Speech Therapy for Children Near Skokie, IL

Stuttering and stammering both refer to a fluency disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. Stuttering is more commonly used in American English, while stammering is more commonly used in British English. Stuttering and stammering both refer to the same thing and are best treated by a speech-language pathologist.

Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that affects individuals of all ages. While those who stutter often know what they want to say, they experience difficulty in verbal expression. Stemming from motoric issues, stuttering can evolve into a communication disorder, leading to physical tension and avoidance of certain words, people, and situations. Developmental stuttering, particularly in children, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to improve communication skills and emotional well-being. Someone who stutters may avoid ordering food, articulating their preferences, and giving presentations at work. The pattern and severity of stuttering can vary from person to person and may even fluctuate from day to day. It is important to note that these fluctuations are a normal part of stuttering. Understanding family history, including familial stuttering, is crucial in evaluations, as it can provide insights into genetic or environmental factors influencing the individual's communication challenges.

Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words in a sentence (also called a repetition) Having a hard time getting a sound out (also called block) Drawing a sound out (also called a prolongation) Avoiding certain words or situations Physical movements such as eye blinking, head nodding/turning, pen tapping These signs and symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively, and may require professional intervention to manage.

​Stuttering is a neurologically-based disorder which impairs an individual’s ability to time and sequence the underlying movements necessary for speech. Stuttering is genetic. In fact, research has identified some of the genes that play a role in stuttering. Stuttering severity can vary from day to day. The exact causes of stuttering remain unclear; however, ongoing research and advancements in the field continue to shed light on this complex disorder and offer hope for effective treatment and management.

There are three different types of stuttering: 1. Developmental Stuttering, also known as Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder. This is the most common type, typically emerging in early childhood. 2. Neurogenic Stuttering. This results from damage or injury to the brain (such as traumatic brain injury). 3. Psychogenic Stuttering (also known as functional stuttering). This is uncommon and results from extreme trauma or stress.

It can be challenging to know when you may need to seek speech therapy for stuttering. Here are some indicators you may want to reach out to a speech therapist. Exhibiting tension while speaking: tension in your voice or speech muscles while trying to communicate. This tension may manifest as facial grimaces, clenched jaw, or tightness in the throat. Avoidance behaviors: If you find yourself avoiding certain social or professional situations because they require speaking, such as making phone calls, participating in meetings, or ordering food at a restaurant, it suggests that your stuttering is affecting your daily life and interactions. Choosing words carefully to avoid stuttering: Selecting words cautiously to avoid words you may stutter on is a common behavior exhibited by those who stutter. If you find yourself frequently avoiding words, substituting words, or altering sentences to avoid stuttering, it may be time to seek speech therapy. Feeling unhappy with the way you sound: if you feel dissatisfied with the way you sound, it can impact your self-confidence and self-esteem. Persistent negative feelings about the way you sound may indicate a need for speech therapy to improve fluency and address any underlying emotional issues related to stuttering. Feeling that stuttering holds you back: If you believe stuttering is preventing you from pursuing certain professional or social opportunities, it is a sign that stuttering is impacting your quality of life.

Language disorders are persistent from childhood through adulthood. If you are reading this, I suspect you have certain challenges academically, professionally, or socially that need to be addressed. I can help you achieve these goals. ​ Speech-language therapy can be very effective for adults with language disorders. These disorders can make it hard to communicate, work, and build social connections. Seeking therapy can help overcome these challenges and improve your quality of life. In speech therapy, I use different methods tailored to your needs. First, I assess your specific language issues and then create a personalized treatment plan. During therapy sessions, we might do structured exercises to improve specific skills, activities to boost vocabulary and language, and practice real-life scenarios. ​ Part of speech therapy may include improving social communication skills. This includes learning how to have better conversations, understand and use body language, and start and maintain interactions with others. If you struggle with reading and writing, we will work on reading comprehension, and writing abilities. ​ My goal is to help you improve your communication skills and overall quality of life, making it easier for you to succeed both personally and professionally.

