1. My child gets many ear infections. Will this affect his/her speech and language development?

There is a strong theoretical correlation that excessive ear infections are directly related to delayed speech and language development.

2. Will my insurance cover your services?

NSSLA is a provider for many different insurance plans. Check out our page on insurance information. Your insurance plan may cover evaluations and treatment of communication and associated disorders. It is important for you to read and review the medical section of your health care plan's benefits booklet. If you cannot locate it, contact your insurance representative or we can gladly assist you. Look for terms such as "speech pathology," "speech therapy," rehabilitation services," or "other medically necessary services or therapies."

3. What is a tongue thrust and can this be helped?

Myofunctional Therapy is a type of therapy which retrains the lips, tongue and facial muscles to work properly for correct speech and swallowing. For more explanations of different speech and language terms, check out our terminology page.

4. What should I do if I suspect my family member has a speech and/or language problem?

A comprehensive evaluation performed by a speech-language pathologist can determine whether care is needed or not.

5. Are all of your speech-language pathologists certified and licensed?

NSSLA hires the most highly qualified individuals who possess the credentials of State Licensure and the American Speech Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence. Clinical fellows function and perform all responsibilities that licensed SLP'S are able to perform yet are always supervised by the Director.

6. What age groups do you treat?

NSSLA treats all age groups - infants through geriatrics.

7. What are the signs or signals of a communication disorder or late development in children?

The acquisition of speech and language skills usually follows a typical course of development. Keep in mind there is normal variation but there are some guidelines.

8. Do you primarily treat particular speech and language problems? What are they?

NSSLA treats the following communication disorders:

• Delayed Language & Articulation (Phonology)
• Stuttering
• Aphasia (Stroke) & Neurological
• Cleft Palate
• Hearing Impairment
• Voice Disorders
• Oral Motor Dysfunction
• Foreign Accent Reduction
• Mild to Severe Developmental & Adult Learning Disabilities
• Myofunctional (Tongue Thrust)
• Professional Speaking

If we are not able to help you, referral sources are always provided.

9. How soon can I be seen for an evaluation?

Approximately 2-4 weeks after the initial contact.

10. Do I need to be referred to your program by a particular source?

Referrals are accepted from any source. However, with managed care plans, you may need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. With Early Intervention, you will need to be referred by a service coordinator or you may request our agency directly. For CPSE, you may need to be referred by your school district or you may request our agency.

11. Once I have been evaluated, will you be able to anticipate the amount of time needed to treat my problem?

Yes, we usually can determine the frequency and duration of the services after the results of the evaluation and provide you with an estimate of how long it will take to correct the problem.

Because every person responds differently to therapy, a more reliable prognosis can usually be made 1-3 months after the initiation of treatment. Variables such as motivation on the part of the client, regular attendance, and following up with practice tasks at home are either positively or negatively correlated with the prognosis for improvement.