Asheville Pediatric Speech Therapy
Play Talk & Grow provides individualized intervention plans tailored to each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and interests. Therapists assess not only speech and language skills but also factors like sensory processing, motor coordination, and social interactions. Family involvement is integral, with therapists providing education, support, and strategies for caregivers to facilitate skills at home.
We value meaningful goals that represent the whole child.
Our therapeutic approach is respectful and strengths based for ALL families. We are play-based therapists that believes in following a child’s lead. By listening to the child and providing engaging activities we are able to build trust and establish a nurturing relationship on which we can develop speech and language skills.
Play Talk & Grow provides primarily clinic based services. We also provide services within the community at daycares and private schools. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be present and fully participate in therapy sessions. Connecting with the family is just as important as our relationship with the child.
The Specialized Services We Offer
Early Intervention
Articulation Therapy
Neurodiversity Support
We use neurodiversity affirming practices which involve adopting an approach that respects and embraces the diverse ways in which individuals’ brains function. This includes recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and challenges of each child, regardless of their neurological differences or diagnoses. Therapists prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters acceptance, celebrates differences, and encourages self-advocacy. Additionally, using person-centered and strengths-based interventions helps empower children to develop their communication skills while honoring their individuality and neurological diversity.
Language Therapy
Developmental language therapy targets improving a child’s overall language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and expressive language abilities. We assess the child’s language development level and identifies areas in need of support. Therapy sessions often involve structured activities, play-based interventions, and conversation-based exercises to promote language growth. The therapist may use strategies such as modeling correct language, providing visual supports, and encouraging language expansion to facilitate learning. Progress is monitored through ongoing assessments and observations to track improvements and adjust therapy goals as needed.
The Power of Play
We believe in the power of PLAY! To achieve true engagement and motivation, the child has to believe they are playing and having fun. Play-based speech therapy is a child-centered approach that uses play activities to facilitate communication and language development. The therapist incorporates toys, games, and activities that are motivating and engaging for the child. During play, the therapist targets specific speech and language goals, such as vocabulary expansion, turn-taking, following directions, and social interaction skills. The therapist may use play to model language, prompt communication, and reinforce desired communication behaviors. Play-based therapy encourages naturalistic learning and helps children generalize skills to everyday situations, promoting enjoyable and effective communication therapy.
Stuttering/Disfluency
Stuttering therapy for children focuses on reducing disfluencies and improving communication fluency. The therapist first assesses the child’s stuttering patterns and associated behaviors to develop an individualized treatment plan. Therapy often involves a combination of behavioral techniques, such as slow and easy speech strategies, relaxation techniques, and desensitization exercises. Additionally, the therapist works on modifying speech behaviors and attitudes related to stuttering to increase confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors. Therapy sessions are structured to be supportive and engaging, with a focus on empowering the child to communicate more effectively and comfortably.
Augmentative Communication
Speech generating devices (SGDs) are valuable tools in pediatric speech therapy for children with severe communication impairments. These devices help children who have limited or unclear speech to express themselves effectively. We work with your insurance to assess your child’s needs and find the best device that works for them. Therapy involves teaching the child how to use the SGD to produce messages, either by selecting pre-programmed buttons or typing text. The therapist also works with the child to integrate the SGD into daily activities and interactions to promote functional communication skills. Ongoing support and training are provided to optimize the child’s use of the SGD and facilitate communication success.
Natural Language Aquisition
Does your child memorize books or movies? Do they speak with inflection but are difficult to understand? Are they imitating all the words they hear? Often, children who use delayed echolalia (or scripting) are gestalt language processors. Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a form of language development that starts with whole memorized phrases to single words. It is a natural way to develop language but is often thought of as disordered by those unaware of GLP. It is NOT! The NLA framework was developed by Marge Blanc (2012).
Those that are not yet using flexible, original language require a different approach in order to begin communicating with self-generated language. Chrissy is a Certified NLA Trained Clinician. Other therapists in the practice are currently completing the certification process. Understanding NLA can help parents and other professionals engage and connect with their child’s natural way of learning language.
Dyslexia
Speech therapy for children with dyslexia aims to address specific language and phonological processing difficulties that contribute to reading challenges. The therapist focuses on developing phonological awareness, including recognizing and manipulating sounds in words, which is crucial for reading success. Therapy may involve activities to improve decoding skills, such as blending and segmenting sounds, and enhancing vocabulary and comprehension abilities. The therapist also collaborates with educators and parents to integrate speech therapy goals into the child’s overall learning plan.
Chrissy uses creative and natural play to engage children and encourage emergent language and communication. She is skilled at promoting child initiated, functional, and unprompted verbal and nonverbal interactions. Her dedication to improving the communication skills of children is evident in her warm and compassionate relationships with children and families.