gestures, symbols, pictures, and writing are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication. AAC can be used to support verbal expression and to support comprehension of language. There are both low-tech communication supports (e.g., picture supports and communication boards) and high-tech communication systems (speech generating devices or iPad with communication applications; e.g., TouchChat, GoTalk, Proloquo) that support both expressive and receptive language skills.

Research states that, when a child utilizes an AAC device, his or her verbal language increases! Using AAC does NOT hinder a child’s verbal speech nor will it cause the child to stop using his or her verbal speech. There are NO prerequisites to using a high-tech AAC device. A child does not need to master picture exchange before using a high-tech AAC device. When we provide children with a high-tech AAC device, we provide them with a communication system that will grow with them and gives them the opportunity to do more than just request for items.

There are two types of language development: analytic and gestalt. An analytic language learner begins to learn and understand single words and then begins to combine single words to two-words, phrases, and sentences. A gestalt language learner utilizes larger units of whole gestalts or scripts first, rather than single words. An example of a gestalt from the media (Dora the Explorer) could be “Swiper, No Swiping.” The process of gestalt language development is described through Natural Language Acquisition stages.

Natural Language Acquisition Stages by Marge Blanc:
Stage 1: Echolalia— strings of language
Stage 2: Mitigated Echolalia
Stage 3: Isolation and Recombination of Single Words
Stage 4/5/6: Self-Generated Grammar

A child who uses rich intonation, long scripts from media/environment, or produces long, unintelligible strings of language are all signs that a child is a gestalt language processor. Another indicator could be a child who is not progressing in traditional language therapy and may only use functional words or rote phrases.

Yes! We believe a whole team approach is essential in the development of children. Collaboration and teamwork are vital for a child’s growth.

Our sessions will look different depending on the child’s sensory needs, interests, individual differences, developmental profile, and strengths. Every session will be centered around building a connection and facilitating growth through play! We will use different toys, sensory activities, and movement to support and engage every child in order to foster development.

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans. If you are out of network we can provide you with documentation that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.