District Speech and Language Therapy

For adults, a speech concern can cause issues with self-esteem and social isolation. These are their own problems, but for children it’s even more critical. When a child has a speech condition, it can be difficult for them to make friends in school or develop socially. This can end up with lifelong repercussions. Either way, whether you’re an adult with a speech concern or the parent of a child with one, it can lead to significant struggles in one’s personal and professional life.

Possibly. Most children have some sort of speech difficulty when first developing their language skills. However, the “wait and see” approach is not a good idea. Research is showing more and more that early intervention in speech and language disorders is critical. To give your child the best chance at a happy, healthy social life, it’s a good idea to enroll them in speech therapy for their speech disorder.

In order to practice as a speech therapist, an individual needs to hold at least a master’s degree in their chosen field. District Speech founder Jennifer Branchini holds a master's degree in communication disorders from the University of Florida.

No you don’t, but your insurance company may require you to have one in order for them to cover your appointment. Consult with your insurer to find out more.

Most pediatricians don’t have the training or resources to know when to accurately refer to a speech language pathologist. They often recommend that parents “wait and see” until the child grows older. This is where the problem lies. The most crucial time to begin treating a child with speech delays is birth to age 3. If you have concerns but your pediatrician recommends that you wait, call us to get a free phone consultation. We will be able to recommend the best course of action for your child.

Yes, speech therapists in the United States are regulated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Sometimes. In the case of tongue thrust, for example, most kids will do so before they begin teething. However, early intervention in speech issues is critical to helping your child. If your child is showing signs of a speech disorder or learning disability, it’s a good idea to enroll them in speech language therapy as soon as possible. It’s better for your child to have speech therapy and not need it, than to live with an untreated speech or language disorder.

You absolutely do NOT need to get rid of your accent! Some people find their accent can interfere with their ability to communicate. If this is the case with you, accent modification therapy can help you learn to speak in a way that’s easier to understand for those native to the Washington DC area. An accent is not a speech disorder. It’s a fact of language – everyone has an accent. If your accent is causing you problems, we can help you modify it. But if you like your accent, don’t worry about it!

All Speech language therapists in the United States are licensed to practice by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association – ASHA. ASHA maintains a public registry on their website of everyone currently licensed to practice. You can find it here. It’s always a good idea to verify your speech language therapist is qualified to practice with this register.

Yes, anyone who holds the required credentials can practice as a speech therapist. You need to hold a master’s degree or better in your chosen field of study. Is Speech Language Therapy Covered By My Insurance?

Speech issues in children can have wide-ranging consequences. Beyond having a bit of a lisp or pronouncing words unusually, a speech issue can cause issues with their self-esteem. It can also signify deeper issues, like a learning disability or problems with their hearing. Because they aren’t able to communicate as well as their peers, a speech issue in a child can cause them to have trouble making friends. This can stunt their growth socially. Children with learning disabilities face greater challenges in life as well. According to research from the US Bureau of Justice, nearly a third of the inmates in the federal prison system have a learning disability, many of them untreated. Compare this with the 20% of the general population with a learning disability. Children with untreated learning disabilities are more likely to be unemployed when they grow up as well, according to the US Bureau of Labor.

If you’re an adult with a speech issue, it can cause a number of difficulties. One of the most significant ones is self esteem. Not being able to communicate can lead to loneliness and social isolation. It can create difficulties in your interpersonal relationships, interfering with your ability to form and maintain friendships. It may interfere with romantic relationships as well, and hold you back from advancement in your career. If you identify as transgender and your voice doesn’t match your gender identity, this can cause significant depression and anxiety. In each of these cases, speech therapy may help provide relief.