Speech Services
The Speech-Language Pathology Practice at Children’s Hospital Central California provides expert diagnosis and treatment of pediatric speech, language and swallowing disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We bring a team approach to patient care and often collaborate with audiology, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, radiology, and respiratory therapy. The speech-language pathologists are active on several hospital-based clinics, including Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic and Feeding Team, and receive referrals for consultation from the High Risk Infant Follow Up Clinic.
Our speech-language pathologists hold master’s degrees from accredited universities, are licensed by the State of California, and have earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The Speech-Language Pathology Practice is a Type C Communication Disorder Center designated by California Children’s Services.
Services Offered and Conditions Treated
Children who have speech, language or swallowing disorders can be referred to Speech-Language Pathology for an evaluation to establish the presence, type, and severity of disorder, and to determine appropriate course of care. Specific referral criteria include:
- Failed speech, language or feeding screening
- Delayed onset of speaking or slow progression of speech/language
- Stuttering/Fluency disorder
- Craniofacial anomaly or syndrome
- Cleft lip and/or palate
- Resonance disorder
- Vocal fold nodules
- Diagnosed hearing loss
- History of aspiration or suspected aspiration
- Feeding/Swallowing problems
- Tracheostomy patients (candidacy for Passey-Muir Valve)
- Prematurity
- Speech-Language Therapy (Individual & Group)
- Feeding/Swallowing Therapy
Diagnostic Services
- Speech-Language Evaluation
- Swallowing Evaluation (Videofluoroscopic & Bedside)
- Feeding Evaluation
- Nasometry
Multidisciplinary Services