FAQ
1. Schedule an evaluation
Evaluations are scheduled during our business hours by phone, email, or in person. While most evaluations take around 1 hour, our primary goal is to gather the information we need to make the most accurate recommendations for your child—this means some may be shorter or longer.
2. What to bring to my child’s evaluation
We’ll email you our New Client Intake Forms before your appointment. Please complete and return the forms ahead of your evaluation date. On the day of your evaluation, please bring the following:
• Your insurance card (if applicable)
• Any relevant health records or a prescription for speech therapy
• Previous school or clinic evaluations/reports (if available)
• Your preferred method of payment
3. Where will the evaluation take place?
All evaluations are conducted at our clinic.
4. Who conducts the evaluations?
Evaluations are completed by one of our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), trained in assessing speech, language, and communication development in children.
5. What happens at an evaluation?
Your child will participate in age-appropriate tasks such as play, games, and structured assessments to evaluate speech, language, and communication skills. Depending on your child’s needs, we may also assess oral motor skills or feeding.
6. Do I need to be present during the evaluation?
Yes, we strongly encourage caregivers to attend. Your presence helps your child feel comfortable and provides us with valuable insight through observation and discussion. In some cases, if a child is more focused or responsive without a caregiver in the room, we may ask you to step out briefly during specific portions of the evaluation that don’t involve direct parent input.
7. What happens after the evaluation?
You’ll receive a formal report within 14–21 business days. The report includes results, interpretation, and therapy recommendations if needed. If therapy is recommended, we may schedule your child’s sessions immediately after the evaluation or follow up once the written report is complete to finalize a therapy schedule. Session frequency is based on the SLP’s clinical recommendations to support your child’s progress.
1. What is a typical speech therapy session like?
Speech therapy sessions are typically one-on-one and take place in a quiet, dedicated treatment room designed for focus and fun. Sessions are customized to your child’s age, interests, and specific goals. Your child may work on communication skills through play, structured tasks, or hands-on activities like games, books, movement, or visuals. While the approach is always evidence-based, it may look like play, especially for younger children.
If your child has difficulty participating, our therapists are trained in play-based, child-led strategies to build engagement. We’ll collaborate with you and adjust our approach as needed to support your child effectively. Each session is guided by a treatment plan and includes time for the therapist to track progress and adjust strategies.
2. Can I be involved in my child’s sessions?
Yes! We encourage parent involvement. Therapists often set aside the last few minutes of a session to review progress and provide home strategies. We also offer handouts, newsletters, and educational materials.
3. How can I support my child’s progress at home?
Stay involved by using the strategies shared during sessions, completing recommended home activities, asking questions, and creating a communicative and supportive home environment. Consistent attendance is also key to making steady progress and maintaining momentum in therapy.
4. Do I have to schedule each session separately?
No. Once a schedule is confirmed, your child’s therapy slot is reserved weekly. You don’t need to rebook each week unless a change is needed.
5. What is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)?
A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is a licensed professional who provides therapy under the supervision of a licensed SLP. SLPAs help extend services and maintain consistent treatment.
1. Does insurance cover speech therapy? Do I need a referral?
Many insurance plans cover pediatric speech therapy, though requirements vary. Some plans require a prescription or referral for coverage, while others do not. We recommend checking with your provider. Our team is happy to help guide you through the process.
2. What types of payment do you accept?
We accept numerous insurance plans, most major credit cards, cash, and check. As our list of accepted insurance providers is updated regularly, please contact us to confirm your coverage.
3. Do you charge for missed sessions?
We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. A no-show or late cancellation may result in a fee.
1. Who provides adult therapy at Avid?
Services are delivered by our licensed SLPs with experience in adult speech and language therapy.
2. What types of adult issues do you treat?
We work with stuttering, language-based communication challenges, and accent modification. If your needs fall outside our current expertise, we can help refer you to another qualified provider.
3. How long are adult therapy sessions?
Most adult sessions are 45–60 minutes, depending on your goals and therapy plan.
4. How often should I attend sessions?
Frequency varies based on your goals and schedule. Your SLP will recommend a plan designed for steady progress.
5. Do I need insurance to attend adult therapy?
We accept many insurance plans for eligible services, but private pay is always an option. Contact us to confirm coverage.
6. Are sessions in-person or online?
We offer both in-person sessions at our clinic and secure teletherapy for eligible adult clients.
1. What are your business hours?
Our clinic is open Monday–Thursday, 8 AM – 7 PM, and Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
2. Do you offer group sessions or specialty programs?
Yes! We offer small group sessions such as social skills groups and summer camps. These programs are designed to help children generalize communication skills in fun, motivating settings.
3. Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes, we offer teletherapy for eligible clients. Sessions are held via secure video conferencing and follow the same evidence-based practices as in-person therapy.
4. Do you offer in-home therapy?
No, we do not offer in-home services at this time. However, teletherapy is a convenient alternative that many families find helpful.
5. What qualifications do your clinicians have?
Our SLPs are licensed and certified by the state and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). SLPAs are also state-licensed and trained in evidence-based intervention.
6. Do you treat adults?
While our specialty is pediatric speech therapy, we do provide adult services. If your needs fall outside our current expertise, we’re happy to connect you with other qualified providers. Learn more about our adult therapy options here.
7. Are you involved in the community?
Yes! We offer free screenings, participate in local events, provide parent education, and host open houses. We love connecting with our community and supporting families beyond the clinic walls.
1. How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child has trouble being understood, struggles to express themselves, is behind in speech/language milestones, or becomes frustrated during communication, an evaluation may be helpful.
2. My child is hard to understand. Is that normal for their age?
It depends on developmental expectations. Generally, unfamiliar listeners should understand 50% of what a 2-year-old says, 75% of a 3-year-old, and 90–100% of a 4-year-old. If your child’s speech is difficult to understand, an evaluation may be helpful.
3. My pediatrician says to “wait and see.” Should I still get an evaluation?
While some children catch up on their own, others benefit from early support. If you’re concerned, it’s okay to get a professional opinion even if your doctor recommends waiting.
4. Is it ever too early to start speech therapy?
Not at all. Children as young as infants can benefit from speech therapy if there are concerns about communication or feeding. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes.
5. We speak two languages at home. Will that confuse my child?
No. Bilingualism does not cause speech delays. It’s normal for bilingual children to mix languages or take slightly longer to speak, but they are fully capable of learning both.
6. Can you help my child with social skills or peer interactions?
Yes! We offer social communication programs for children who struggle with play skills, conversations, perspective-taking, and building peer relationships. These groups are evidence-based, fun, and highly effective for autistic children and those with social language challenges.
7. Do you work with non-speaking children or those using AAC?
Yes! We are experienced in supporting children who are non-speaking or benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our therapists use a child-led, strength-based approach to build meaningful communication and independence.
8. What is Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), and how is it used in therapy?
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) is a developmental model used to support gestalt language processors—children who learn language in chunks rather than one word at a time. Instead of teaching isolated vocabulary, we help these children move from echolalia (repeating scripts) to creating their own original, spontaneous language.
Our therapists are trained in the NLA framework and work closely with families to identify meaningful gestalts, model language naturally, and support progression through the NLA stages. If your child speaks in scripts, movie lines, or memorized phrases, this approach can be highly effective and affirming. We celebrate the way your child communicates and build on it to support true language development.
