FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions regarding our Children’s Programs

What is the first step in determining if my child has a speech, language or learning problem?

You may read about speech, language and learning skills on this website or you may refer to our online age checklists. If you would like to discuss the results of your child’s age checklist you may schedule a no cost phone consultation with one of our licensed therapists. A free and confidential phone call may be all that is needed to determine if your child is developing according to normative standards. We provide phone consultation as a community service and you are under no obligation to obtain services from us.  We are here to help.

Why shouldn’t I wait for my child to outgrow a communication or learning concern?

If a communication or learning problem is ignored, your child may miss out on critical developmental milestones and/or they may become very frustrated.  Communication may become stressful and frustrating for both you and your child if signs of a potential problem are ignored. Communication should be fun and stress free. A few simple suggestions tailored to your child individual learning style may be all that is needed so why wait and worry?

According to research a language or speech delay is often the first sign of a learning disability or future reading problem. Learning and communication difficulties do not simply go away. It is better to be safe than sorry.  You may prevent a long term problem from developing if you have your child screened by a licensed speech language pathologist at Granite Bay Speech. It is recommended that you call as soon as you have a concern so you don’t have to “wait and worry.” If a problem is detected, it will be diagnosed early enough to receive proper treatment and prevent other potential problems (undesirable behavior, low self-esteem, poor learning habits) from developing.

What is a screening test?

 A screening test conducted with your child usually encompasses most areas of speech/articulation, language, memory, stuttering and voice development. We focus on your area of concern and then screen out other areas as time permits. A screening test generally takes less than 50 minutes to complete. After the screening, a separate parent conference may be scheduled without your child so that you and your therapist may confidentially discuss results and options. We may recommend monitoring your child’s development every few months or years or we may recommend in depth diagnostic testing or therapy.  If all areas appear to be developing within normal guidelines then no further testing may be needed and you will be assured that your child’s skill development is on track. Regardless of the screening outcome, you will have piece of mind knowing more about your child’s development.  

Isn’t a child under three years of age too young to be tested?

Infants and young children are tested using everyday toys and picture books.  Speech, words, body language, signs, sounds and non verbal skills are observed and evaluated. Young children should be relaxed and have fun and not be made to feel they are being tested. Activities are presented as games and not as drill work. It is recommended that you bring some of your child’s favorite toys to the first session to ease the transition.  Parents often stay in the room with children under three years of age. I suggest parents prepare their child by simply stating “they are going to have fun in a playroom”.  I do not recommend parents use terms such as “testing”, “evaluation” or “therapy” with young children.

What if I want to transfer to your program from another private therapy or tutoring program?

In order to provide a seamless transition, we recommend that you obtain any recent therapy notes, test results and evaluation reports and send them to us to review prior to our first session together. With your permission, we will consult with your previous therapist and plan therapy activities that will make your child feel at ease. We may also meet with you and your child prior to your first therapy session to tour the office and answer any questions. Please let us know how we can help make you and your child comfortable. We always do our best to accommodate special requests.

What if my child is already enrolled in the school district speech program?

Enrollment in private therapy may begin at any time you choose. Private therapy is an option many parents choose and you do not need to be recommended by the school district.  Most school district therapists appreciate the help we provide and work with us to benefit your child.  School district therapists know that only children that qualify for their programs may be enrolled and not every child that needs services will qualify. We consult with your school district speech therapist and coordinate goals for your child to obtain maximum progress. You may choose to supplement school district services throughout the year, you may attend only during school breaks or you may consult with us periodically to monitor school district progress.  Parents often find private, individual sessions accelerate progress and lead to earlier dismissal from school district therapy. Speech therapists in the school district often appreciate collaborating with another professional.  The school district therapist is often consumed with regulatory paperwork, meetings and school functions which diminish the attention your child may receive.  They are hard working individuals employed by a system which does not have the flexibility of a private practice.  School district therapy is determined by a fluctuating set of standards which vary from state to state and between districts.  Often the philosophy of one school district is vastly different from another one.

What if my child is already enrolled in the school district speech program and I want to change to only private therapy services?

You may choose to attend therapy privately and not attend school district services.  Sometimes this option is chosen when parents notice their child is reluctant to be removed from classes at school. Other times the child needs specialized services which are not available within the school district setting. Regardless of the reason, the child’s best interests are the primary concern and it is ultimately the parent’s choice.

What causes speech and language problems?