No one is ever too old for speech therapy!​ In fact, following speech therapy, adults with language disorders report: Improved Communication Skills: Speech therapy helps adults refine their ability to express themselves clearly and understand others better. Enhanced Social Interaction: By addressing communication challenges, speech therapy empowers adults to engage more effectively in social settings. Increased Confidence: As individuals make progress in speech therapy, they often experience a boost in confidence, leading to greater self-esteem and a more positive self-image. Better Academic or Professional Performance: Improved language skills can positively impact academic achievement, job performance, and career opportunities. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities: Speech therapy can strengthen cognitive skills related to language processing, reasoning, and problem-solving, improving various aspects of daily life. Reduced Frustration and Stress: By addressing language difficulties, speech therapy helps adults reduce frustration associated with communication challenges, leading to an improved quality of life.

Articulation disorders is a type of speech-sound disorder. Less common speech-sound disorders include apraxia and dysarthria. Apraxia is a condition where an individual struggles with planning and executing oral movements. Apraxia can be caused by many things including traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and neurological disorders. Dysarthria, on the other hand, occurs when an individual’s speech sounds are distorted or slurred due to neuromuscular weakness, paralysis, or uncoordinated muscles required for speech production. Dysarthria can be caused by many things including brain injury and cerebral palsy. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating these conditions to enhance individuals' communication skills.

An articulation disorder is a speech-sound disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to produce certain sounds, resulting in challenges communicating clearly and effectively. This can make it challenging for listeners to comprehend what you are saying. Some common examples of articulation disorders include a lisp or producing a /w/ sound for an /r/.

The cause of an articulation disorder can be unknown, but listed are some common causes of an articulation disorder. Unresolved Speech Production Errors Since Childhood: Failure to address speech issues at a young age will often cause the articulation issues to persist into adulthood. Physical or Structural issues: Structural abnormalities or physical impairments impacting the speech muscles (such as the tongue, lips, palate, or jaw) can lead to challenges in producing clear speech. This may result from conditions like cleft palate, oral-motor weakness, or facial paralysis. Dental Appliances: Bite-plates, retainers, dentures, and other appliances can alter speech sound production. Developmental Disorders: Some adults may continue to struggle with articulation secondary to developmental disorders that were present since childhood (like childhood apraxia of speech or dysarthria) Hearing loss Low muscle tone Neurological Conditions: Neurological disorders or injuries impacting the brain’s control over speech production can cause issues with articulation. Some of these conditions include traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

To assess an adult’s speech, a speech therapist may use the following methods: 1. Case History: The speech therapist will ask detailed questions about your medical, developmental, cognitive, and family history. This helps identify any risk factors for a speech-sound disorder. 2. Oral Peripheral Exam: The speech-language pathologist will assess your oral-motor skills, including the strength and range of motion of the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles. This is to rule out any anatomical abnormalities that may cause an articulation disorder. 3. Articulation Assessment: The speech therapist will evaluate your speech sounds in isolation, syllables, and in the beginning, middle, and end of words, as well as in phrases or sentences. 4. Receptive Language Assessment: The speech-language pathologist will evaluate how much you understand. 5. Expressive Language Assessment: The speech therapist will evaluate how much and how efficiently you use language.

Clear communication is vital in all areas of life, including work, education, and social interactions. In the workplace, it ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, leading to more efficient teamwork and higher-quality results. For those with speech disorders, working with a speech-language pathologist can significantly enhance communication skills, making workplace interactions smoother and more productive. In a college setting, clear communication is key to academic success. It enables students to effectively engage with professors and peers, leading to a better understanding of course material and more active participation in class discussions. Socially, strong and clear communication skills are the foundation of meaningful relationships. Being able to express oneself clearly fosters better understanding and trust. For individuals improving their speech with the help of a speech-language pathologist, this translates to more positive and fulfilling social interactions. Overall, clear communication is essential for success in professional, academic, and social environments. It not only improves the quality of interactions but also enhances one’s ability to fully engage in various aspects of life.

Each session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your child's needs and goals. We will discuss and determine the appropriate session length during the initial consultation.

It’s helpful to have a quiet, distraction-free space where your child can focus during the session. This could be a living room, playroom, or any area where your child feels comfortable.

Parents play an important role in in-home speech therapy. The speech therapist may ask you to participate in certain activities, observe the session, or practice specific techniques with your child between sessions. Your involvement helps reinforce the skills your child is learning and promotes faster progress.

