Frequently Asked Questions
Services & Communication Support
We provide services for toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Therapy and evaluations are personalized to each child's strengths, developmental level, and communication goals. If you're unsure whether your child would benefit from services, reach out to discuss your concerns.
We support children with a wide range of speech, language, and communication needs. Areas of support may include early language development, speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders), receptive and expressive language disorders, social communication challenges (pragmatic language), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Services are tailored to each child's individual strengths, needs, and communication goals.
Social communication therapy helps children develop the skills needed to interact, connect, and communicate effectively with others. Therapy may focus on conversation skills, understanding social cues, taking turns in conversations, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and using language appropriately in different social situations. Services are individualized to support each child's communication strengths, challenges, and goals across home, school, and community setting.
Early intervention focuses on supporting communication development during a child's earliest years, when learning and growth happen rapidly. Services may help children who are experiencing delays in speech, language, play, social interaction, or overall communication skills. Early support can help build a strong foundation for future learning, relationships, and participation in everyday activities. Therapy is tailored to each child's unique strengths, needs, and developmental goals.
An AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used to determine whether a child may benefit from alternative ways to communicate in addition to, or instead of, spoken language. The evaluation examines a child's communication strengths and needs to identify the most appropriate AAC supports. Recommendations may include communication systems designed to help the child express themselves more effectively across everyday environments.
AAC services may include evaluations, device trials, individualized therapy, caregiver education, and ongoing support for implementation. Services focus on helping children learn to use AAC systems to communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas across home, school, and community settings. Support is tailored to each child's unique communication profile and may include collaboration with families, educators, and other professionals to promote successful AAC use in everyday life.
Scheduling, Insurance & Logistics
MLU Pediatric Therapy is currently in the process of becoming credentialed with insurance providers. If you are interested in using insurance benefits for speech-language therapy services, please reach out to discuss current options and anticipated coverage availability.
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We encourage families to contact us directly, as insurance participation and coverage options may change over time.
Yes. Private pay services are available for families who prefer not to use insurance or who do not have insurance coverage for speech-language services. Private pay options may include evaluations, therapy sessions, AAC services, and consultations.Â
Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel your appointment. As part of your financial responsibility, MLU Pediatric Therapy reserves the right to charge a fee for any appointment that is not provided a 24 hours advance notice. If you fail to follow these policies, you will be subject to a fee. Unforeseen circumstances are anticipated and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Insurance will not cover this fee.
Services are provided throughout the Metro Atlanta area in settings that best support each child's communication needs and goals. Depending on your child's needs, therapy may take place in community settings, educational environments, or other locations that best support meaningful participation and communication growth.During the intake process, we'll discuss available options and determine the setting that works best for your child and family.
At this time, services are provided in person only. We believe that in-person therapy offers the best opportunity to build relationships, support communication development, and provide hands-on collaboration with children and their families. This approach allows therapy to be tailored to each child's unique strengths, needs, and goals. If you have questions about service options, please feel free to contact MLU Pediatric Therapy.
The recommended frequency of therapy is based on your child's unique communication needs, goals, and level of support required. Following an evaluation, we will discuss recommendations and work with your family to develop a plan that supports meaningful progress while fitting your child's needs and schedule.
Therapy sessions are typically 30 minutes in length, while comprehensive evaluations generally take about 60 minutes. Session length may vary based on your child's individual needs, goals, and recommended treatment plan. During the intake process, we willl discuss the best approach and schedule for your child.
Getting Started
Every child develops communication skills at their own pace, but difficulties with speech, language, social communication, or overall communication development may be signs that additional support could be beneficial. You may consider seeking an evaluation if your child has difficulty understanding language, expressing their thoughts and ideas, pronouncing sounds clearly, interacting with others, or meeting expected communication milestones. If you have concerns about your child's communication development, it is always appropriate to seek guidance. Early identification and support can help children build the skills they need to communicate confidently and effectively.
Yes. A referral from your child's pediatrician is required before speech-language therapy services can begin. Your pediatrician will need to provide a prescription for speech-language evaluation and/or therapy. If you have questions about obtaining a referral, we are happy to guide you through the process during the intake stage.
An evaluation is designed to better understand your child's communication strengths, challenges, and overall development. The evaluation process may include parent or caregiver interviews, observations, informal and standardized assessments, and opportunities to interact and communicate through play and other age-appropriate activities. Following the evaluation, we will review the results, discuss recommendations, answer your questions, and work with you to determine appropriate next steps based on your child's individual needs.
The first appointment may include an evaluation or the start of therapy services, depending on your child's needs and previous assessments. Michelle will spend time getting to know your child, learning about your concerns and goals, and developing a plan to support your child's communication development. Families are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate throughout the process.
Getting started is easy. You can complete the contact form, call, or email MLU Pediatric Therapy to discuss your concerns and learn more about available services. We will respond within 1–2 business days to answer your questions, gather information about your child's needs, and discuss appropriate next steps, including scheduling an evaluation or consultation if appropriate.