A speech disorder is a problem with the actual production of sounds. A language disorder is difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas. At Nemours, our pediatric speech and language therapists (also sometimes called “speech therapy specialists” or “speech and language pathologists”) treat many conditions that can interfere with kids’ communication.
Speech & Language Therapy
Helping Kids Communicate
Conditions We Treat
Our speech and language therapy programs treat children with hearing impairments, cochlear implants, and birth defects like cleft lip and palate. We also work with kids who have other general speech and language disorders or delays. Children with speech and language problems may have trouble:
- answering (who, what, etc.) questions
- brushing their teeth
- feeding and/or swallowing
- following directions
- making certain sounds
- referring to objects by name
- sounding out words
- telling the difference between sounds
- using correct grammar
We see a full spectrum of conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending upon the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
- auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
- behavioral feeding challenges (including picky eaters)
- central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)
- childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and other articulation disorders (trouble producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said)
- cleft lip and palate
- cochlear implants
- expressive language disorders (limited vocabulary, trouble putting words together or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way)
- feeding and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) or other feeding problems related to oral muscles
- fluency disorders (dysfluency) (an interruption in the flow of speech, like stuttering)
- hearing impairment/loss
- receptive language disorders (trouble understanding or processing language)
- resonance or voice disorders (includes problems with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what’s being said)
Services We Offer
We offer pediatric speech therapy services, which may vary upon the condition and location. Depending on your child’s condition or injury, our treatment plan may include:
- augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) (evaluation and therapy to help children who need additional or different ways to communicate)
- development of oral feeding skills (for kids with feeding/swallowing disorders)
- parental involvement in therapy (through at-home activities)
- sign language education (for kids who can’t speak due to hearing loss or developmental delays)
Why Choose Us
Our pediatric speech and language therapists hold at least a master’s degree and state certification/licensure in the field, as well as a certificate of clinical competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. At Nemours, your child benefits from a team approach to care that may include audiologists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists), other specialists, nurses and experts in assistive technology, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy — all specifically trained in kid-friendly care.
Regional Pediatric Speech Therapy Highlights
Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.
We offer speech and language therapy at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (Wilmington, Del.) and select Nemours duPont Pediatrics satellite locations.
- one of the tristate area’s only facilities that works on pediatric vocal cord dysfunction
- pediatric voice program for children whose voice quality is affected by medical and/or behavioral problems
- only pediatric rehabilitation program in the greater Philadelphia region accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- new state-of-the-art Rehabilitation and Inpatient Therapy Center, with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suite
We offer speech and language therapy at Nemours Children’s Hospital (Orlando).
- one of only four multispecialty pediatric inpatient rehabilitation programs in all of Florida — and the only one in Central Florida
- unique treatment settings, like our outdoor Discovery Garden that integrates therapy with healing, nature and sensory exploration
- only pediatric rehabilitation program in the state of Florida located in a freestanding children’s hospital
- integration with world-class programs (brain and spinal cord injuries, diseases of the nervous system, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy)
We offer speech and language therapy at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Jacksonville and select satellite locations. Our services are provided through the Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat/ENT) — a recognized leader in providing state-of-the-art ENT programs for kids.
- auditory-oral therapy (to help kids with hearing loss learn to use hearing technology and listening to develop spoken language skills)
- Vital Stim® therapy (noninvasive stimulation therapy for swallowing disorders)
- VPI (Velopharyngeal Insufficiency) Clinic (bringing together physicians and speech therapists to help kids with soft palate muscle problems)