Who does speech therapy help?

Children ages 2 to 13 who are late talkers, hard to understand, struggling to follow directions, working on conversation, or learning to use AAC. You don't need a formal diagnosis to start an evaluation.

How is speech therapy different from ABA?

Speech focuses specifically on language and communication mechanics; ABA targets a broader set of behavioral and learning skills. Many children benefit from both — and our team coordinates so goals reinforce each other.

Is speech therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. Speech therapy is covered under EIDBI as well as Minnesota Medical Assistance, UCare, and BCBS MN. We'll verify your benefits before your first session.

What should we expect at the first visit?

The first visit is an evaluation: your SLP plays with your child, asks about your concerns, and screens speech, language, and social communication. Within two weeks you'll get a written plan with goals and a session schedule.

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Speech Therapy

Q: What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy helps children develop communication — including talking, understanding language, articulation, social communication, and using AAC devices when speech is hard. Our SLPs make sessions play-based so kids stay engaged.

Speech therapy is a vital service that focuses on improving communication, language development, and social interaction skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related conditions.

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is an essential evidence-based service offered under Minnesota's Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit. This therapy helps children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related conditions develop the communication skills they need to express themselves, interact with others, and navigate daily life with confidence.

At Spectrum Roots, our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work closely with children and their families to create individualized treatment plans that address each child's unique communication needs and developmental goals.

Families, schools, and providers collaborate to create a supportive environment that encourages growth and success in all communication settings.

Benefits of Speech Therapy

Our speech therapy services help children build essential communication skills for success.

Communication Development

Build verbal and non-verbal communication skills to help your child express their needs and emotions effectively.

Social Interaction

Improve social communication skills including understanding social cues, taking turns, and engaging with peers.

Language Skills

Enhance receptive and expressive language, vocabulary development, and sentence formation.

Confidence Building

Help children communicate more clearly and confidently in all settings, from home to school to community.

Speech Therapy Services We Provide

Speech & Language Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for growth in receptive language, expressive language, articulation, and social communication.

Communication Skill Development

Teaching verbal and non-verbal communication skills to help children express their needs and emotions effectively, building vocabulary, forming sentences, and improving conversational abilities.

Social Communication Therapy

Helping children understand social cues, take turns in conversations, and engage appropriately with peers and adults. Targets pragmatic language skills like tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions.

Articulation & Sound Production

Addressing pronunciation challenges to enhance speech clarity and reduce frustration in communication using evidence-based strategies to improve specific sounds and speech patterns.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

For children with limited verbal communication, introducing AAC tools like communication boards, picture exchange systems, or speech-generating devices to empower self-expression.

Feeding & Swallowing Support

Support for children with difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or managing mealtime behaviors to improve nutrition and reduce stress during meals.

What We Offer

Comprehensive speech and language assessments by licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

Individualized Treatment Plans tailored to each child's communication needs

Receptive language therapy (understanding language)

Expressive language therapy (using language)

Articulation and phonological therapy for clearer speech

Social communication and pragmatic language skills

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support

Feeding and swallowing therapy when needed

Collaboration with families, schools, and other providers

Progress monitoring with regular updates and adjustments

How Speech Therapy Supports Families & Schools

For Families

Parents actively involved in therapy to reinforce strategies at home
Training sessions to support communication and manage challenges

For Providers

Integrates with other EIDBI services for holistic care
Collaboration to align therapy goals with child's ITP

For Schools

Supports classroom success through improved communication
Alignment with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Speech Therapy

Common questions about evaluations, AAC, and how speech therapy fits with other services.

Get Started with Speech Therapy

Ready to help your child develop stronger communication skills? Our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists are here to support your child's unique journey.

Speech therapy services under EIDBI are covered by Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and most private insurance plans. Contact us today to learn more.

Start Your Child's Journey

Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss how we can help.