What is speech language therapy? Begrudgingly Answering Your Top 37 Burning Questions

Gina Britt
Oct 1
8 min read

Since I have been doing this so long I could be a dinosaur in speech years or 98 years old in dog years (I have 14+ years of experience as an SLP, now multiple that by 7). I never stop to ponder "What is speech language therapy?"

However you may be wondering or you might not care at all. You probably have more pressing matters, like why the laundry multiplies faster than your child’s vocabulary.

Either way, you are about to learn all about "what is speech language therapy" and why it may (or may not) apply to you at all.

This post is all about what is speech language therapy

What does a speech-language pathologist do?

We’re professional problem-solvers for anything that goes wrong when you try to talk, understand, think, or swallow. ASHA defines our scope as covering speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and cognition.

Translation: if your words sound like alphabet soup, your memory forgets names faster than you can say them, or you cough every time you drink water, we’re the ones people call.

So what is speech language therapy? Basically, we keep communication and eating—the two best parts of being human—from falling apart.

What’s the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?

A: Speech delay = kid can’t say the words.

Language delay = kid can’t understand or use words.

Both matter. One is like forgetting the lyrics; the other is like not even knowing the song exists.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Red flags include limited vocabulary, unintelligible speech, or stuttering that persists. ASHA and the CDC both recommend evaluation when milestones aren’t met. Here are said milestones.

At what age should my child be talking?

First words between 10-14 months , two-word combos by 24 months. By 2 years, they should have about 50 words. If your toddler only says “Alexa” and “snack,” that’s adorable but not developmentally complete.

Is it normal for my child to stutter?

Up to 10% of kids stutter at some point—especially between ages 2–5. Most grow out of it. But if it’s persistent, worsening, or causing stress, speech therapy helps.

How long does speech therapy take to work?

Anywhere from a few weeks to a few years—depends on the child, the severity, and how often therapy happens. Research shows progress is faster with frequent, consistent practice. But here’s the dark truth: it’s not a Netflix series with a set number of episodes. The secret tip to speed up the process is to practice the speech therapy exercises with your child at home.

What happens during a speech therapy session?

Games, drills, modeling, and secretly tricking kids into working. With adults, we might be retraining swallowing or reprogramming language pathways.

Can speech therapy be done at home?

Yes, and this is the key to success! Practicing at home can make all the difference-but you’ll need professional guidance. It’s like cutting your own hair- it can be done, but... you would be better off going to the hairdresser (or speech therapist) for the cut (speech therapy plan) and then styling it by yourself at home (or continuing to practice your exercises independently at home).

How many words should my child be saying by age 2?

At least 50 words and combining two words to make phrases, such as "no nap." If "no" and "mine" are the only ones, technically they count but the vocabulary menu should offer more than just two items.

My child isn’t talking yet—should I be worried?

Yes. But don’t panic because development varies. If your 2-year-old is still in “silent film actor” mode, it’s time for an evaluation. These questions/answers will help the pediatrician and speech therapist assist you better!

Do they have an older sibling that talks for them?
Are they lining up their toys?
Do they toe walk or flap their hands?
Have you gotten their hearing checked?
Are they bilingual?

What causes speech and language delays?

Hearing loss, developmental disorders, neurological issues, environmental factors, or sometimes no known reason at all. Basically, it’s complicated, not because you didn’t read them Goodnight Moon enough.

Will my child outgrow a speech problem?

Maybe. Some do. Others end up in speech therapy at age 9 wishing someone had started sooner. Rolling the dice isn’t a treatment plan.

What are ways I am limiting my child's ability at home to advance their communication skills?

For starters, if your child is not speaking at the age of 3-4 you can intuitively understand what they want, do not just give them the item. Exchange some form of communication that would be recognizable by an unfamiliar communication partner.

This means in exchange for a goldfish have them sign, write, show you a picture card, or push a button on an AAC device. That way they can work on developing language instead of just crying or staring at you and using some telepathic force to make the correct food appear on their plate.

If you are curious about communication skills and when they should be developing check out this handy chart.

How can I help my child’s speech at home?

Talk, read, sing, model, expand, and listen. And maybe stop asking Alexa to do all the talking. If you care to... read about some crafty ways to turn every day items into speech therapy exercises at home. Also, here is a three step series on how to do speech therapy at home: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Does using sign language or AAC prevent talking?

Nope. Research shows it actually supports speech development. It’s like training wheels, not cement shoes.

When should I get my child evaluated?

If you’re asking, yesterday.

How does my child qualify for speech therapy in school?

They need to score below normal limits and the speech/language issue must affect academic performance. Translation: if they can’t say “rabbit” but still ace math, the school might shrug.

What’s the difference between private speech therapy and school-based therapy?

