A:
Many private therapists use a medical model
in evaluating and treating a child, whereas the public schools
are restricted to an educational model. This means that the
schools will generally not treat certain problems unless they
specifically hinder the child's learning.
School systems are required to test in the
child's native language, so you may request screening upon arrival
in the U.S. Speech therapists will evaluate your child's understanding
and use of words, the use of language for different purposes,
pronunciation of speech sounds, physical ability to produce
speech, voice quality, and fluency or smooth flow of speech.
