Who Can Benefit from Speech and Language Therapy?
- DeAnna Womack
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 14
Hi there! I’m so glad you found your way here. If you’re wondering whether speech and language therapy may help your child, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place.
My name is DeAnna, and as a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP), I work with children of all ages in their homes, daycares, ABA clinics, and other familiar community spaces (such as libraries, parks, etc.)
So, who can benefit from speech and language therapy?
Every Child Communicates Differently
Speech and language therapy isn’t just for kids who aren’t talking yet. It’s for any child who could use support to better understand language and express themselves, whether that's with words, gestures, pictures, devices, their bodies and behaviors, or a combination of all of these (otherwise known as Total Communication!)
Some kids need help finding their words. Others are already talking but have trouble using language socially, telling stories, or managing back-and-forth conversations. Some kids may speak clearly but struggle to follow directions or understand what’s being said to them. Other children need support using alternative forms of communication like AAC (augmentative and alternative communication.)
All of these differences are valid, and all of these children deserve support that respects who they are and celebrates how they communicate.
A Therapy Approach That Honors Your Child
At Blue Sage Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy, therapy is never "cookie cutter." My approach to therapy is what I would describe as "self-advocacy first." This means that every therapy goal is created through the lens of helping your child communicate his or her own thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.
You Might Consider Speech and Language Therapy If Your Child:
Is not yet talking or only says a few words
Has trouble understanding spoken directions or questions
Speaks in a way that’s hard to understand
Has difficulty making or keeping friends
Repeats words or phrases, but doesn't seem to be using them to communicate
Struggles with stuttering
Has a diagnosis like Autism, ADHD, Apraxia, or another type of developmental delay (such as CP, Down Syndrome, etc.)
Experiences meltdowns or demonstrates problematic behaviors (crying, hitting, withdrawing, etc.) when they are frustrated or can't express their needs
Is multilingual and you’re unsure how their language development should look
And sometimes, parents just have a gut feeling that something is hard for their child. Trust your gut! Because Blue Sage is fully private, you don't need a referral or a diagnosis to get started. Just give me a call, I'm here to help you navigate this process and make it as simple as possible!
I See You. I Hear You. I’m Here to Help.
Being a parent or caregiver comes with so many questions, especially when your child’s communication journey doesn’t follow the “typical” path. I want you to know that you’re not doing anything wrong. You are the expert on your child, and my role is to walk alongside you with tools, guidance, and compassion.
Whether your child is just starting to babble, figuring out how to connect with others, or learning to self-advocate in their own amazing way, know that I’m here for you.
Let’s build a world where your child feels confident, understood, and empowered to share their voice, however that looks for them.
If you’re ready to learn more or just want to chat, reach out anytime. I’d be honored to be part of your journey.
You can visit my site to learn more about my practice Blue Sage Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy. Check out my Services page to learn more about the services I offer, or my About page to learn more about me, my credentials, and my approach to therapy.
If you have questions, please give me a call or schedule a free consultation. I'd love to help your family find the support you need!
Talk to you soon!
-DeAnna