The frequency of speech therapy sessions will depend on your child's individual needs, goals, and progress. Typically, sessions are scheduled once or twice a week, but this can vary. We will create a customized therapy plan that outlines the recommended frequency during the initial consultation.

“Stuttering” is more commonly used in American English, while “stammering” is used more often in British English. Both terms refer to a speech disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. This can occur on a sound, syllable, word, or phrase.

Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that impacts individuals of all ages. While those who stutter may know what they want to say, they experience difficulty in expressing themselves verbally. At its core, stuttering is a motoric issue that can develop into a communication disorder, leading to avoidance of certain situations such as ordering food at a restaurant or participating at school. The pattern and severity of stuttering can vary from person to person or day to day. It is important to note that these fluctuations are a normal part of stuttering.

Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words in a sentence (also called a repetition) Having a hard time getting a sound out (also called a block) Drawing a sound out (also called a prolongation) Avoiding certain words or situations that they find challenging to articulate Physical movements such as eye blinking, head nodding/turning, pen tapping These signs and symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively and may require intervention to manage.

It is common for children between the ages of 2 and 6 to go through periods of disfluency, but if certain risk factors are present, it increases the likelihood for stuttering to continue. These risk factors include: Gender: stuttering is more likely to persist in boys than girls Age: stuttering is more likely to continue in children who began stuttering at age 3.5 years or older Family history: a family history of stuttering increase the likelihood the child will stutter

has been stuttering for 6 to 12 months or longer began stuttering at age 3.5 or older stutters more frequently than previously has a family history of stuttering shows tension or struggle when speaking avoids situations that require speaking

Stuttering is a neurologically-based disorder which impairs an individual’s ability to time and sequence the underlying movements necessary for speech. ​ Stuttering is genetic. In fact, research has identified some of the genes that play a role in stuttering. ​ The exact causes of stuttering remain unclear. Ongoing research will continue to shed light on this complex disorder and offer hope for effective treatment and management.

Although there is no definitive cure for stuttering, there is a greater chance of recovery for young children. As a certified practitioner of the Lidcombe Program, I specialize in treating young children who stutter. While stuttering cannot always be cured, it can be managed and not have an impact on your child's quality of life.

Language skills encompass a range of abilities that allow us to communicate effectively. These skills are crucial for understanding, expressing, and interacting with others. They include: Listening Skills: The ability to understand and process spoken language (receptive language). Speaking Skills: The ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in spoken language (expressive language). Reading Skills: The ability to decode and comprehend written texts. Writing Skills: The ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written language.

Developmental Language Disorders (DLD), also called language disorders, refer to language challenges that last from childhood through adulthood. Learning Disabilities are unexpected difficulties in learning that don't match a person's developmental level or abilities. One type of learning disability is language-based, which affects both spoken and written language skills. People with language disorders may have trouble expressing ideas, understanding concepts, and using language for reasoning and problem-solving. These issues can also affect other subjects like math, science, and history, impacting overall academic performance. Language disorders can significantly affect social and emotional functioning, influencing interactions and relationships beyond the classroom.

A receptive-language disorder is a condition that affects children's ability to comprehend and process language. Children with this disorder may experience: Delays in language development compared to their peers Challenges in following directions (especially when complex sentences are involved) or understanding what has been said to them Limited vocabulary Difficulty understanding the meaning of words Difficulty keeping up with verbally-presented material

An expressive-language disorder is a condition that affects children's ability to communicate effectively. Children with this disorder may encounter various challenges, such as: difficulty constructing sentences challenges finding the right words, often using general words to describe specific objects (example: using "thing" to describe a chair) using past, present, and future tense incorrectly having a limited vocabulary omitting essential words like verbs and pronouns from sentences. ​​ As a result of these challenges, their messages may appear disorganized and confusing to listeners.

Individuals diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorders encounter difficulties in both their receptive and expressive language skills.

According to recent research by Hobson, H. M., and Lee, A. (2022), children with developmental language disorders (DLD) or language-based learning disabilities may often conceal or "camouflage" their disability. This can show up in different ways, like copying others, avoiding tasks, acting out to get out of work, pretending to understand by nodding, and using social skills to cover up difficulties.

