Speech Therapy

What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Speech and Language Therapy supports individuals in developing and strengthening their communication, and authentic connection skills. At TLC, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess and support a wide range of communication styles and needs, including speech sound production, expressive and receptive language, fluency, gestualt langauge processing and more.

We work with individuals across a broad spectrum of communication abilities, from those who are non-speaking to those refining specific speech sounds. Our approach is collaborative, compassionate, strengths base and person-centered, honoring each child’s unique profile.

At TLC, we believe communication is a human right and a foundation for building connection, independence, and confidence. We support children in finding the communication method that works best for them, and we celebrate all forms of communication.

Our Services Include:

  • Comprehensive evaluations rooted in both clinical assessment and family insight

  • Individualized treatment plans that respect each child's communication style, preferences, and goals

  • One-on-one therapy to provide dedicated, responsive support

  • Collaboration with Occupational/Physical and Applied Behavior Therapists to support sensory needs using tools like weighted vests, swings, crash mats, or headphones, positioning, motor planning, and behavior strategies.

  • Support for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options and total communication

  • Supporting individual through analytic language development along with supplying treatment utilizing the Natural Language Acquisition Framework for individuals identified as Gestalt Language Processors.

Speech Team

Areas We Support (Not Limited To):

  • Language processing differences – Understanding and expressing ideas in a way that feels natural to the individual

  • Speech sound differences – Clarity of sounds and words while respecting natural variations in speech development

  • Oral motor coordination – Supporting comfortable, functional movement for speech or eating

  • Fluency – Supporting ease and confidence in communication, including those who stutter

  • Communication differences related to hearing – Supporting access and expression for individuals with hearing differences

  • Social communication (pragmatics) – Honoring diverse social styles and supporting connection-building

  • Auditory processing – Helping children understand and respond to spoken language in ways that make sense for them

We support neurodivergent individuals and understand that communication looks different for everyone. We focus on building skills without changing who a child is and meeting them where they are.

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What Makes TLC Therapists Different?

At TLC, we prioritize a whole-child, whole-family approach. We believe the best outcomes happen when everyone on the child’s team parents, caregivers, therapists, educators, and more work together.

Our therapists are:

  • Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed

  • Committed to ongoing education to provide care rooted in the latest research and respect for lived experiences

  • Credentialed professionals who maintain active membership with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

We don’t focus on “fixing” challenges. We focus on helping children discover and grow their strengths, communicate in their own way, and thrive in the settings that matter most to them.

FAQs

Who might benefit from Speech and Language Therapy? Anyone seeking support in communication across the lifespan can benefit. This may include:

  • Autistic individuals to support self-advocacy, connection, sensory-based communication, and alternative communication modalities (e.g., AAC), if chosen by the individual.

  • Children with speech sound differences who may want support with articulation, phonology, or clarity to enhance communication, especially if it impacts confidence or understanding.

  • Gestalt language processors who may benefit from support in developing natural language patterns while honoring echolalia as a valid part of communication.

  • Children with apraxia or motor speech challenges to help them find reliable and comfortable ways to communicate, including using visual or tactile supports.

  • Children with developmental language differences who may need help building vocabulary, grammar, and functional communication skills to express themselves effectively.

  • Children who are late talkers or minimally speaking with a focus on supporting total communication (including signs, visuals, AAC, and gestures).

  • Children who stutter who may benefit from support in advocating for their communication style, building confidence, and navigating listener reactions.

  • Children with hearing differences who may benefit from support in listening, speech, or language development, including sign language and auditory-verbal strategies.

  • Neurodivergent children with social communication differences where support is centered around building authentic relationships and self-awareness, not conforming to neurotypical norms.

  • Children using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to explore, expand, and take ownership of their communication systems in empowering ways.

  • Children with cognitive or genetic differences (e.g., Down syndrome, Fragile X) to support meaningful communication, participation, and autonomy in everyday life.

What are some early signs a child may benefit from language support? We believe early differences in communication are not always “delays” they may reflect diverse ways of interacting with the world. Still, some signs that a child might benefit from additional support include:

  • Limited interaction or smiling in early infancy

  • Less frequent babbling or vocal play by 7–12 months

  • Not yet using gestures like pointing or waving

  • Not yet saying words or combining them by expected developmental windows

  • Difficulty expressing needs

  • Frustration during communication attempts

  • Difficulty following multi-step directions

These signs don’t mean something is “wrong.” They’re simply cues that a child may need more support in developing their preferred way of connecting with others.