Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the difference between speech and language?
Virtual or in-person?
Speech is the actual sound of spoken language. It requires the use of muscles like the tongue, lips, jaw, and vocal tract to talk and produce recognizable sounds. A speech disorder indicates that someone has trouble producing certain sounds accurately.
Language is the system of words and symbols that communicate meaning, whether through writing, speech, body language, or manual language like ASL. Kids with a language disorder may have a difficult time understanding the meaning of what's being said (receptive language issues) or communicating their own thoughts (expressive language issues).
What DON'T you do?
Since I serve families with children up to 3 years old, I don't typically work on articulation (how sounds are pronounced). That's something that most SLPs don't start working on before age 3.
Although I use the parent-coaching model for speech-language therapy, I’m not a behavioral therapist. However, many parents notice behavioral improvements, like an easier bedtime routine, when communication has improved.
It's up to you! They’re equally effective. Softheart Therapy doesn’t have an office because the natural home environment is the best place for parent coaching to take place. For virtual clients, I like to see your family in-person once or twice to model therapy strategies and see your space.
Why is speech and language therapy necessary?
Nothing is more important than being able to communicate our ideas effectively. It's our right to express ourselves so people can understand us. Good communication skills begin at home with the family and impact every aspect of our future. I want to be the bridge to accompany families across.