Children face various subjects in school, such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. While school can be challenging for many students, those with language disorders often find it even more difficult. Language disorders can significantly impact a child's academic success across different subjects. Here are some general ways these disorders affect learning: Understanding Vocabulary: Complex terminology in different subjects can be difficult for children with language disorders to grasp, affecting their comprehension of instructional materials and class discussions. Comprehension Challenges: Children with language disorders may struggle with reading comprehension, making it difficult to learn and retain information from textbooks and other written materials. Writing Difficulties: Organizing thoughts and expressing ideas coherently can be challenging, impacting their ability to complete written assignments effectively. Participation and Engagement: Active participation in discussions, following verbal instructions, and engaging in group activities are crucial in many subjects. Language disorders may impede a child's ability to listen attentively and contribute effectively. Exam Performance: Assessments often require written responses that demand strong reading comprehension and writing skills. Language disorders can pose barriers to performing well on these exams.

Language disorders can be confusing which is why I wrote a comprehensive guide for language disabilities.

An articulation disorder affects an individual's ability to produce certain sounds, resulting in difficulty communicating effectively. This can make it challenging for a listener to comprehend words, phrases, and sentences. A common example is a lisp or challenges producing the /r/ sound. Speech therapy focuses on practicing the target sound at different stages, such as syllables and words, to improve articulation.

A phonological disorder is a speech-sound disorder where an individual, usually a child, struggles to comprehend the sound system and speech rules of our language. It's more intricate than an articulation disorder because the child may be able to produce sounds in some words but not in others. For instance, a child can say all sounds except for those in the final position of a word, resulting in saying "ca" instead of "cat."

Articulation and phonological disorders are both speech-sound disorders. If you're looking for a quick answer, an articulation disorder occurs when an individual has challenges forming speech sounds properly (not being able to produce the /p/ sound), while a phonological disorder occurs when an individual can produce the sounds correctly, but not in every position of the word. For a more detailed response, check out: the difference between an articulation and phonological disorder. Less common speech-sound disorders include apraxia and dysarthria. Apraxia, also known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), is a condition where an individual struggles with planning and executing oral movements. Dysarthria, on the other hand, occurs when an individual's speech sounds distorted or slurred due to neuromuscular weakness, paralysis, or uncoordinated muscles required for speech production.

There's no clear cause behind this disorder, but it can be the result of one or several factors including: Cleft palate or other orofacial differences Dental issues (e.g., an overbite or underbite) Developmental delays Hearing loss Low muscle tone Neurological problems It's crucial to be attentive to your child's speech and seek an evaluation from a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Speech disorders typically involve difficulty with the actual production of speech, including articulation disorders, voice disorders, and fluency disorders. On the other hand, language disorders involve challenges in language skills, whether in understanding, producing, or both. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can treat both speech and language disorders.

Some signs of an articulation disorder include articulation problems such as struggling to produce certain sounds correctly.

It's common for parents to worry if they don’t understand their toddler, but it’s important to remember that children develop speech at different rates. It’s normal for toddlers to sometimes struggle with saying words correctly. However, if your child has significant difficulty being understood or shows very poor articulation skills compared to same-aged peers, it may be worth considering a speech evaluation. Early diagnosis often shortens the length of articulation therapy, and addressing potential speech or language concerns early on can be beneficial, especially since older children may face more challenges if issues are left unaddressed.

An articulation disorder can impact your child's ability to read and write. When a child struggles with correct pronunciation of certain sounds, it can make it difficult for them to recognize and produce those sounds in words, which is essential for reading and spelling. By addressing speech errors early on through the articulation therapy process, your child can practice and learn to produce sounds more accurately, supporting their overall language development and literacy skills.

A speech-language pathologist can help treat this speech disorder by teaching your child how to say sounds correctly. They will work with your child to practice making the right sounds, starting with simple exercises and gradually moving to more complex words and sentence level practice. This helps improve your child’s speech, making it easier for others to understand them and addressing the speech disorder effectively.

The length of speech-language therapy for articulation disorders can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the speech sound disorder, the child's age, and how consistently they practice the sounds correctly. Typically, speech-language pathologists begin with the sound level, then syllable level, before moving onto the word, phrase, and sentence levels. Regular articulation therapy sessions and consistent practice both during and outside of therapy can help a child practice and improve their ability to pronounce the target sounds correctly. While some children may see significant improvement within a few months, others might need a year or more to achieve their goals.

