Who Can Benefit from Speech and Language Therapy?

By Blue Sage Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy

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. 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.) I specialize in working with Autistic children and am proud to be a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). But no matter your child’s unique strengths or challenges, my goal is always the same: to support their communication, confidence, and connection.

So… who can benefit from speech and language therapy? Let’s talk about it.

🧠 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

In my practice, therapy is never "cookie cutter." I use a child-led, play-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach that embraces each child's individual differences and prioritizes sparking joy, establishing connections, and building trust. This means:

• We follow your child’s interests and let their passions guide our sessions

• We build skills in natural routines, not just at a table with flashcards!

• We support connection over compliance. I love when children are able to and feel safe enough to tell me "no." Your child is a person with a right to advocate for themselves, just like you and I!

• We work closely with YOU, the caregiver, so that progress happens not just in therapy, but in everyday life

  
  

🚸 You Might Consider Speech 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! You don’t need a referral or a diagnosis to start a conversation.

💬 I See You. I Hear You. I’m Here to Help.

Being a 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—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.

Warmly,

DeAnna S. Womack, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Blue Sage Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy LLC

Phone: 726-233-5620

Contact via Practice Portal: https://bluesagespeech.clientsecure.me

Serving families in-person in San Antonio, Texas (Shavano Park, Inwood, Roger’s Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Stone Oak, Timberwood Park, Kinder Ranch, surrounding areas) and via Telehealth throughout the state of Texas.