Speech Therapy in Orlando at Summit Therapies
For many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental differences, communication is a common and meaningful area of daily challenge.
Whether a child is working toward their first words, learning to express wants and needs more clearly, or developing the language skills that support peer interaction and classroom participation, speech therapy addresses the communication foundation that so much of a child’s daily life depends on.
At Summit Therapies in Longwood, FL, we offer speech therapy as part of our center-based model alongside ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and family guidance. Contact us to learn more or call (407) 732-2487.
What Speech Therapy Addresses
Speech therapy for children with ASD and developmental differences addresses a range of communication and language skills that affect how children interact with the people and environments around them. Areas that speech therapy may address include, depending on each child’s individual assessment and the specific services available at the time of enrollment:
- Expressive language – helping children communicate wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings through words, phrases, and sentences
- Receptive language – supporting children in understanding what is said to them, including directions, questions, and conversational language
- Functional communication – supporting children in communicating in ways that are meaningful and useful in everyday settings
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies – for children who may benefit from communication supports beyond or alongside verbal speech
- Social communication – the language skills that support peer interaction, taking turns in conversation, and understanding social context
- Articulation and speech clarity – supporting children in producing speech sounds in ways that are more readily understood by familiar and unfamiliar communication partners
- Self-advocacy – helping children learn to ask for help, express preferences, and communicate in ways that give them more control over their experiences
The specific areas addressed in speech therapy depend on each child’s individualized assessment and treatment goals. At Summit Therapies, we develop speech therapy goals in collaboration with the family and coordinate them with the child’s overall treatment plan.
How Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy Address Different Needs
Many children who receive ABA therapy for autism also benefit from speech therapy, and the two approaches address different but complementary aspects of a child’s development. ABA therapy focuses on understanding and building behavior across a wide range of skill areas, including communication. Speech therapy brings a specialized focus on language development, communication systems, and the ways children use and understand language in everyday interactions.
When both are provided within the same center and coordinated between clinicians, families benefit from a more integrated approach rather than managing separate therapy relationships across different providers. At Summit Therapies, our center-based model supports this kind of coordinated care. Learn more about how our center-based approach works on our therapy center page.
Speech Therapy and School Readiness
Many of the skills that support a child’s participation in a classroom setting involve communication. Following directions, asking for help, responding to questions, participating in group activities, and interacting with peers all depend on a child’s ability to understand and use language effectively.
For children preparing to enter preschool, kindergarten, or a new school setting, speech therapy may support the communication foundation that helps them access and participate in educational environments. Our team connects speech therapy goals to the school readiness skills that matter in real classroom situations, in coordination with the school readiness focus of our center-based ABA program. Learn more about school readiness at Summit Therapies on our therapy center page.
Family Involvement in Speech Therapy
Communication development does not happen only during therapy sessions. The everyday moments of family life – meals, play, routines, and outings – provide natural opportunities for children to practice and use the communication skills they are working on in therapy.
At Summit Therapies, we build family involvement into our model across all therapy services, including speech therapy. Families receive guidance on how to support their child’s communication goals throughout the day, in the natural settings where communication matters most. Learn more about how we involve families in the therapy process on our Parent Collaboration and Family Support page.
Getting Started With Speech Therapy at Summit Therapies
Speech therapy at Summit Therapies is available through our center-based program at 1936 Boothe Circle, Longwood, FL 32750. To get started, families complete an intake process that begins with a consultation to discuss their child’s needs and determine the appropriate level of support. Our administrative staff can assist with insurance questions and authorization. Summit Therapies accepts Cigna, HMTC, Florida Blue, Aetna, and Step Up. Contact us to begin the intake process or call (407) 732-2487.
Summit Therapies Supports Communication Development for Children Throughout Central Florida
If your child is working on communication, language, or the social skills that support peer interaction and classroom participation, speech therapy may be a valuable part of their overall treatment plan. At Summit Therapies, we provide speech therapy in a center-based model that coordinates care across services and keeps families actively involved throughout the process.
Our center in Longwood, FL, serves families in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. Contact Summit Therapies today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, including ABA therapy and occupational therapy.
Accepting Clients with the Following Insurances
Ready to Support Your Child’s Success?
Navigating the school year and daily routines can be challenging. Our expert clinical team is here to provide the structured, compassionate ABA therapy your child needs to thrive. Fill out the form or call us today to begin the intake process.
Phone: +1 (407) 732-2487
Email: summittherapies@gmail.com
Therapy Center: 1936 Boothe Cir FL 3275 Longwood, FL 32750