781.489.3697
info@wellesleyspeech.com


Frequently Asked Questions

Are these services covered by my Health Insurance Company?
We are in-network providers of Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, United Health Care (only plans associated with HPHC), and Allways Health Partners. For families who have coverage with other insurance companies, out-of-network coverage may apply. We work with each family to help them understand their benefits and coverage options. For additional information regarding insurance coverage click here http://www.asha.org/public/coverage

Can my child still receive private therapy if they are already being seen through Early Intervention?
Yes, additional private therapy can be beneficial to children under 3 years of age, as this is a critical stage for language development. Most insurance companies will cover both Early Intervention and private speech therapy services simultaneously.

How do I know if my child's LANGUAGE skills are age appropriate?
See our list of standard developmental milestones below. Although there are standardized developmental milestones, every child will acquire skills at a different pace. If you are concerned about your child's language development, it is recommended that you contact your pediatrician and Wellesley Pediatric Speech Therapy.



How do I know if my child's FEEDING skills are age appropriate?
See our feeding handout below for age appropriate milestones and tips.





What is a Pragmatic Language Disorder?
Pragmatic language disorders are characterized by deficits in social and/or cognitive functioning. Although some children may have age appropriate langue skills, they have difficulty "using" their language skills to communicate in social situations. Children with a pragmatic language disorder demonstrate difficulties initiating, staying on topic and taking turns in a conversation. They struggle to read non-verbal social cues used in everyday interactions. Children with the following diagnoses often times have pragmatic language disorders: Asperger's, Autism, PDD-NOS and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities.

How do I know if my child's "stuttering" is normal?
Stuttering is when speech is disturbed by involuntary repetitions, prolongations or blocks. Repetitions are characterized by phrase repetitions ("Can I - Can I - Can I - play?"), whole word repetitions ("I want want want cookies"), part-word repetitions ("ba-ba-ba-nana") and sound repetitions ("p-p-p-play"). A prolongation is when a child holds a single sound for an extended period of time ("Mmmmmy turn"). A block is a silent pause in words or sentences ("I went to the (pause) store"). Children under the age of 3 may present with occasional part-word and whole word repetitions, secondary to language development. These repetitions should decrease by age three. Early warning signs of stuttering are decreased eye contact, tighting or stiffening of neck and shoulders, and eye blinking.

What is Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition?
Click here to view our video presentation: GLP Presentation