Speech Therapy Services
What is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is a specialized field focused on helping children develop effective communication skills and overcome challenges related to speech, language, and social interaction. It addresses issues that can affect a child’s ability to express themselves, understand others, and interact socially, which directly benefits their overall development. Speech therapy also encompasses feeding therapy, which addresses issues related to eating and swallowing.
Goals for Speech Therapy
Improving Speech Clarity
Helping children articulate sounds and words clearly.
Enhancing Language Skills
Supporting development of children to help them functionality communicate their wants and needs.
Boosting Social Interaction
Encouraging effective communication and social skills through play and conversation.
Addressing Feeding Difficulties
Assisting children who have trouble with eating, swallowing, or oral motor skills.
Communication Milestones by Age
Another thing we consider when creating goals for your child regarding their individualized therapy needs is what milestones we are trying to help them achieve based on their age and abilities.
By 12 Months
Babbling and using simple words
By 18 Months
Saying several single words and starting to combine words
By 2 Years
Using two-word phrases and having a vocabulary of 50+ words
By 3 Years
Forming three-word sentences and being understood by family members
By 4 Years
Using complex sentences and speaking clearly enough to be understood by strangers
By 5 Years
Asking basic questions and able to follow complex instructions
By School Age
Using expanded vocabulary to tell stories, typically understood by strangers, and able to ask and answer complex questions
Click below for the CDC’s full documentation of early childhood milestones.
Speech Services We Provide
Serving Nassau, Suffolk Counties, and the 5 Boroughs of NYC
- Articulation Therapy
Focused on correcting speech sound errors to improve clarity of speech. - Language Intervention
Targeted at enhancing both expressive and receptive language skills, inclusive of vocabulary, asking/answering questions, following directions, and grammar. - Feeding Therapy
Assists with difficulties related to feeding and swallowing, including support for infants with feeding challenges and older children with mealtime challenges. - Specialized Intervention
Targeted therapy programs tailored to specific needs such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Tethered Oral Tissues/Tongue Tie, Fluency Disorders, Voice Disorders, Autism-Related Social Communication Issues, Bilinguialism, Pediactric Feeding Disorder (PFD), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Gestalt Language Processing. - Speech-Language Evaluations
We offer comprehensive monolingual and bilingual speech, language, and feeding evaluations tailored to various age groups. - AAC Evaluations, Consultations, and Therapy
We offer comprehensive evaluations to determine the most effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals who need support with expressive communication. Ongoing consultations and therapy focuses on developing language skills, increasing device proficiency, and fostering meaningful communication in everyday settings.
Age Groups We Serve
New York Therapy offers comprehensive speech evaluations and services to children of all ages and abilities.
- Early Intervention (birth to 3 years old)
- Preschool (3 to 5 years old)
- School-Age (5 to 21 years old)
- Adults and Geriatrics
Evaluation & Therapy Settings
We offer a range of settings where your family can feel comfortable and supported while receiving therapy.
- In-Home & Community
- NYT Kids Pediactric Therapy Centers
- School & Daycare
- Teletherapy
Common Speech-Language Delays and Disorders
Articulation Disorders
Difficulties with pronouncing specific sounds correctly
Treatment Techniques
- Articulation therapy: Techniques to improve the clarity of specific sounds.
- Phonetic Placement: Teaching correct tongue and lip movements for accurate sound protection.
Phonological Disorders
Difficulty with understanding and using sound patterns in speech, leading to predictable and systematic errors.
Treatment Techniques:
- Phonological Awareness Therapy: Activities to help recognize and manipulate sounds in words.
- Minimal Pair Therapy: Using word pairs that differ by one sound to improve phoneme production.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
A motor speech disorder characterized by difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.
Treatment Techniques
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC): A structured approach focusing on motor planning and repetition with tactile and visual cues.
- Motor Learning Principles: Techniques emphasizing practice and repetition to improve motor planning.
Expressive Language Disorders
Challenges with using language to express thoughts and ideas.
Treatment Techniques
- Language Expansion and Extension: Techniques to build on and extend a child’s verbal output.
- Narrative Therapy: Helping children develop storytelling skills and organize their thoughts coherently.
Receptive Language Disorders
Difficulty understanding spoken language and following directions.
Treatment Techniques
- Comprehension Strategies: Using visual aids and contextual clues to enhance understanding.
- Language Enrichment: Structured activities to improve comprehension and usage of language.
Language Delays
Delayed development of language skills compared to peers, often with eventual catch-up.
Treatment Techniques
- Early Language Intervention: Activities and strategies to promote language development through play, reading, and conversation.
Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
Disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions or prolongations of sounds.
Treatment Techniques
- Fluency-Shaping Therapy: Techniques to promote smooth, fluent speech.
- Stuttering Modification Therapy: Strategies to manage and reduce the frequency of stuttering.
Voice Disorders
Issues with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice affecting how it sounds.
Treatment Techniques
- Vocal Hygiene Training: Educating on practices to maintain vocal health and prevent strain.
- Voice Therapy: Exercises to improve pitch, volume, and quality, including techniques for managing hoarseness or vocal cord nodules.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Related Communication Issues
Communication challenges associated with autism, including difficulties with social interaction and repetitive speech.
Treatment Techniques
- Social Stories and Visual Supports: Tools to aid understanding and engagement in social contexts.
