FAQ: Speech Therapy & Feeding Therapy in Atlanta GA

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK OUT A SPEECH THERAPIST?

You should reach out to a speech therapist if you are having any of the following concerns for your child:

Speech Delays
Developmental Delays
Articulation Concerns
Difficulty during mealtimes
Difficulty with eating and swallowing
Bottle-feeding and breastfeeding trouble
If you believe your child might present with a tongue or lip tie
Therapy Guidance following a Frenulectomy or Frenectomy tongue or lip procedure

WHAT ARE SPEECH DELAYS?

Speech delays, also known as alalia, refer to a delay in the development or use of speech mechanisms by young children. Speech delays can manifest in a child’s expression of language, a child’s understanding of language, or a child’s pronunciation of language.

WHAT ARE DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS?

A developmental delay occurs when a child has not gained the appropriate developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to other children of the same age. These delays may occur in the areas of motor function, speech and language, cognition, and social skills.

Some examples of developmental delays are:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Genetic Disorders
Intellectual Disorders

WHAT ARE ARTICULATION DISORDERS?

Articulation disorders occur when a child experiences difficulty producing specific sounds. Many times, articulation disorders can be masked by mumbling. However, parents often realize that they are having trouble understanding what their child is saying.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF DIFFICULTIES AT MEAL TIME?

Picky eating
Slow Eating, Grazing throughout the day
Pocketing food in the cheeks like a chipmunk
Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
Trouble gaining weight
Choking or Gagging on Food
Spitting out food

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INFANT IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH FEEDING AND SWALLOWING?

Milk dribbling when drinking from a bottle
Painful latch when nursing
Reflux
Colicky symptoms
Difficulty with transition to solid food
Poor weight gain
Lots of spit up

WHAT IS A TONGUE TIE?

Tongue ties, also called Ankyloglossia, are a condition present in up to one-third of children at birth and restrict the tongue’s range of motion. Tongue ties occur when an unusually strong band of tissue tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and this can interfere with breastfeeding, eating, swallowing and speaking in children.

WHAT IS A LIP TIE?

Lip ties occur when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight, too thick, or both, potentially causing issues with lip mobility.

TONGUE TIE VS. LIP TIE

TONGUE TIE

Common signs:

Notched tongue baby, or heart shaped tongue baby
Difficulty sticking out tongue beyond teeth
Difficulty lifting tongue or moving it from side to side
Tongue tie in newborns and infants often cause breastfeeding issues
Tongue tie in toddlers often causes issues with eating, swallowing, speaking, and brushing teeth
Can be seen in adults if tongue tie did not cause childhood issues

LIP TIE

Usually found in newborns and infants
Often causes breastfeeding issues
Common signs of lip tie:
- Newborn won’t latch
- Baby experiencing gas or colic
- Slow or low weight gain
- Baby fatigued when nursing begins
- Can trap milk, causing dental decay

HOW TO TELL IF BABY IS TONGUE OR LIP TIED

Although tongue ties and lip ties can be difficult to directly and visually identify for parents, there are many common symptoms of the conditions. Some of the primary ones are:

Difficulty breastfeeding
Nipple pain breastfeeding
Damage to breast due to breastfeeding issues
Difficulty feeding
Trouble with speech
Trouble with sleep
Mouth breathing
Acid reflux

Often, many of these symptoms can present together and make basic life functions very challenging for the child and family.

HOW CAN A SPEECH THERAPIST HELP?

At Talk About Therapy we want you to know you are not alone.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP/EVALUATION?

If you are concerned:

If you have noticed one or more of any the behaviors discussed, contact us for a consultation or evaluation. For more detailed red flags you can look for in your infant or child, please click here.
If you suspect a tongue or lip tie may be interfering with your child’s eating or weight gain, we can refer you to expert providers of intervention procedures such as a Frenulectomy or Frenectomy tongue procedure. Our trusted experts can provide you with the information you need to decide if this route is best for your child.
If you suspect a tongue or lip tie could be interfering with your child’s ability to clearly communicate, we can help you decide whether or not a Frenulectomy or Frenectomy tongue procedure would be beneficial. We can also provide speech therapy for kids or speech therapy for toddlers to teach your child exercises and speaking strategies to compensate for the difference in their lip or tongue.

