Comprehensive Speech Therapy Treatment
to Overcome Communication Difficulties

We understand communication challenges can be frustrating, and you may feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

You’re guaranteed to find a welcoming and supportive environment at Winston Center. Our speech therapists target social communication, receptive and expressive language difficulties, enabling kids and teens to thrive at school and in life.

Comprehensive Speech Therapy Treatment to Overcome Communication Difficulties

We understand communication challenges can be frustrating, and you may feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

You’re guaranteed to find a welcoming and supportive environment at Winston Center. Our speech therapists target social communication, receptive and expressive language difficulties, enabling kids and teens to thrive at school and in life.

If you’re concerned your child may be struggling with communicating their thoughts and ideas or understanding others, we’d like to learn more about your child’s difficulties and explain what treatment opportunities are available.

Personalized Speech Therapy Programs Break Out of a Box

We understand that communication challenges aren’t just about language alone — they’re intertwined with how individuals behave in social situations, oral or written barriers and simultaneous articulation difficulties — and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Our customized treatment plans address the various areas where communication is impacted and offer support according to individual needs and goals.

Your first two appointments at Winston Center are critical for crafting a long-term treatment plan. We’ll evaluate your child’s language difficulties, needs and goals moving forward. This process helps us develop the most effective treatment plan possible.

Part 1: During your first appointment, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s condition and circumstances.

  • Your child’s history, including parental insights, previous testing and any past or current prescriptions.
  • An overview of communication skills or learning disabilities.
  • Thorough evaluation with a speech therapist to assess oral and written skills.

Part 2: This session includes a more in-depth discussion about your child’s diagnosis and treatment opportunities.

  • A review of the diagnostic report and outcomes from the first meeting’s assessment.
  • An introduction to a treatment or care plan moving forward.
  • Any additional information the parent or child requests.

Most often, children with language challenges visit Winston Center twice per week. This may be more or less frequent, depending on the severity of the condition. We’re committed to finding treatment that works for your child, enabling them find confidence and lasting success.

Children may encounter difficulties with both verbal and nonverbal communication in social settings. These challenges can impair their ability to participate in conversation, develop peer relationships or succeed academically. Common signs of social communication difficulties include:

  • Talkativeness
  • Problems with taking turns and topic maintenance
  • Information management problems
  • Inappropriate questioning
  • Comprehension difficulties
  • Disorganized narratives
  • Trouble making inferences
  • Persistent subtle language impairment as child ages

Children with receptive language difficulties have a hard time understanding and processing what is said to them. Frequently, those with receptive language problems also have difficulties using spoken language. Symptoms vary according to the individual, but common signs of receptive language difficulties include:

  • Difficulty following oral and/or written directions
  • Answering questions incorrectly
  • Not understanding what they’ve read
  • Trouble identifying the main idea in a text or conversation
  • Struggling with reading comprehension
  • Low vocabulary

Children with expressive language difficulties have trouble communicating and expressing themselves, whether verbally or through writing. They often struggle with peer relationships, schoolwork or relaying information. Although symptoms vary from one child to the next, common signs include:

  • Inability to organize thoughts when speaking or writing
  • Inability to stay on topic
  • Poor grammar and misuse of verb tense
  • Low vocabulary, trouble finding the right word
  • Difficulty with initiating writing tasks
  • Poor self-editing skills when writing

Common Language Difficulties in People with ADHD

Children with ADHD are three times more likely to have language problems. ADHD affects attention, thinking, learning process and social interaction — all essential in the development of language.

  • When speaking or telling a story, children with ADHD may produce more vocal repetitions or word fillers (such as “um”) as they organize their thoughts. They may also be prone to going off topic or becoming distracted.
  • Listening comprehension can also be difficult for children with ADHD, especially in large groups or transitioning between speakers.
  • When writing, children with ADHD may have difficulty organizing their thoughts and ideas, staying on topic and following rules of grammar.
  • When reading, these children often skip words, have difficulty retaining information and can become distracted by other thoughts.
  • Social pragmatic skills can also be a significant issue for children with ADHD. They often have difficulty following the social rules such as taking turns in conversation, maintaining friendships and understanding implicit or nonliteral language.

As we evaluate clients for communications difficulties, we’ll also consider any signs of ADHD. Our physicians and speech therapists offer expertise regarding co-occurring conditions and will recommend best next steps.

Learn more about our ADHD services.

Help and Hope are Found Here  

If your child struggles with language or communication, working with a speech therapist can be life changing.

We have multiple offices throughout the Northwest and offer telemedicine services to patients located in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado and will soon operate in California and Georgia.

Request an Appointment