At Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CSHC), we believe that parents should follow their instincts on whether their children are developing normally. Often parents notice that their child is not communicating the same way as other children his age. He may be using few words or seem to have difficulty following directions. He may hit, bite, or cry rather than use words to indicate his frustration. Family members, teachers, or pediatricians may mention a concern to the parents or the child may receive a screening at a child care center that indicates that more testing is needed. Still, it is difficult for parents to know if the problem is something that the child will outgrow or if it is a problem that may be persistent through adolescence and adulthood.

Click here to look at a quick checklist of developmental milestones that may aid you in making your decision. We encourage you to call our Speech and Language Program Director, Angie Rikard, at 704-523-8027, extension 25 with specific questions.

How do I schedule a screening or evaluation?

You may schedule a screening by calling Angie Rikard at 704-523-8027, extension 25. You may schedule an evaluation by calling one of our scheduling specialists at the same number, extension 18.

What you can I expect during the evaluation?

For children ages birth through the second year or for children with very limited language skills, parent involvement is critical for testing. Very few children under age 3 can participate in formal testing. For this reason, we identify the child's strengths and needs through use of informal "play" techniques combined with parent interview. You will be asked questions about your child's individual communication style. Your responses and the therapist's observations of your child will then be used to make judgments regarding his skills in several communication categories including comprehension of language, vocabulary and use of grammar and syntax, and use of verbal communication and sound development.

Your therapist may use a variety of tools to test for specific speech and language deficits for children 3-18 years old. The therapist determines what testing protocol is appropriate by reviewing the case history and conducting a short interview with the parent to determine what areas of communication development are of concern. Please share any previous testing or diagnoses that relate to your child's condition with the therapist so that it can be included in the evaluation report.

Adult testing may consist of various components. The evaluation protocol will be determined by reviewing your case history and conducting an interview with you. During that time, you should discuss your concerns about your communication problems with your therapist. She will then determine what tests would give the most useful information about those problems. She will complete the testing and provide you with resources or information that will help you decide what type of intervention may be right for you.

How can I prepare my child for the examination?

When you receive your case history and other information in the mail or download these forms, you will also be provided with the name of the therapist who will be doing the testing. You may want to prepare a young child for testing by making comments such as "We're going to Miss Jen's office to play games. She will have toys and books and all sorts of fun things for us to play with there". When you arrive at the CSHC and enter the waiting room, there is a staff board with a picture of each therapist and a paragraph that tells a little about her. Help your child find the therapist you'll be working with in the evaluation. You may make it a game with an older child by spelling out the therapist's name and having him find her picture or describing her and letting him guess which person will be his therapist. If you and your therapist decide that you will not be in the room for testing, the therapist will make sure to show your child the observation room where you'll be waiting.

What happens after the evaluation?

At the end of the evaluation your therapist will discuss the diagnosis and explain to you your options for therapy. If you decide to pursue therapy at the CSHC, the therapist will complete a scheduling list form with you highlighting your preferences for days and times you'd prefer to have your session. If one of our therapists has openings that match your availability, you may be placed on her schedule immediately. If a therapist is not available during your preferred time, your name will be placed on a scheduling list and you'll be contacted as soon as there is an opening.

What are the costs for Speech and Language Services?

Screenings that take place in our Center are completed at no charge.

The cost for an evaluation for children birth to five years old is $150; ages 6-17 years is $200; 18 years through adulthood is $150. We accept private pay, Medicaid, and several types of insurance. All insurance policies differ in what services they cover. Our Back Office Coordinator, Threasa Lambert, will be happy to discuss your particular insurance benefits with you. Please contact her at (704) 523-8027, ext. 32.

Our fee for therapy is $150 per hour. Younger children are often seen for two 30 minute sessions each week ($75/each).

Several payment options are available including a family assistance fund, we are here to help.    Please call Threasa Lambert at the number above for more information.