​Aphasia, a common language disorder caused by brain damage, typically affects the left cortical hemisphere responsible for speech and language. Strokes, hemorrhages, and traumatic brain injuries are common causes of aphasia. Although there are various types of aphasia, individuals often present with a combination of symptoms that do not fit neatly into a specific category. As a speech therapist, my focus is on treating symptoms and helping individuals communicate effectively in their daily lives. ​

Broca's Aphasia Broca's Aphasia is a type of non-fluent aphasia. Speech output is often reduced, the person often has word finding difficulties (also known as anomia) and substitutes one word or sound for another (also known as paraphasias). Writing is typically similar to verbal output. Wernicke's Aphasia Wernicke's Aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia. Individuals with Wernicke's aphasia have intact fluency, but often what they say does not make sense. This individual lacks awareness to notice or fix the issue. Transcortical Motor Aphasia Transcortical Motor Aphasia is a type of non-fluent aphasia. It is a rare type of aphasia. Auditory comprehension is relatively intact, but verbal output is greatly reduced. Severity ranges from mild to severe. Transcortical Sensory Aphasia Transcortical Sensory Aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia. It is very similar to Wernickes in that speech is fluent, but lacks meaning. A big differentiator between the two conditions is that individuals with Transcortical Sensory Aphasia have preserved repetition. Mixed Transcortical Aphasia Mixed Transcortical Aphasia is a type of non-fluent aphasia. Auditory comprehension, reading, and writing are often impaired; however, repetition of complex words and sentences are intact. Conduction Aphasia Conduction Aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia. A hallmark sign of this aphasia is the severely impaired repetition. Individuals with Conduction Aphasia often anticipate and self-correct errors. Global Aphasia Global Aphasia is a type of non-fluent aphasia. Deficits in all areas of language, including auditory comprehension, reading, writing, and spoken language are all impaired. Anomic Aphasia Anomic Aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia. Naming is disproportionately impaired in comparison to other language skills, which are relatively not impacted.

Aphasia can be a lifelong condition, but it isn't always permanent. The outcome often depends on the cause of aphasia, its severity, and how early treatment begins. Speech therapy can help improve communication over time.

Many people with aphasia improve over time. Recovery often depends on the cause of aphasia, its severity, and how early treatment starts. Some people fully recover, while others may continue to face communication challenges throughout their lives.

Family members can support someone with aphasia by being patient, speaking slowly, and using simple sentences. Giving extra time for responses can also be very helpful.

Recovery from aphasia varies for each person. Some people recover in a few weeks, while others need ongoing therapy to improve their communication skills.

Yes, it is common for people with aphasia to experience frustration or depression. Difficulty communicating can lead to emotional challenges, and support from family, friends, and professionals is essential.

Medication does not directly treat aphasia, but it can help with underlying conditions that may have caused it, like stroke or brain injury.

Aphasia can impact a person’s ability to work, especially if their job involves communication. Difficulty with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing may make returning to work more challenging.

Employers can support employees with aphasia by providing clear and simple communication, allowing extra time for tasks, and offering assistive technology when needed. Being open to discussions about what might help is also important.

Aphasia can make learning new information harder because it affects language skills like understanding and using words. This can make it challenging to follow directions, remember details, or grasp new concepts. With support and practice, people with aphasia can adapt and continue learning.

Yes, the National Aphasia Association offers many resources for people with aphasia.

At Speak with Stephanie, I provide specialized therapy for adults with aphasia, focusing on improving communication skills and enhancing quality of life. I start by conducting a comprehensive assessment to understand the specific type and severity of aphasia, as well as the individual’s unique communication challenges and strengths. Based on this evaluation, I develop a personalized therapy plan that includes evidence-based techniques such as language exercises, conversation practice, and alternative communication strategies. During therapy sessions, we work on rebuilding language abilities through tasks that involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing, all tailored to the client's interests and daily communication needs. I also incorporate family and caregivers into the process, offering guidance and support to create a communicative environment at home. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, aiming to empower clients with the tools they need to communicate effectively and confidently in their everyday lives.​