Speech Therapy for Children & Toddlers

Between birth and the age of 3, a child's brain develops rapidly, making them able to learn and develop new skills in a short period of time.

Because of this, toddlerhood is widely considered to be the best time to start speech therapy, as it allows parents and speech therapists to capitalize on this naturally occurring period of rapid brain development.

Children younger than 3 years old can sometimes be recommended for speech therapy, and it involves parent participation and coaching

Speech therapy empowers young children to be independent, and communicate their wants and needs clearly, which every small child is motivated to achieve.

Every speech therapy journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your child's communication skills, including assessment of language expression and comprehension as well as their specific abilities to speak clearly, such as express their thoughts and feelings, make requests, follow simple instructions, and interact with and be understood by others.

They will conduct simple "tests" or activities that allow your child to demonstrate their skills and identify which areas of communication are most challenging.

They will also want to have an understanding of which age-appropriate speech and language milestones have been reached, which are still being worked on, and any relevant medical history.

Speech therapy for toddlers includes a play-based approach, as children of this age develop skills and retain information most effectively through play.

A variety of age-appropriate games, toys, activities, and learning tools are used to create a fun and interactive environment that young children look forward to.

Speech therapists are experts at engaging with young children, providing encouragement, and ensuring each child is engaged and excited to participate.

Research has proven that online speech therapy is just as effective as traditional in-person speech therapy, with a few added benefits.

In fact, some studies have suggested that virtual speech therapy for children is more effective than in-person speech therapy, especially for children who struggle with anxiety, extreme shyness, sensory sensitivities, or other conditions that make attending traditional speech therapy challenging

When it comes to helping children improve their speech, language, and communication skills, online speech therapy is incredibly effective, and children of all ages are fully engaged and happy to participate in each session.

Depending on the age of the child and/or their level of attention, Parents may or may not be required for the entirety of each virtual speech therapy session. If their child can engage in therapy on their own, parents can rest assured that their child is receiving the highest quality therapy available and that their child will be comfortable and engaged the whole time.

How long a toddler needs speech therapy depends on a variety of factors including:

• The child's age
• The type and severity of the communication disorder
• The presence of any other conditions that may affect development or communication
• The frequency and consistency of speech therapy sessions
• The degree of parental and caregiver support and involvement
• The child's ability to engage and participate in speech therapy activities

Every child learns and develops at a different pace, and so there is no one answer for how long a child needs speech therapy. Some children reach their goals and move on from speech therapy in a matter of weeks or months, whereas others require the support of a speech therapist for months and years, and in some cases, even indefinitely.

The greatest success in speech therapy is often achieved by following an individualized plan set out by a speech therapist with reinforcement by parents and caregivers between therapy sessions.

The precise cost of speech therapy for toddlers depends on the frequency and duration of speech therapy sessions. Many health insurance plans will cover speech therapy, and Great Speech is proud to accept insurance coverage from:

• Cigna Medicare & Commercial
• Molina Healthcare Florida
• BCBSIL Medicare & Commercial
• Geisinger
• Healthnet
• NAMM / Optum CA
• Zenith American
• Devoted Health Plans Florida
• CarePlus healthcare plans Florida
• AVMed Logo
• Amerigroup New Jersey
• Aetna Medical Solutions Texas
• Careington
• DialCare
• Healthcare Highways

If you don't see your insurance plans listed here, don't worry, we also provide HSA/FSA and private pay options, as we strongly believe that speech therapy should be accessible to all who need it.

As a pioneer in the virtual speech therapy industry, and with over 10 years in business, Great Speech is the most trusted name when it comes to providing online speech therapy services to people across the United States. Boasting a vast network of more than 50 qualified and highly specialized speech and language pathologists, we can connect your child with the speech therapist who is best suited to your child's specific needs.

Online speech therapy for children means they can attend each session from the comfort of their homes, making them more comfortable, confident, and eager to participate. When you choose virtual speech therapy for your child, you are saying goodbye to long wait times, inconvenient commutes, and wasted time.