Click here to access your patient portal.

Many parents have questions about their child’s speech, language or social communication skills but are often told by family, friends, or even other professionals to wait and see if their child outgrows a potential problem. Unfortunately, this often results in a delayed diagnosis of a disorder that is highly treatable-particularly when caught early.

Communication starts at birth. Starting when an infant coos and smiles, progressing to pointing and vocalizations, to speaking words, communication should progress as a child develops. Around 12 months, children will start to use words to label objects and people in their environment. Some children may take a little longer than others. However, a language evaluation is recommended if your child is not using words to communicate.

If by 18 months, your child should be using at least 10-20 words. By 2 years old, children are expected to begin putting 2-3 word phrases together to communicate, and to ask simple questions. If your child is not reaching these communication milestones, contact Monarch Speech Therapy for an evaluation.

Here are some signs of a speech or language disorder in a young child (age 3 and under):

• Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
• Does not babble (4-7 months)
• Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months)
• Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
• Says only a few words (12-18 months)
• Says words that are not easily understood by others (18 months-2 years)
• Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2-3 years)

While I do not accept insurance, I am happy to provide you with a superbill. The Super Bill has all of the information that is needed to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. This is not a guarantee that services are covered. It is up to the client to work with their insurance company. Payment is due at the time of service. If you are reimbursed, the insurance company will reimburse you, not Monarch Pediatric Speech Therapy.

Here are some of the key benefits of early treatment:

• Maximizes a child’s success. Treatment at any age is worthwhile, but earlier is usually most effective. Early treatment can reduce the need for school-based services later.
• Saves time and money. It can take less time to treat a communication delay or disorder when families act on the early warning signs. Fewer treatment sessions can also mean fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Many early intervention programs offer free or low-cost services to children ages birth to 3 years. For those seeking private services, Monarch can help meet your child’s needs.
• Prepares a child for kindergarten. What happens between birth and age 3 lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness. Strong speech, language, cognitive and social skills are necessary for reading, writing, and academic success-as well as all the other demands of school.
• Sets a child on a course to school, social, and life success. All families want what’s best for their children. Acting early can have positive, long-lasting effects on your child’s communication, social relationships, learning and daily life activities well into adulthood.

I have two offices, one located in the heart of Lake Nona at Towncenter and I also service Saint Cloud and Harmony via my office conveniently located on 192.

• Saint Cloud Florida: 1714 Suite A E.Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway St. Cloud, FL 34771
• Lake Nona Orlando: 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Suite 414, Orlando, FL 32827