Speech and language problems are usually caused by a combination of factors, rather than a single cause.  Factors which influence whether or not a person develops a communication problem include the person’s physical condition, environment, family history and /or faulty learning.

My husband’s family has a history of learning and stuttering problems.  Does that mean that my child has inherited these problems?

We have known for years that genetic disorders such as Down syndrome are due to chromosomal changes.  Now, new research has identified structural and physiological differences in the brain of individuals with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and stuttering. Genetic factors contributing to communication difficulties have been linked with chromosomes 6 and 15.  Research is on going and treatment approaches are continually being refined. It is especially important that individuals receive evaluation and treatment based on current research. The skills of an experienced and licensed speech language pathologist are highly recommended to determine the best course of treatment.

How long does therapy continue?

Therapy continues until the skill area is mastered.  Each child learns at a different pace.  Therapy is completed more rapidly if the child attends regularly and there is consistent follow through with therapy homework.  An estimate length of treatment for your child may be determined after the evaluation is completed or after several sessions.  An estimated length of treatment for a typical six month delay in speech/articulation development is 3-6 months when a child attends one to two times per week.  Contrary to popular advertising claims it is impossible and unethical to guarantee a time frame for the achievement of individual skills. Human development is a process which may be guided, not guaranteed.  Parents are cautioned to be highly suspicious of any and all guarantees. Some learning centers guarantee their results and if they don’t achieve the results they promised you then they provide you with another month of “free” treatment. If the treatment did not work the first time then why would you want to waste your time with another month of “free” service? Unqualified providers are rampant in the learning industry and you are wasting your time and money when treatments do not work.  Children become distrustful from failed treatment; they may label themselves a “failure” when unproven treatment approaches are utilized. Don’t entrust your child to an unqualified learning center. Have your child evaluated by a licensed, speech language pathologist if you suspect a problem with reading, communication or learning skills.

How is a speech language pathologist qualified to help?

Speech language pathologists in private practice in the state of California must have a minimum of a Masters degree and complete a supervised nine month internship. In addition, they must pass a rigorous state examination which assures their clients that they have achieved a knowledge base necessary to evaluate and treat all communication and language related learning difficulties. Continuing education classes must be attended to maintain state licensure. The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) is awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association to therapists who complete an internship, pass a national examination and complete continuing education classes each year. Therapists at Granite Bay Speech often far exceed continuing education requirements by reading journal articles, completing research and attending professional conferences.

Aren’t professional services like these expensive?

Our therapy is affordable and may be the best lifelong investment you’ll ever make! Unlike some centers, we do not require deposits and we do not obligate you to months of treatment at a time. You may choose to discontinue therapy with us at any time without financial penalties.  Our therapy may prevent future leaning and communication difficulties from developing. Our early intervention programs often save thousands of dollars in unnecessary treatment later.

If therapy is not provided when a child needs it, then children may resort to self medication or undesirable peers. Behavioral and psychological problems are often rooted in learning and communication difficulties that were left untreated, under treated and/or misdiagnosed.

Because health insurance often covers medically necessary therapy, your out-of-pocket cost may be minimal. Children who suffer repeated hearing loss from ear infections or children that have feeding or oral motor coordination difficulties are often candidates for medically necessary intervention. Many communication difficulties are eligible for medical benefits provided the medical cause is documented. Flexible spending accounts and employer sponsored plans benefits may also be utilized. Screenings can detect problems early and reduce treatment time and expense.  A one hour screening is less than $100.00.

How do I know if my insurance company will pay for speech, language and learning therapy?

Insurance companies often reimburse for services when they are performed by a licensed speech language pathologist. Many of our parents have discovered that their medical plan will pay for oral motor difficulties, sensory integration, stuttering, auditory processing, autism, feeding and swallowing difficulties and other neurologically based disorders. Medical plans do not pay for teachers, tutors or learning clinics.  

If you want to determine if therapy will be covered before you attend therapy you may request pre authorization from your insurance company using procedure codes and medical diagnostic codes. Speech language pathology procedures codes include: Evaluation 92506; Individual therapy 92507 and Group therapy 92508. Medical diagnostic codes for each medical condition (autism, auditory processing etc...) are obtained from your medical provider. After you provide the codes to your insurance company they may approve a defined number of sessions per year, they may pay for a limited dollar amount of treatment or they may pay for a percentage of each session. If you do not receive pre approval for therapy, you may also seek reimbursement after receiving treatment. We will complete an insurance form for you on a monthly basis at no charge. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding these procedures.