You want the best for your child's health and well-being. That's why a developmental or behavioral issue can be overwhelming and scary. When a problem arises, we’re here to help.
Our child development and behavior specialists are experts in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for developmental-related conditions and behavior issues. Our medical specialists, therapists, psychologists, and others offer your family comprehensive care. They will work with your child's pediatrician, who remains the primary care provider, and refer you to early intervention programs, if needed.
Help following a NICU hospitalization
Transitioning home from a neonatal intensive care unit is challenging for even the most prepared families. Families need guidance as their babies grow and develop, as graduates are at a higher risk for developmental and growth delays. Periodic evaluations provide reassurance children are doing well, and they provide the support children need if challenges emerge.
Reviewed 2/8/2023
Sources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Adult Speech and Language." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/adultsandl/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Child Speech and Language." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childsandl/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Dysarthria." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Speech-Language Pathologists." https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Swallowing Disorders in Adults." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Adults/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?" https://www.asha.org/public/who-are-speech-language-pathologists/.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. "Developmental Language Disorder." https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/developmental-language-disorder#7.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "What Speech-Language Pathologists Do." https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2.
Speech therapy quiz
True or false?
Speech-language pathologists treat a wide variety of communication and swallowing problems. How much do you know about the many types of disorders speech therapy can address?
Start the quiz
True or false: Speech-language pathologists work only in outpatient settings.
FALSE. Speech-language pathologists work in many settings. You might find them in grade schools, colleges and universities, private practices, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.
True or false: Speech therapy is mainly helpful for children.
FALSE. Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages to treat many types of communication and swallowing problems, including:
- Stuttering.
- Learning disabilities involving reading, spelling and writing.
- Voice, language and swallowing disorders caused by problems like stroke, cancer or brain injury.
True or false: Speech therapy might help someone who has autism interact socially with others.
TRUE: All people with autism have social communication problems. Speech-language pathologists can educate and train them how to greet others and ask questions; speak in ways appropriate to the listener and setting; and follow social norms for conversation, like taking turns at talking or how close to stand to someone while conversing.
True or false: Speech-language pathologists help people learn to swallow food.
TRUE: A swallowing disorder can lead to problems like poor nutrition and weight loss. Speech-language pathologists can help people learn to manage swallowing problems (called dysphagia) in order to suck, chew and swallow food and liquid properly.
True or false: Speech therapy can help with how your voice sounds.
TRUE: Speech-language pathologists address a variety of voice problems. If you sound hoarse or lose your voice easily, speech therapy can help. Speech-language pathologists can also address other voice issues like talking too loudly, talking through your nose or being unable to make sounds.
What's the best way to take care of your voice? Find out by taking this voice care quiz.
Our neonatal follow-up team are experts on the impact that illness and prematurity has on a child’s early years.
Intensive therapy
In addition to our neonatal follow-up care, we offer a variety of therapy services, including inpatient care for children who need constant medical attention, and outpatient care for medically-stable children who require intensive therapy. We also work with children with diagnosed or suspected developmental delays, including issues with language or speech; movement, balance or dexterity; vision; social or emotional skills; and cognitive (thinking) skills. We help families in need of intensive support for a child with delays.
Autism services
We offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children with a variety of autism spectrum disorders, including intensive, in-home behavioral services for children ages 2-8 and non-intensive services to all children and young adults. Learn more about our autism services.
Behavioral health services
Our child and adolescent psychiatry professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents and their family. We provide help for a wide range of mental health services from outpatient day treatment to individual and group therapy for teens and children. Learn more about behavioral health services.
A doctor's referral may be required
Talk to your child’s doctor if you think these services would benefit your family.