Private therapy = more frequent, individualized, and you pay for it (hello, empty wallet). School-based = free, but usually less frequent and tied to education. It’s the difference between concierge service and DMV service.

How often will my child get therapy at school?

Usually 30 minutes once or twice a week in a group. Think of it as Costco therapy: bulk service, less personalization.

How are speech goals created for an IEP?

They’re based on standardized test scores, classroom needs, and team input. It’s science + paperwork + caffeine. Feel free to chime in about obstacles at home.

But don't make this error: Some moms get SO focused on one goal that is really functional in the home, such as sequencing for doing the laundry or showering. However, requesting the speech therapist ONLY work on this may not be the best idea because we don't have access to the same things that you do at home.

In this case, I would ask the speech therapist for tips and let them work on other skills, such as language, taking turns during conversation, grammar, articulation and other more feasible goals.

Can adults benefit from speech therapy?

Absolutely. Brains have plasticity, which allows us to create new neural networks. Think of it as paving a new road to get to your favorite store that just opened up in a new part of town. The brain can make new pathways.

Hence, why speech therapists even exist in the first place. Stroke survivors, people with voice issues, stuttering, accent modification—there’s hope. Unless you want us to cure your bad jokes. That’s incurable.

How does speech therapy help after a stroke or brain injury?

We retrain the brain’s pathways for speech, language, and swallowing. We can help with thinking skills such as memory, thought organization, attention, problem solving and processing speed.

Think of us as the construction workers who pave a new road that takes you to your favorite store! Only the road is a neural pathway in your brain, the car is a neuron being fired, and the old store is a piece of information you needed help recalling.

Examples of things that you may need to recall after a brain injury are words or cognitive skills (i.e. memory, problem solving) like the aforementioned ones.

Can SLPs help with accent modification?

Yes. But accents aren’t disorders, they’re identity. We can help if it’s your goal, but insurance will not cover this type of treatment.

What’s the difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist?

Nothing. Tomato, to-mah-to.

How much does speech therapy cost?

Depends. It can range from $100–$200 per session privately in the U.S. The evaluations are more expensive and often required to get services initiated. In the school system it is free. I worked as a speech therapist at my local university during graduate school and we treated patients at a reduced rate with a sliding scale depending on their income.

Does insurance cover speech therapy?

Sometimes, if you fight for it like a gladiator with some paperwork.

How often should speech therapy sessions be?

Depends on severity. Sometimes shorter sessions are more effective because the students do not get frustrated, fewer breaks are required and there are no melt-downs. I find there is a sweet spot for 15 minutes weekly but this all depends on the specific situation.

What qualifications does an SLP have?

Master’s degree, national certification (CCC-SLP), state license, 9 months of supervised clinical fellowship and annual continuing education courses.

Can speech therapy help with memory and thinking?

Yes. We’re not just about lisps—we also do brain bootcamps for attention, memory, and problem solving.

Can speech therapy help with swallowing problems?

Definitely. If you’re coughing every time you drink water, it’s not “just going down the wrong pipe”—it’s time to see an SLP.

Can you fix my spouse’s selective hearing?

Sadly, no. That’s a different profession called “marriage counseling.”

Do SLPs only work with kids?

Nope. We work with everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Basically, if you can talk, eat, or think—we’re in your business.

Why do speech therapists write so many notes?

Because if we didn’t, no one would believe we actually worked.

Can speech therapy help with social skills?

Yes! We’re basically social skills coaches with a side of language expertise. We help kids learn turn-taking, reading body language, conversation starters and recognizing appropriate reactions to problems.

Do SLPs only help people who can’t talk?

Nope. We help people who talk too much, too little, or in ways that is difficult for others to understand. Communication has a wide spectrum, and we cover it all.

Do speech therapists use apps or just flashcards?

Both and a whole lot more. We love a good flashcard, but technology like AAC apps or interactive games makes therapy feel less like homework and more like fun.

Can speech therapists help fix a lisp in adults?

Absolutely. It’s never too late. The only thing harder than fixing a lisp is convincing clients to actually practice outside of therapy.

So, what is speech language therapy?

Speech-language therapy in a nutshell (a very large nutshell, with paperwork stuffed inside). Whether you came here genuinely curious or just procrastinating on folding the laundry that seems to multiply faster than your toddler’s “nos,” you’ve now survived my crash course.

Speech therapy is equal parts science, play, and patience—with a dash of caffeine and sarcasm to keep us all afloat. If you’re still wondering “does my child (or I) need this?”—the short answer is: ask. Worst case, you get peace of mind. Best case, you get support that can change communication, confidence, and connection.

Thanks for stopping by. My speech therapy tips will always be served with a side of sarcasm—because humor makes the paperwork easier to swallow.

Thanks for stopping by to read about what is speech language therapy

My speech therapy tips are served with a side of sarcasm