Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, telehealth speech therapy is highly effective for many individuals. Research consistently shows that online speech therapy can yield outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for a wide variety of speech, language, and cognitive disorders. At Spectrum Speech Therapy, we offer comprehensive telehealth visits in addition to in-person therapy at our Lutherville, MD office, serving families throughout the Baltimore area.

Speech therapy focuses on how sounds are produced — helping with articulation, clarity, and pronunciation. Language therapy focuses on understanding and using words and sentences, including vocabulary, grammar, following directions, and expressing ideas. Some children and adults need support with both. A speech-language evaluation at Spectrum Speech Therapy can determine the best plan.

Telepractice offers many benefits: sessions from any location without commuting, more scheduling flexibility, therapy in a familiar home environment where skills generalize more naturally, easier family participation, research-supported outcomes comparable to in-person care, and continuity of care during illness or travel. Spectrum Speech Therapy offers both in-person and telehealth options to clients throughout Maryland.

Yes. School-based speech therapy focuses on communication that affects learning and is typically free as part of an IEP, often in a group setting. Private therapy at Spectrum Speech Therapy provides more individualized attention and can target a broader range of goals. Both can occur simultaneously. It is a good idea for the school and private therapists to coordinate to maximize progress.

Key terms include: Articulation Delay or Disorder (difficulty producing sounds correctly), Expressive Language Delay (trouble expressing wants, needs, or ideas), Receptive Language Delay (difficulty understanding spoken language), Apraxia of Speech (motor coordination difficulty for producing speech), Stuttering (repetitions or blockages in speech flow), Autism Spectrum Disorder (challenges with communication and social interaction), Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), and Executive Function Deficits (difficulty with planning, organizing, attention, and impulse control).

Common signs include being hard to understand by age three, limited vocabulary compared to peers, trouble following simple directions, difficulty forming sentences, or frustration when trying to communicate. If you notice any of these signs, or simply have a gut feeling something isn't on track, it's worth scheduling an evaluation. Catching delays early often leads to faster, more effective progress, and an evaluation never requires a prior diagnosis.

Earlier is almost always better. Many speech and language skills develop rapidly between ages one and five, and early intervention can make a significant difference during this window. That said, it's never too late to start — older children, teens, and adults can all benefit from targeted therapy. If you have concerns about a toddler, preschooler, or older child, reach out and we can help you decide on appropriate timing.

We work with both children and adults. Our adult services include support after a stroke, cognitive-communication therapy, and treatment for conditions such as aphasia, voice disorders, and swallowing difficulties. Visit our page on adult speech therapy or speech therapy after stroke for more detail on how we support adult clients.

Sessions are personalized to the individual's goals and often include a mix of structured activities, play-based learning for younger children, conversation practice, and targeted drills for specific sounds or language skills. Parents and caregivers are often invited to observe or participate so they can reinforce strategies at home between sessions.

Progress varies widely depending on the individual, the nature of the concern, and consistency of attendance. Some clients notice meaningful changes within a few months, while others — particularly those working on more complex language or motor speech goals — may need a longer course of therapy. Your speech-language pathologist will set measurable goals and check in on progress regularly so you always know where things stand.

Coverage depends on your individual insurance plan and the services being provided. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about speech-language pathology benefits, and our office can help answer general billing questions as well. Reach out to our Lutherville office and we'll do our best to help you understand your options.

Yes. We work with children and adults who stutter or experience other fluency challenges, using evidence-based strategies to build confidence and improve the flow of speech. Therapy is tailored to the individual's age, goals, and how the stutter affects daily communication, whether at school, at work, or in social settings.

An evaluation is typically longer and more in-depth than a standard therapy session. It includes a review of developmental or medical history, formal and informal assessments, and a conversation about the concerns that prompted the visit. The evaluation results in a summary of findings and recommended next steps, which may or may not include ongoing therapy.

Absolutely. Many of our clients use a combination of both formats depending on their schedule, travel, or comfort level in a given week. During your initial conversation, we'll talk about which format makes the most sense to start, and you're always welcome to adjust as your needs change.