Common Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Oral Motor Difficulties
Problems with the muscles used for chewing and swallowing.
Treatment Techniques
- Oral Motor Therapy: Exercises to strengthen oral muscles and improve coordination.
- Postural Techniques: Adjusting body positions during eating to facilitate safe swallowing.
Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties)
Difficulty with swallowing, which may lead to choking or aspiration.
Treatment Techniques:
- Swallowing Therapy: Techniques to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.
- Postural Techniques: Body positioning strategies during eating to reduce aspiration risk.
Food Selectivity and Picky Eating
Limited variety in diet or strong preferences for certain foods.
Treatment Techniques
- Behavioral Feeding Therapy: Strategies to increase food variety and reduce refusal.
- Desensitization Techniques: Gradual exposure to new foods to reduce texture aversion.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Severe food avoidance due to extreme pickiness, sensory sensitivities, or fear of negative consequences of eating.
Treatment Techniques
- ARFID-Specific Therapy: Multidisciplinary approach including behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and gradual exposure to foods.
Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)
Persistent feeding difficulties that impact growth and development, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
Treatment Techniques
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach: A specific method to address feeding issues through sensory integration and gradual exposure to different foods.
- Multidisciplinary Feeding Therapy: Collaborative approach involving speech therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians.
Failure to Thrive (Related to Feeding Issues)
Inadequate growth due to insufficient caloric or nutrient intake.
Treatment Techniques
- Nutritional Counseling: Personalized dietary plans to address growth concerns and ensure adequate nutrient intake.
- Growth Monitoring: Regular assessments to track progress and adjust feeding strategies as needed.
Does my child need speech therapy?
If you believe your child is not meeting developmental milestones, they may benefit from speech services. At New York Therapy, we can guide you through the steps to have your child evaluated and receive the services they need, should they qualify. We’re here to support you in ensuring your child gets the help necessary for their success.
Parent Resources
Information and Guides
- Empowering Your Child’s Communication: A Guide to Generalizing Speech Therapy Skills at Home
- N.Y. State Criteria to Determine Eligibility For Services Based on the Normative Curve
- Understanding Stuttering - Fluency Disorders Resource
- Gestalt Language Processing Resource
- Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech Resource
- Articulation Development - Speech Sound Development
- Understanding and Addressing Articulation and Phonological Disorders in Children
- Our Approach to Speech Therapy: Evidence-Based Practices Over Non-Speech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOME)
- Understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Benefits of Using Signs for Language Development
- Understanding and Addressing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children
- Understanding and Addressing Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS) in Children
- SAMPLE RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING EMLS
Bilingual Resources
- Bilingualism and Language Disorders Flyer - Chinese
- Bilingualism and Language Disorders Flyer - English
- Bilingualism and Language Disorders Flyer - Spanish
- Bilingualism and Speech Sound Disorders Flyer - Chinese
- Bilingualism and Speech Sound Disorders Flyer - English
- Bilingualism and Speech Sound Disorders Flyer - Spanish
Testimonials
From Providers
I worked at the Farmingdale NYTPS office for 4 years and only left because my husband and I moved. I truly enjoyed the corporate culture and everything about coming to work each day. Everyone is genuinely happy and cares about their jobs and the work that they do for children. The owner has an open door policy and sets a great example for the office. She is an excellent leader and has true care for her employees. I felt that my job made a difference helping students and this feeling was unanimously shared throughout the office. I will be hard pressed to find another job or office environment that will top this experience.
Anonymous Former Employee
Great Place to work and enjoy life
Pros
The working atmosphere is perfect and a great place to learn and get hands-on training. I definitely recommend this place.
Anonymous Current Employee
Hands down the best company I have worked for.
Pros
Supportive administrative team, multiple opportunities for growth, flexible schedule ,
excellent work-life balance.
Anonymous Current Employee
I’ve had an incredible experience with New York Therapy, both as an employee and a parent. My son has received outstanding therapies through NYT, and as an employee, I am honored to work for a company so dedicated and passionate about serving children and families with special needs.
Anonymous Employee
It’s a great place to work. We have an outstanding team of dedicated employees & clinic staff. We’re making a difference one child at a time. One Company One Mission!
Gina Torre
From Parents
The dedication and above and beyond service of the employees to help many children of many communities is to be commended. Always attentive to both parents’ and childrens’ needs.
Andrea
Had our Early Intervention with NY Therapy and they were the kindest people! They truly care and take the time to explain everything. I can not thank them enough
Katherine
My son receives speech therapy at this facility, and he thoroughly enjoys it. The staff there are exceptionally courteous and professional.
Soner
My son started with NYTKids almost 8 years ago for speech, PT, OT. The therapists and staff were incredible and my son is now thriving in 6th grade; blowing away all his IEP goals. I owe everything to these people. My son blossomed socially and academically.
Elizabeth
I had an amazing experience with New York Therapy when they evaluated my son through early intervention. The staff and therapists were attentive, caring, and provided great resources and recommendations to help my child thrive. I wouldn’t ever consider using another agency!
Ariana
From evaluations to services, the agency has been phenomenal with my daughter and we are very lucky to have such great providers.
Colleen
New York Therapy truly cares about their families and strives to provide the best to them. Above and beyond…
Sandy
Everyone is professional and kind and considerate we see a big difference in our child see aways looks forward to coming
Thomas
