How do I know if my child really needs speech therapy?

Many families aren’t sure if their child’s communication is typical. If you’re noticing concerns in speech clarity, vocabulary, following directions, social communication, or frustration when communicating, an evaluation can help clarify whether support is needed. We are always happy to talk through your concerns before scheduling anything.

What happens if my child is shy, quiet, or slow to warm up?

That’s completely okay! Many children need time to feel comfortable in a new environment. Our therapists are trained in play-based, child-led strategies to help build trust. We never force interactions — we follow the child’s lead and gradually increase participation at their pace.

My child has already had an evaluation through the school—do they need another one?

Not always. School evaluations determine educational impact, while private evaluations look at functional communication skills more comprehensively. We can use school testing if it’s recent, but we may recommend additional assessment if we need more information to guide therapy.

Do you offer parent coaching?

Yes! Every session includes coaching, modeling, and strategies tailored to your daily routines. We believe parents are the most important communication partners, and we empower you with tools to use in everyday interactions.

What if my child is already in Early Intervention?

We happily collaborate with EI providers. Some families choose to do both EI + private therapy for additional support, especially if EI sessions are limited in frequency or are virtual. With your permission, we can coordinate goals and strategies with your EI team.

Do you work with children who use AAC?

Yes — every therapist at Little Garden has experience using AAC systems including TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, and low tech-based communication.

How often will my child be re-evaluated?

We formally reassess annually or biannually depending on age and progress. We also monitor progress every session and discuss goal updates regularly with families.

How is private therapy different from school-based therapy?

Private speech therapy offers a different level of support than what children typically receive in school. In our clinic, sessions are one-on-one, individualized, and guided by your child’s specific needs and family priorities—not just educational requirements. We are able to focus on communication in a broader way, including home routines, play, social communication, and functional language skills. Many families choose private therapy because it provides more time, more consistency, and more flexibility. We also work alongside your child’s school team so both settings can support each other..

How do you keep children motivated during therapy?

We believe that children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun, so we follow a child-led, play-based approach. Sessions often include movement activities, sensory-friendly materials, songs, games, and toys your child naturally gravitates toward. We build on your child’s strengths and interests to keep them motivated, while balancing structure and flexibility. When therapy feels playful and enjoyable, children participate more fully—and make more meaningful progress.

How do you choose therapy materials?

Our materials are carefully selected based on your child’s age, goals, and interests. We use a mix of toys, books, visuals, and hands-on activities that encourage communication in natural, meaningful ways. Many children learn best through play, so we incorporate highly motivating items—like vehicles, animals, pretend-play sets, crafts, and sensory materials—to spark engagement. Every material we choose is intentionally used to support specific skills while keeping sessions fun, functional, and developmentally appropriate.