What to Expect from a Pediatric Speech Therapist: A Parent’s Guide

If your child is having trouble speaking, understanding language, or communicating clearly, you might be wondering if they need help from a pediatric speech therapist. This is a common question many parents face, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what speech therapy involves or how it can help your child thrive.

Whether your child has a diagnosed speech or language delay or you just have a hunch that something is off, getting answers early can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll break down what a pediatric speech therapist does, how speech therapy works, and what you as a parent can expect throughout the process.

What Is a Pediatric Speech Therapist?

A pediatric speech therapist is a licensed professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and communication disorders in children. These specialists are also called speech-language pathologists (SLPs). They work with children of all ages, from toddlers who are just starting to speak to older kids who may have more complex communication needs.

Pediatric speech therapists help children with:

• Articulation (how sounds are formed)

• Language development (both understanding and expressing language)

• Fluency (including stuttering)

• Social communication (how we use language in conversations)

• Feeding and swallowing in younger children

Most importantly, they provide guidance and support that is rooted in evidence-based techniques, tailored to the individual needs of each child.

When Should You See a Pediatric Speech Therapist?

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are certain milestones and warning signs that may indicate the need for professional evaluation. If your child is not meeting typical communication milestones, a speech therapist can assess whether speech or language delays are present.

Some common signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy include:

• Not speaking as much or as clearly as other children their age

• Difficulty understanding or following directions

• Trouble putting words together into sentences

• Getting frustrated when trying to communicate

• Speaking with a hoarse voice, unusual tone, or stuttering

• Avoiding eye contact or struggling with social interaction

If you’re concerned, trust your instincts. Early intervention is key. A pediatric speech therapist can evaluate your child’s abilities and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.

What Happens During an Evaluation?

When you first meet with a pediatric speech therapist, the process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This may include:

• A parent interview to gather developmental and medical history

• Observing your child’s play and communication behaviors

• Listening to how your child produces sounds, words, and sentences

• Testing receptive language (how your child understands language)

• Testing expressive language (how your child uses language to express themselves)

The evaluation is designed to feel natural and comfortable, especially for young children. Many speech therapists use games, books, and play-based tasks so that the child feels engaged while the therapist gathers the information they need.

After the assessment, the therapist will explain their findings and, if needed, outline a therapy plan that is individualized to your child’s needs.

What Does Speech Therapy Look Like?

Speech therapy sessions can vary based on your child’s goals, but they are often fun and interactive. Activities might include playing with toys, reading stories, singing songs, and using visual aids or speech tools. Therapy is always tailored to the child’s interests and age level, so it feels more like play than a formal lesson.

At Speech Evolution Therapy, our sessions are designed to be both effective and enjoyable. Our certified speech-language pathologists, who are members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), build each session on compassion, trust, and evidence-based techniques.

Each session focuses on specific skills while building your child’s confidence and enthusiasm for communication. Whether your child is working on clear speech sounds, expanding their vocabulary, or learning how to take turns in a conversation, progress is tracked and celebrated every step of the way.

Your Role as a Parent

Parents play a key role in speech therapy. You’ll receive tools, strategies, and feedback to help your child continue learning at home. Consistency between therapy sessions and home practice helps children make lasting progress.

You may be asked to:

• Practice certain sounds or words at home

• Read together using specific strategies

• Play games that support communication skills

• Reinforce positive speaking behaviors in daily routines

At Speech Evolution Therapy, we partner with parents to ensure they feel confident supporting their child’s communication outside of the therapy room. The goal is not just to improve speech, but to build connection, confidence, and lifelong communication skills.

Areas Served by Speech Evolution Therapy

Based in Burbank, Speech Evolution Therapy serves families throughout the local community and nearby neighborhoods. We also welcome children from Alhambra, Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Encino, Glendale, Malibu, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, and Tarzana.

We also provide teletherapy, offering the same personalized care in a virtual setting for those who prefer remote sessions.

Final Thoughts

Speech and language are powerful tools that help children connect with the world around them. If your child is struggling to communicate, a pediatric speech therapist can provide the support they need to grow with confidence.

At Speech Evolution Therapy, your child will receive compassionate, personalized care rooted in clinical expertise. Our warm, encouraging approach—combined with proven techniques and a genuine love for working with children—creates a space where kids feel safe, supported, and inspired to speak up.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.speechevotherapy.com.