Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?

A comprehensive evaluation may be needed if your child is not meeting, or is slowly meeting, speech and language milestones, is at risk for a speech/language disorder due to the presence of another condition such as Down Syndrome or Autism, or if there is a family history of speech and language disorders.

Do you see adults?

We are able to see adults on a case-by-case basis. Common adult referrals are for voice, fluency, or speech and language disorders due to stroke.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You may call our scheduling specialist at 864-331-1400 to schedule an appointment. You may need a referral from your primary care physician.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Please bring the completed and signed paperwork that was sent to you in the packet. Additional information, such as school reports, may be helpful. If you have other young children, you may want to bring activities for them or arrange for childcare to reduce distractions during the comprehensive evaluation.

How will I know the results?

The evaluating speech-language pathologist will provide verbal recommendations and may provide written information, such as brochures, the day of your visit. The speech-language pathologist will provide a comprehensive written report within two weeks.

What is a speech-language pathologist (SLP)?

A speech-language pathologist, sometimes referred to as a speech therapist, is a professional healthcare provider who has at least a Master level degree in Speech-Language Pathology. SLPs have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating speech sound disorders, developmental language disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, and cognitive-linguistic disorders.

Clarity SLPs are state licensed and maintain a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Some SLPs may specialize in specific areas, such as Autism, through additional continuing education and extensive clinical experience.

How long can I expect my child to attend speech therapy?

The length of therapy cannot be predicted. Children may show immediate improvement, or it may be very gradual. The rate and pattern of improvement is different for every child. Progress is evaluated in three to six month intervals.

Will I attend my child’s speech therapy session?

It is important for parents to participate in their child’s therapy for success over time. Parent participation may include: in-room therapy participation, out of room observation (through observation rooms), and completion of home activities.

How often will my child go to speech therapy?

This depends on the speech-language needs of the child. Frequency and time of therapy is typically determined at the evaluation. Depending on the needs of the child, he or she may attend once to twice weekly for 30 to 60 minute sessions. Therapy is only increased if needed.

Autism

Autism Spectrum Evaluation Team

ASET is a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work together to provide children with a truly comprehensive evaluation. Team members include experts in autism spectrum disorders from the following fields: psychology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy.  Depending on the needs of the client, sometimes an audiologist is also part of the team.

For more information about Autism, please visit our Clarity Autism page.

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