Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between speech & language?
Language is our understanding of words and how we use those words to effectively communicate our thoughts, needs, and desires. Speech includes how we produce those words so that we are easily understood by others.
Why choose private therapy?
Private therapy has many benefits, including: Truly individualized treatment to your child's needs, frequency of therapy is flexible to the needs of your child, there are no strict eligibility requirements, there is no wait time to begin services, and no referral is needed to receive services.
Do you offer Teletherapy?
Only under special circumstances. Children who are seen for periodic maintenance sessions or who live outside of the Seminole-Orange-Lake county, FL areas may qualify for parent-coaching based TeleTherapy sessions. If you are interested in whether you meet the criteria for Teletherapy, please reach out to the clinician via contact information provided below.
Who are services offered to?
Any child birth-4 years of age who demonstrates a need for support in their speech and/or language development, as measured by a comprehensive speech-language evaluation. Additionally, caregivers will be included in therapy sessions to promote carryover within the child's natural environment in order to facilitate the most effective intervention possible.
What makes Little Ears & Voices different from other practices?
Our therapist prioritizes the individualized needs of each child, as well as implements the most up-to-date evidence-based practices through a neurodiversity affirming approach. Additionally, our therapist has specialized experience working with Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children, approaching intervention from a unique, "language first" approach to combat language deprivation.
Does my child need a referral to receive speech therapy?
No! No referral from a physician or other professional is required in order to begin services. If you have concerns regarding your child's speech or language development, you can immediately reach out to schedule a free consultation in order to begin the process.
Does your practice take insurance?
Currently, we are a private pay only practice. However, we can provide a superbill (medical receipt) upon request to submit to your insurance company for potential partial out of network reimbursement. Contact your insurance company for more information regarding your out of network benefits.
Where are therapy sessions held and how long are they?
Therapy services will be held in the child's natural environment, as deemed relevant and appropriate by the caregivers and clinician. Home-visit therapy sessions will include 45-minute or 60-minute sessions. Frequency recommendations will be provided following a full evaluation. Time recommendations are based on child's specific needs, as services are offered on an individualized basis.
Does my child need an evaluation?
If it is suspected that your child may have communication needs, an evaluation is needed in order to provide a full picture of your child's current skills, strengths, and areas requiring support. We will accept outside evaluations completed within the past 6 months. Contact the therapist for a free consultation to determine whether your child may require an evaluation.
What ages does your practice work with?
Currently, Little Ears & Voices provides early intervention services. This means that we serve children from birth-4 years of age who require a need for speech and/or language support. Additionally, previous clients who have aged out (> 4 years) are eligible for periodic maintenance sessions.
Why don't you take insurance?
Billing therapy through insurance limits our ability to create a fully individualized and flexible treatment plan based on your child's needs. Insurances often require very specific eligibility criteria and specifications that significantly interfere with our ability to provide the best quality, evidence-based, and individualized treatment for your child.
How can I learn more/get started?
If you still have lingering questions, please feel free to reach out to our clinician, Emily Waddington, using the contact information provided. If you are interested in scheduling a free 20-minute consultation, feel free to navigate to "schedule" on the ribbon above to get started!