Speech Sound Disorders

Most children can say almost all speech sounds correctly by 4 years old. A child who does not say sounds by the expected ages may have a speech sound disorder.

A comprehensive evaluation by a specialized therapist is the most effective way to identify challenges and areas needing support. With the specific information gathered throughout the assessment, we will be able to pinpoint your goals and formulate an individualized treatment plan built just for you.

What to Look (and Listen) For Before Requesting a Comprehensive Evaluation

As a parent or loved one, you can typically tell when your child has speech sound errors.

The most common signs of speech sound disorders will be in everyday interactions.

For example, do any of these examples sound familiar to you:

  • Your child's speech is challenging for unfamiliar listeners (whether it’s new friends at school or other parents)

  • You notice how their speech delays may be slowing down their reading development (mispronouncing letter sounds when learning to read)

  • You notice your child is not communicating as clearly as other kids their age

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to seek a professional evaluation to know what kind of speech sound disorder or delay your child has.

Types of Speech Sound Disorders

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all model when it comes to treating speech sound delays.

In fact, there is a wide range of possible speech sound disorders that you could be diagnosed with, including:

  • Phonological disorders

  • Articulation disorders

  • Motor speech disorders

  • Or some combination of them all

At Beech Street Speech, we specialize in identifying and treating speech sound disorders and delays and are here to support you every step of the way.

Why Work With Beech Street Speech

“Our clients finish speech when they graduate, not when they run out of sessions or benefits.”

Speech sound disorders are the bread and butter of the clinic. We have a team of highly specialized and experienced therapists that can support your child on their speech journey.

If you decide to partner with us, we’ll aim to target every sound in every session. Not only that, but we’ll also provide customized home programs and parent education to ensure progress extends beyond the clinic.

Our activities are designed for fun and motivation, maximizing repetitions and practice.

Child-Led Sessions: Comfort and Regulation for Optimal Learning

We prioritize the needs and wants of our clients above standard goals and exercises. Our child-led sessions focus on comfort and regulation, creating an environment where new learning thrives. If you're navigating speech challenges or any other neurodiverse diagnosis, Beech Street is your dedicated ally in fostering growth and development.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS):
Unwavering Support for Motor Speech Challenges

CAS is a motor speech disorder that affects a child's ability to coordinate articulators (tongue, lips, teeth, palate and voice) for accurate speech production.

Common Signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Here are some markers to look out for if you suspect your child is apraxic:

  • Groping during attempts to imitate mouth movements, resulting in sporadic, disorganized mouth movements

  • High levels of unintelligibility

  • Decreased output and less babbling (quiet children)

  • Inconsistent speech production and accuracy (some days are clear and some days are hard)

  • Frustration and behavioral challenges due to communication difficulties

Our therapists excel in identifying and supporting CAS through a variety of multisensory, multimodal approaches.

Rapid Syllable Transition Training (ReST) program

One of our primary avenues treating CAS is using the research-supported Rapid Syllable Transition Training (ReST) program. This program includes multisensory support for increased engagement and success.

To ensure you have the best possible results, we also commit to:

  • Prioritized scheduling to ensure the frequency needed for progress

  • Parent training and home programs for ongoing practice

  • Collaboration with school teachers and the child's care team to streamline targets and increase support across contexts

  • AAC supplementation (when appropriate)

Facing CAS can be isolating and frustrating, but Beech Street Speech & Language is committed to your family's long-term support and achieving motor speech goals.

Your Child’s Speech and Language Development Cannot Wait!

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and screening to see if your child could benefit from this support.

We're here to guide you every step of the way, promoting clear communication and self-confidence.