Early Language & Communication Therapy in Atlanta
Our understanding and use of language
Language relates to our ability to understand and use language. This includes grasping new vocabulary, understanding concepts such as over & under, and sharing information in a way others understand. Language can develop analytically or in a gestalt manner.
Anaylitic language processors are those who develop language beginning at the word stage and proceeding through phrases into sentences.
Gestalt language processors are those who produce whole phrases or sentences and must learn to break those down into words. These are the kids usually drawn to music or movie quotes. They may “script” as a way to communicate a variety of thoughts. Our world is built for analytic processors and so gestalt processors often get stuck in repeating phrases rather than breaking those down to produce spontaneous language.
Knowing & Using
Language
Helping Children Build Meaningful Communication
Every child develops communication skills at their own pace. Some children begin talking early, while others need additional support to develop language skills, communicate their wants and needs, engage with others, and participate in everyday activities.
At Hart Therapy Services, we provide individualized language evaluations and therapy for children throughout Atlanta, Decatur, Candler Park, Virginia Highland, East Atlanta Village, and surrounding communities.
Our goal is not simply to help children say more words. We focus on helping children develop meaningful, functional communication that supports connection, self-advocacy, learning, and participation in daily life.
What Is a Language Delay or Language Disorder?
Language refers to how we understand and use communication.
Language skills include:
Understanding what others say
Following directions
Learning new vocabulary
Answering questions
Sharing ideas
Telling stories
Participating in conversations
Expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs
Children with language delays or language disorders may have difficulty understanding language, expressing themselves, or both.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Language Therapy
You may consider a speech and language evaluation if your child:
Is not yet using words to communicate
Uses fewer words than expected for their age
Has difficulty following directions
Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate
Has trouble answering questions
Has difficulty participating in conversations
Struggles to tell stories or explain events
Uses echolalia or scripting and you would like support understanding their communication style
Has difficulty communicating with peers
Is difficult for unfamiliar listeners to understand due to limited articulation or language skills
If you are unsure whether your child is meeting communication milestones, an evaluation can help identify strengths and areas where support may be beneficial.
In the INFANT stage, babies should begin to smile and coo by 3 months old, group sounds together between 4-7 months and produce first words by 1 year.
By 1 year old, babies are expected to understand “no” by 1 year and recognize names for familiar people and objects.
By 2 years old, children are expected to understand directions, use at least 50 words, and string 2 words together “bye mommy”.
By 3 years old, it is expected that children begin to answer simple wh- questions, use concepts (in, on, under, hot, big, soft), and use 3-4 words during short conversations.
By 4-5 years, children are expected to participate in conversations as their vocabulary continues to build.
Remember, You are the expert of your child & know them best. if you have questions about development, don’t hesitate to call.
How Language Therapy Can Help
Language therapy may support:
Early Communication Skills
Joint attention
Turn taking
Gestures
Intentional communication
Social engagement
Expressive Language
Expanding vocabulary
Combining words
Self-advocacy
Sharing ideas and experiences
Asking questions
Receptive Language
Understanding directions
Learning concepts
Following conversations
Processing information
Conversation Skills
Participating in back-and-forth interactions
Staying on topic
Asking and answering questions
Repairing communication breakdowns
Storytelling and Academic Language
Retelling events
Sequencing information
Explaining ideas
Building classroom communication skills
What Therapy Looks Like at Hart Therapy Services
At Hart Therapy services, we often start with a strengths-based evaluation to determine your child’s current communication and find areas to offer interventions to expand upon.
Our therapy sessions are child-led, play-based, strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and family-centered.
Sessions may include play, books, movement activities, favorite interests, games, sensory experiences, and parent coaching.
We believe children learn best when communication feels meaningful, enjoyable, and connected to their everyday lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Possibly. Some children have strong receptive language skills but benefit from support developing expressive communication.
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Speech refers to how sounds are produced. Language refers to understanding and using communication.
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Some children develop language later than peers. An evaluation can help determine whether additional support may be helpful.
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Yes. Language therapy can support communication development while respecting autistic communication styles and individual preferences.
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Echolalia and scripting are meaningful forms of communication. We work to understand and build upon your child's communication rather than eliminating it.
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Recommendations are based on your child's individual strengths, needs, and goals. We offer 30- and 45- minute sessions typically once or twice a week.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have concerns about your child's communication development, we would be happy to help. Contact Hart Therapy Services to schedule a consultation and learn whether a speech and language evaluation may be beneficial.
