Speech relates specifically to the production of sounds and words. This includes: - Articulation (how sounds are made using the mouth, lips, and tongue) - Stuttering (flow of speech) - Apraxia of Speech or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS - motor planning process) - Voice Disorders (how we use our vocal folds and breath to make sounds) Those with speech disorders can be difficult to understand by both familiar and unfamiliar listeners. Language relates specifically to the ability to understand and use words to share ideas. comprehend and express language. These areas are also known as receptive and expressive language. Receptive Language (comprehension) includes: - understanding spoken language, directions, and basic concepts. - understanding story elements and questions about a story. - making inferences. Expressive Language (expression) includes: - expressing thoughts, wants, and needs in age-appropriate, complete sentences. - using specific vocabulary words such as adjectives and prepositions. - telling stories in a sequential manner. Those with language disorders can have difficulty understanding what words mean or may have difficulty using words in an age-appropriate manner when talking to others. Reading disorders may also impact those with receptive and/or expressive language disorders.

Great question! Yes, in fact, there are several disorders that fall under the umbrella of speech and/or language disorders. Spoken language disorders can be further broken down into five domains: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Phonology: predictable, rule-based errors that affect more than one sound. These can be developmental and typically have specific age ranges when they should be eliminated on their own. Morphology is the structure of words such as prefixes and suffixes. Syntax is the structure of sentences. Semantics is the structure of word meanings. Pragmatics is the use of language in social contexts or situations. Written language disorders pertain to a significant impairment in fluent word reading (i.e., reading decoding and sight word recognition), reading comprehension, written spelling, and/or written expression (Ehri, 2000; Gough & Tunmer, 1986; Kamhi & Catts, 2012; Tunmer & Chapman, 2007, 2012). A word-reading disorder is also known as dyslexia. Fluent word reading is reading decoding, and sight word recognition. Reading comprehension is the ability to understand what is read. Written spelling is the ability to spell correctly. Written expression is the ability to cohesively write thoughts and ideas in an organized manner. Orthography is the awareness, comprehension, and production of language at the phonemic syllable word sentence and discourse levels. Dyslexia is the inability to process words phonologically.

Absolutely! We offer a free, 15-minute consultation call to potential clients. There is no obligation to continue services with us as we understand that not all clinicians are the best fit for all clients. If we aren't the best fit, we are happy to go over the process of finding an SLP in your area. Although our specialty areas are bilingual language development, stuttering, and CAS, we are also generalists that have worked with students/clients with Selective Mutism, Pragmatic Language Disorders, Alternative Augmentative Communication needs, and Reading Disorders.

We are happy to answer any questions during a free, 15-minute consultation. However, understanding that with the chaos of life, a consultation call isn't always convenient, here is the typical protocol for new clients. Bilingual Bridge is not credentialed with any insurance companies and only accepts private-pay clients. Payments accepted are cash, checks, and credit cards. Some insurance companies may reimburse for services, but clients must call themselves to find out if that is an option. Request a session via the client platform link below. Availability is updated often and shown on the platform. Once the session is accepted, you will receive a client platform link to complete the necessary intake documents and provide payment information. The platform will confirm the appointment via email and/or text message. Please remember that we must be notified 24 hours before sessions if you need to cancel or reschedule your session. Please plan to arrive no later than 10 minutes before your session to account for parking and traffic conditions. The initial session is typically an informal assessment and rapport-building session. This helps us establish the client-clinician connection as well as determine if formal assessment or dynamic assessment would be most effective in determining a client's skills and learning potential. You can reach out at any time if you have a question: 401.529.7478.

Although we understand that many providers are credentialed with insurance, Bilingual Bridge RI keeps prices reasonable, which allows us to provide quality speech and language therapy while focusing exclusively on your individual treatment plan and goals. We begin services promptly without the drawn-out processing time of referrals and authorizations. We are a small independent office and pride ourselves on being providers of evidence-based services without delay. Insurance companies sometimes delay client care through the referral, authorization or denial process.

We provide individualized treatment plans with recommendations for the most effective frequency and duration. Some clients may benefit from brief 15-minute sessions a few times a week, while others may benefit from 45-minute sessions once per week. That will be determined and discussed with you by your clinician.

The first session is typically scheduled as an informal assessment and rapport-building session. Given the number of students and clients that we have worked with in the past, we understand that not all clients are comfortable during an initial session. If the session is going well, your clinician may transition to a formal evaluation or may recommend a longer informal assessment timeframe. This means that you may be scheduled for a few dynamic assessment sessions to best collect data for the treatment plan. Although dynamic assessment is an evidence-based practice, insurance companies do not typically accept recommendations without a formal evaluation. Not all clients test well or are willing to engage in long, formal assessments. Formal assessments may not be standardized on populations that represent all clients. This means that they aren't the best method to assess all clients. Dynamic assessment allows us to identify an individual’s skills as well as their learning potential. This allows us to tailor treatment plans based on individualized outcomes.