Speech Therapy Services

Articulation • Phonology • Early Language • AAC • Gestalt Language Processing • Evaluations • Treatment • Support • Consultations

office space speech therapy

Evaluations

Evaluations are not "one-size-fits-all". We begin by understanding each child’s unique communication profile by assessing speech, language, and social communication skills. An initial consultation will point to the types of assessments needed to fully understand your child's strengths and areas needing support in order to develop an appropriate and thorough treatment plan.

Assessments are dynamic and may include:

  • Formal, standardized tests which provide a standard score to determine your child's range of functioning compared to children their age

  • Informal measures, such as observations during play and interactions with others

  • Language samples (recorded and transcribed during spontaneous interactions)

  • Parent/caregiver interview

    ❗️If your child has had a recent assessment (usually within 6 months) with another professional (school-based SLP or other clinic), this information can be used to determine if additional testing is needed. If no testing is needed, then only an initial intake session to gather more information and develop goals is required and therapy can typically begin within a week. 

Our Approach to Therapy

  1. Neurodiversity-Affirming:

    • At Heyday, we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of neurodiversity. We recognize that every child’s communication journey is unique and valuable.

    • Rather than viewing differences as deficits, we celebrate them as unique qualities. Our therapy approach honors and respects each child’s individuality.

    • We believe in building connection and emotional regulation over compliance.

    • We respect bodily autonomy (i.e., no hand-over-hand).

    • We utilize a strengths-based approach and presume competence. All children have the capacity to think, learn, and navigate the world. We support children in areas that they may need support and systems to help them succeed rather than believing they do not or can not understand certain tasks. All children will have access to high-tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). There are no perquisites to access.

  2. Child-Led:

    • Children are the architects of their own growth. Our therapy sessions are guided by their interests, preferences, and pace.

    • We listen attentively to their cues, allowing them to take the lead. By following their natural inclinations, we create a supportive environment for progress. We model language, problem-solve, improve skills, earn trust, and form connections.

  3. Play-Based:

    • Play is the magical bridge to communication. It is a child’s job to play and it is how they learn best.

    • Through interactive games, creative activities, and joyful exploration, children develop language skills while having fun.

At Heyday, we believe that communication blooms best when nurtured with empathy, playfulness, and a deep appreciation for each child’s journey.

speech therapy for kids office

Our Specialties

While all SLPs are qualified to treat speech and language disorders (including feeding, swallowing, and voice) it does not mean they SHOULD or CAN. Heyday Speech & Language Therapy proudly focuses on a few specific areas of speech and language development. This means we possess advanced training, continue to do in-depth research, have hands-on experience and have specific knowledge and skill. By focusing on a narrower scope of practice, we can excel in a few areas rather than be a “jill-of-all-trades”.

kid laughing speech therapy

Clients with other areas of concern will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Referrals will be made for clients with stuttering/fluency concerns, feeding or swallowing disorders, and suspected orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders refer to difficulties articulating, producing certain sounds, or sound patterns of language. These challenges become evident when compared to the communication abilities of other children within the same age group.

Types of speech sounds disorders:

Articulation: difficulty producing individual speech sounds. If your child has an articulation disorder, they may substitute a sound like 'w' for 'r' as in "wabbit" for "rabbit". Or they may push their tongue between their teeth when trying to say an 's' sound ("thaw" for "saw"). These errors should disappear by the age of 5. Lateral lisps (sounds like air is coming out the sides of the mouth) are not developmental and should be addressed as early as possible.

Phonology: Patterns of predictable errors in speech, affecting groups of sounds or sound patterns. Phonology refers to how we use sounds to differentiate the meanings of words. Many children use phonological patterns when learning to speak. Children with phonological delay or disorder frequently exhibit sound substitutions or omit sounds altogether. For example, your child says "top" for "stop"- this would be called cluster reduction and should be gone by 4 years old. What if your child says "tandy" for "candy" or "dough" for "go"? This is called fronting and should be gone by the age of 3.5.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech(CAS): a relatively rare type of motor speech sound disorder. Kids with CAS have difficulty forming sounds and words because their brain has difficulty planning movements for speech. Your child knows what they want to say, but the brain can't make the muscle movements needed to say those words. This type of speech sound disorder can only be diagnosed by a trained speech-language pathologist. Heyday Speech is trained in using DTTC, a motor-based approach to treat CAS. Advanced training will be completed Summer 2024.

Gestalt Language Processing (echolalia/scripting)

Gestalt language processing (GLP) is a natural way to process language. 85% of Autistic individuals are said to process language this way and while some may progress through the stages of language acquisition, others seem to get “stuck”.

Renée Bruder is a certified Natural Language Acquisition SLP, possessing the knowledge and skills to support your child’s language progression.

Signs your child may be a gestalt language processor:

  • recites lines or scripts from books or shows

  • uses rich intonation when speaking

  • hums or sings to familiar songs

  • has difficulty answering questions

  • seems to be “stuck” using single words

  • is making little progress with traditional speech therapy or behavior based therapies

This is not an exhaustive list.

Please click here to learn more about Natural Language Acquisition or reach out to Renée for more info.

Early Language Delays & Disorders

A language disorder is a neuro-developmental disability that affects the way a child understands and/or uses language to communicate. A language disorder may occur as a part of another condition/difference like Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or Intellectual Disability. It can be hereditary or can happen for no reason at all and can impact many areas of communication.

Language disorders can affect:

  • social skills

  • academics

  • everyday interactions

Early Intervention is KEY! DO NOT “wait and see”. If you have any concerns, please reach out for a free consultation.

Currently Accepting New Clients!

Heyday Speech & Language Therapy provides office based services in Sandy, UT and private school-based services in Park City, Utah.