Speech Therapy

child talking

Speech Therapy

At Dr. Pinocchio Pediatric Wellness Center, our speech therapy services support the development of communication skills that allow children to express themselves, connect with others, and participate confidently in their daily lives. Our speech-language pathologists provide individualized, evidence-based care to help children build the foundational skills needed for successful communication, learning, and social interaction.

We support children across a wide range of areas, including:

  • Expressive language skills, including using words, phrases, and sentences to communicate wants, needs, and ideas
  • Receptive language skills, including understanding spoken language, following directions, and processing information
  • Articulation and speech clarity, helping children produce sounds correctly and be more easily understood
  • Social communication skills, including conversational skills, turn-taking, and peer interaction
  • Early communication development for toddlers and young children
  • Feeding and oral motor skills, including chewing, swallowing, and safe, efficient eating
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including speech-generating devices for children who need additional communication support
Many families seek speech therapy when their child is not yet talking, is difficult to understand, struggles to follow directions, has difficulty interacting with peers, or becomes frustrated due to communication challenges. Our therapists work to identify each child’s individual strengths and needs and develop a personalized plan to support meaningful progress.

Specialized Expertise in Pediatric Communication and AAC

Our speech-language pathologists have specialized training in pediatric communication development, feeding, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We provide comprehensive AAC evaluations, device trials, and ongoing support to help children develop functional, effective communication systems.

We understand that communication is more than just speech—it is the foundation for connection, learning, and emotional development.

A Collaborative Approach That Extends Beyond the Therapy Room

A key component of our program is parent coaching and education. In addition to direct therapy sessions, we work closely with caregivers to provide strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines at home. This approach helps maximize progress and ensures that communication skills continue to develop outside of therapy.

Our goal is to help each child develop the ability to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and participate fully in their world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Children may benefit from speech therapy if they are not yet talking, are difficult to understand, have trouble following directions, or become frustrated when trying to communicate. Some children may also benefit if their speech and language skills are developing more slowly than expected or if communication challenges are affecting social interaction or behavior. A speech and language evaluation can help determine whether therapy would be beneficial.

Speech therapy can begin as early as infancy or toddlerhood if concerns are present. Early support can be especially beneficial because communication skills develop rapidly during the first few years of life. However, children of all ages including school-aged children and teens can benefit from speech therapy.

Yes. Speech therapy supports children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including speech-generating devices. AAC does not prevent a child from developing spoken language. In many cases, AAC supports and enhances overall communication by giving children a reliable way to express themselves.

Many children attend speech therapy once or twice per week. The recommended frequency is based on your child’s individual needs and goals following the evaluation.

Yes. Parent involvement is an important part of the therapy process. We provide education, strategies, and guidance so families can support their child’s communication development during everyday routines at home.