What age should my child start speech therapy?

Families can benefit from speech therapy as early as birth! If there are noticeable delays in speech or language development, DON’T WAIT! Early intervention often leads to faster progress, but therapy is effective for school-aged children and teens as well.

Bonus Parent Tip

Even if you’re not sure whether your child’s speech is “normal,” trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice subtle differences — and starting therapy early can help prevent frustration, boost confidence, and support school success.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Some signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy include:

•Trouble pronouncing certain sounds after age 4–5 (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)

•Speaking in very short sentences or having limited vocabulary for their age

•Difficulty understanding or following directions

•Repeating sounds or stuttering

•Avoiding speaking in class or with unfamiliar people

Even if your child is “just a little behind,” an evaluation can give you peace of mind and a plan.

Do you work with children who already receive school-based speech therapy?

Yes! Many of our clients receive both school-based and private speech therapy.

Private therapy can:

•Provide more frequent sessions than the school is able to offer

•Target goals that aren’t addressed in the IEP

•Help with carryover of skills into daily life

•Offer 1:1 support without classroom distractions

We also work closely with parents to help them navigate the IEP process and communicate effectively with schools. Check out Falcon Sky Advocacy Group for more information.

How long are speech therapy sessions?

Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes. We choose the length based on:

•Your child’s attention span

•The number of skills we are targeting

•Their individual therapy goals

Shorter sessions for younger children keep therapy fun and productive, while older children may benefit from longer work periods.

How often will my child need therapy?

Most children attend 1–2 sessions per week. We’ll recommend a schedule after your child’s evaluation. Consistency is key — regular practice, both in therapy and at home, helps children make faster progress.

Can I sit in on my child’s sessions?

Absolutely. Parents are welcome to observe. We also provide end-of-session updates and at-home strategies so you can reinforce skills between visits.

What should I expect at the first appointment?

Your first visit will include:

•A parent interview to learn about your child’s history, strengths, and challenges.

•A speech and/or language evaluation using standardized and play-based methods.

•A therapy plan with clear goals and recommendations.

We encourage you to bring any school reports, IEPs, or medical notes so we can create a truly personalized plan.

Where do you provide therapy?

We provide services in our cozy, dedicated therapy space in Sumter, SC or at the Firm Foundations clinic in Summerton, SC.

Virtual therapy (telepractice) is also available for families in approved states.

How is progress measured?

We track your child’s progress through:

•Ongoing data collection during sessions

•Regular re-assessments

•Parent and teacher feedback

You’ll always know how your child is doing and what the next steps are.

What’s the difference between speech therapy and language therapy?

Speech therapy focuses on how your child says words (pronunciation, clarity, and fluency).

Language therapy focuses on what your child says and understands (vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, social communication).

Many children need both, and we will address each area as needed.

How do I get started?

It’s simple:

1. Contact us today to share your concerns.

2. We’ll schedule an evaluation so we can understand your child’s needs.

3. Then we’ll begin therapy with a personalized plan and regular progress updates.