WHAT IS EARLY INTERVENTION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Why early intervention and identification are crucial for your child’s progress and development:

Whenever a child shows signs of difficulty communicating, understanding, or being understood, research recommends that the earlier a child is evaluated and receives services the better. The younger the child, the easier it is for their brain to learn and adapt to the techniques taught in therapy. To learn about communication milestones to look for in your child, click here.
Difficulties involving swallowing and feeding could affect your child’s nutrition. We recommend seeking help as soon as you are aware of any concerns.

WHAT IS PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

For children and youth, occupations are activities that enable them to learn and develop life skills (school activities), be creative and/or derive enjoyment (play), and thrive (self-care and care for others). Play is the media most often used in the Occupational therapist’s treatment of children. It is a child’s “job” or “occupation” to play to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self-confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments. Recommended interventions are based on a thorough understanding of typical development and the impact of disability, illness, and impairment on the individual child’s development, play, learning, and overall occupational performance.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EVALUATION?

An occupational therapy evaluation may be beneficial if your child:

Seeks sensory input (e.g. increased need for physical play, toe-walking, difficulty understanding physical boundaries with peers or adults)
Avoids sensory input (e.g. covers ears, avoids clothing textures, distressed when hands or body gets messy)
Demonstrates difficulty completing two-handed tasks or difficulty manipulating small toys
Has messy handwriting or demonstrates difficulty holding a crayon or pencil
Demonstrates a decreased attention span, increased impulsivity, or difficulty sitting still
Falls down often or frequently bumps into objects
Requires increased time to complete simple tasks
Demonstrates difficulty transitioning, inflexible thinking, or decreased frustration tolerance.

WHAT ARE ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIFE (ADL’S)?

Activities of daily living (ADL) are tasks that we do every day. ADLs are most often actions that we take for granted, like playing with toys, brushing teeth, and dressing independently. However, many children have difficulties completing these activities. Occupational therapists determine the core problems that make the tasks difficult for the child.

Feeding
Grooming
Dressing
Toileting
Sleep
Social Participation
School Skills

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER?

Some signs of sensory processing difficulties are:

Overly sensitive or under reactive to sight, sounds, movement, or touch.
Can’t get “enough” sensory input: moving, bouncing, squeezing, or mouthing.
Difficulty with behavioral and/or emotional regulation. Easily overwhelmed (may result in overexcitement, meltdowns or shutting down.)
Has poor muscle tone, fatigues easily, leans on people, or slumps in a chair. Uses an inappropriate amount of force when handling objects, coloring, writing, or interacting with siblings or pets
Is clumsy, falls frequently, bumps into furniture or people, and has trouble judging position of body in relation to surrounding space.
Has difficulty learning new motor tasks; experiences frustration when attempting to follow instructions or sequence steps for an activity.
Avoids playground activities, physical education class, and/or sports
Difficulty learning how to play or get along with other children
Difficulty with everyday activities like eating, sleeping, brushing teeth or getting dressed
Problems learning to color, cut, draw or write
Difficulty transitioning from one activity or place to another
Challenges in school, including attention, organizational perception and listening skills.

WHEN SHOULD I INTRODUCE UTENSILS TO MY CHILD?

Children should be presented with a spoon at 9-12 months to begin exploration during mealtimes and play.

WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD?

Potty training can begin as early as 18 months. However, you should watch your child’s cues (such as verbal or non-verbal communication that their diaper is wet or soiled) and ability to stay dry during the day.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE ABLE TO WRITE THEIR OWN NAME?

By the time your child enters kindergarten, he/she should begin to copy his/her own name.

What is pediatric physical therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized field dedicated to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of gross movement disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric physical therapists use a variety of techniques, including play-based exercises, manual therapy, and adaptive equipment, to support children with conditions such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. By working closely with families and other healthcare professionals, they create individualized treatment plans that address each child’s unique needs, helping them achieve their highest potential in physical function and overall well-being.

How do I know if my child needs a physical therapy evaluation?

A physical therapy evaluation may be beneficial if your child:

Has delayed motor milestones
Difficulty with coordination
Limited range of motion
Unusual posture or gait
Injury
Developmental or neurological concerns

When should my child begin walking?

