Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you don't find the answers you need here, please email me with your questions.

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How do I know if my child needs speech/ language/ learning services?: While I respect the value of diagnostic testing, I believe that parents know their children best. So if you have a concern about your child's development, that concern should be validated and explored. If you think that your child could benefit from support around speech, language, or learning, or that you could benefit from some strategies to support your child's growth in these areas, then our work will help you both feel more confident.
Do you do diagnostic testing?: Not formally. The Chatterbox Learning approach uses your child's strengths to support areas of challenge rather than beginning with a focus on problem areas. As a licensed speech-language pathologist, I am qualified to do diagnostic testing and will do so informally as part of my work with your family. However, I will not do formal testing, nor will I write reports documenting your child's challenges. Should you desire or require a diagnosis for a school district or to receive other services, I can refer you to a number of qualified diagnosticians.
Do you accept insurance?: I am currently a fee-for-service provider although I am pursuing preferred provider status with major insurance companies. Email me for details or check back here for updates.
How long will our family work with you?: It totally depends on your family's needs and goals. My intention is to give you the tools you need to support your child on your own. That means that if I do my job well, I will eventually work myself out of the equation, at least on a regular basis. Some families choose to work more intensively in the beginning and then work on their own for a period, knowing I can come back in at any point. Other families prefer a more consistent schedule of weekly or bi-weekly visits with home programming.
My child needs support at school. Can you help?: Yes! I will act as an advocate for your family and your child in navigating school-related issues. I can attend IEP meetings with you, help you understand the language in reports, and meet with teachers and administrators with you to ensure that your child's needs and goals are being met in practical ways. I can also help coordinate communication between service providers and teachers to see that successful strategies are being implemented consistently.
My child has been diagnosed with a learning disability. Are you trained to work in this area?: I am trained to work with a wide range of delays or impairments such as oral sensitivity and low tone, traditional articulation and language disorders, and language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia. These impairments may result from a number of different conditions or disorders, including Down's syndrome, apraxia or dyspraxia, and head injury or trauma. The best answer to this question will result from a brief conversation about your child's needs. Please email me or call (206) 724-6655.
Can siblings or grandparents participate in therapy sessions?: Anyone who is essential to your family or spends a lot of time with your child can participate in all or some sessions. It is totally up to you and your child.