Frequently Asked Questions: About Treatment
What speech and language skills should my child have at this age?
As they grow, children are always learning new things. These are just some of the things you should be looking for as your child grows. Because every child develops at his or her own pace, your child may reach these milestones slightly before or after other children the same age. Use this as a guide:
By the end of 7 months, many children are able to:
- turn head when name is called
- smile back to another person
- respond to sound with sounds
- enjoy social play (such as peek-a-boo)
By the end of 1 year (12 months), many children are able to:
- use simple gestures (waving "bye bye")
- make sounds such as "ma" and "da"
- imitate actions in their play (clap when you clap)
- respond when told "no"
By the end of 1 1/2 years (18 months), many children are able to:
- do simple pretend play ("talk" on a toy phone)
- point to interesting objects
- look at object when you point at it and tell them to "look"
- use several single words unprompted
By the end of 2 years (24 months), many children are able to:
- use 2 to 4 word phrases
- follow simple instructions
- become more interested in other children
- point to object or picture when named
By the end of 3 years (36 months), many children are able to:
- show affection for playmates
- use 4 to 5 word sentences
- imitate adults and playmates (run when other children run)
- play make-believe with dolls, animals and people
("feed" a teddy bear)
By the end of 4 years (48 months), many children are able to:
- use 5-6 word sentences
- follow 3-step commands
("get dressed. Comb your hair, and wash your face.") - cooperate with other children
From CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH TO AGE 5 by Stephen Shelov, Robert E. Hannerman ©1991, 1993, 1998, 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
With more than 15 years of experience, we provide speech language evaluations and therapy for children of all ages. Services include those related to a variety of speech and language disorders including autism spectrum disorder, auditory processing disorders, apraxia, expressive and receptive language disorders and phonological disorders.
What is the first step in starting with a Speech-Language Pathologist?
When you make first contact with Blooming Speech P.S., you will be asked to describe the concerns about your child. After that, together we will decide whether a screening or evaluation is warranted. Then we will schedule an appointment. (Please be prepared to discuss the best time of day and day of the week for you and your child’s schedules).
Is speech therapy covered by insurance?
We are contracted providers with the following insurance companies:
- Aetna Health Plans
- First Choice Network
- Cigna Health Plans
- State of Washington / DSHS
- Premera Health Plans
- Regence Health Plans
Please contact your insurance company to determine your speech therapy and/or neurodevelopmental benefit to see the amount of coverage for your specific insurance policy.
How do I get to Blooming Speech P.S.?
Click here for a map and directions.
Can I observe my child’s speech therapy sessions?
Families are welcome to attend the speech therapy sessions as long as it does not distract or inhibit the child’s performance. We encourage participation as it often facilitates carry-over of newly acquired speech and language skills. This is a joint decision between the therapist and family.
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