Most children start walking between 9 and 15 months of age. However, there’s a range of normal development, so some children may begin walking a bit earlier or later.

Here’s a general timeline of walking development:

9-12 Months: Many children begin to stand with support and may take a few steps while holding onto furniture.
12-15 Months: Most children start walking independently during this period.
15-18 Months: Some children may still be refining their walking skills and may be more stable in their walking.

If your child is significantly behind this range or shows other signs of developmental delays, it might be helpful to consult with a pediatrician or physical therapist for an evaluation. They can provide guidance on whether any intervention or support is needed.

What is torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as “wry neck,” is a condition where the muscles on one side of the neck are tighter than those on the other side, causing the head to tilt to one side. This uneven muscle tension can lead to a restricted range of motion and cause the head to be turned or tilted to one side, often with the chin pointing toward the opposite shoulder.

Types of Torticollis

Congenital Torticollis: Present at birth, often due to the baby’s position in the womb or birth trauma. It may involve a shortening or tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which runs from behind the ear to the collarbone.
Acquired Torticollis: Develops later in life due to various causes, including muscle or spinal injuries, infections, or certain medical conditions.

Symptoms

Tilted or rotated head
Limited neck movement
Uneven shoulders or facial asymmetry
Muscle stiffness or pain in the neck

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to address torticollis effectively and to prevent potential long-term issues with movement or posture. If you notice signs of torticollis in your child, consulting with a pediatrician or physical therapist is recommended for appropriate evaluation and management.

What does a psychologist do to determine if my child has Autism?

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by our inhouse psychologist. The process generally includes several key steps:

Initial Consultation

- Parent/Caregiver Interview: A thorough discussion with parents or caregivers to gather information about the child’s developmental history, behaviors, and any concerns. This often includes questions about milestones, communication, social interactions, and any unusual behaviors or sensory sensitivities.

Developmental and Behavioral Assessment

- Clinical Observation: Direct observation of the child’s behavior, including social interactions, communication patterns, and play. The psychologist assesses how the child engages with others and responds to various stimuli.

Standardized Testing

- Diagnostic Tools: Use of standardized assessment tools designed to evaluate autism-specific behaviors and developmental levels.

Feedback and Diagnosis

- Discussion of Findings: The psychologist reviews the results of the assessments and observations with the parents or caregivers. They discuss the diagnosis, explain how it was determined, and outline the child’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Recommendations and Support

- Treatment and Intervention Plan: Providing recommendations for interventions and therapies, such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and educational support. The plan may also include referrals to other specialists or support services.

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective intervention plan that supports the child’s developmental needs and enhances their quality of life.

What is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of symptoms that affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms that individuals with autism can experience.

What are some key features of autism?

Social Communication Challenges:
- Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Challenges in understanding and responding to social cues and emotions.
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
Repetitive Behaviors:
- Engaging in repetitive movements or speech (e.g., hand-flapping, repeating phrases).
- Insistence on sameness or routines and resistance to changes in routine.
- Intense focus on specific interests or objects.
Sensory Sensitivities:
- Unusual responses to sensory stimuli, such as being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
Developmental Delays:
- Delays in speech and language development, motor skills, and cognitive abilities.
- Variation in developmental milestones compared to typically developing peers.
Unique Strengths and Abilities:
- Some individuals with autism may have exceptional abilities or skills in specific areas, such as mathematics, music, or memory.

What do our psychologist appointments look like?

Our aim during the assessment process is to provide unwavering support to our clients and their families, whether they are receiving a diagnosis for the first time or undergoing an updated evaluation. At Talk About Therapy, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families gain a deeper understanding of their own or their child’s condition.

1. Call Talk About Therapy (770) 927-7424 to schedule an appointment
2. Complete and submit your paperwork at least 2 days prior to the scheduled appointment
3. 1st Appointment
  - 1 hour Diagnostic Interview with Child and Parent
4. 2nd Appointment
  - 2-5 hours of Formal Diagnostic Testing with Child
5. Follow-Up Appointment
  - May be completed at 2nd appointment in-person or scheduled for another day virtually based on provider recommendation

We can help!

If you are experiencing or observing one or more of any of these breastfeeding issues or feeding, swallowing, or communication difficulties in your child, please visit our services page to learn more about how our licensed experts can assist your child and family.