If you think your child may have a speech or language delay, a good place to start is with your pediatrician, day care provider, or teacher. They can be very good at gauging your child's speech/language skills based on what other children of the same age are doing. All kids develop differently and excel in different areas.

Expected speech/language milestones:

Click here for speech sound development norms

Click here for birth to 5,

Click here for for elementary ages .

Therapy is always tailored to the unique needs of the individual. We typically recommend 30-minute or 60-minute sessions. Depending on the type and severity of deficits, therapy is recommended at 1x, 2x, or 3x per week. The scope and duration of therapy will be discussed in consultation with the SLP during the initial visit.

While you are always welcome to attend your child’s therapy session, I understand you may not have time or be able to attend your child’s session. I will send a re-cap and recommendations after the session. Parent and caregiver communication is very important. We will work together to ensure that your child is successful in meeting their goals. I am always available to answer questions, provide recommendations, and brainstorm solutions for your child.

An evaluation can last from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon the areas being assessed, and allows the Speech Language Pathologist the opportunity to evaluate speech and language skills through standardized tests, observation, history information and parent report. Referrals to other professionals may be made if, during the evaluation, it is found that your child is having difficulties in areas that are outside the scope of practice for the SLP, including an Audiologist, ENT, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Orthodontist, etc.

​Following the evaluation you will receive a brief verbal summary of the findings. If therapy is warranted, the written evaluation report will be reviewed with you at the first therapy appointment. If it is found that your child has attained age appropriate speech and language skills, there will be no further appointments and you will receive a written report in the mail.

Sessions are provided either at my clinic in Wells, Maine, via teletherapy or both. We will work together to find the best environment for your child to receive services.

I love it when parents or caregivers are able to participate. When involved in a session, parents are able to implement strategies outside of therapy (which is always beneficial). However, I understand that your schedule may not allow you to sit in or that your child may work better independently. I will work with your to create a plan to make sure you’re always in the loop on your child’s progress.

​At this time, I do not bill clients' insurance companies directly for therapy. All services are private pay only, and all fees are due at the time of service. However, I am happy to provide you with a monthly Super Bill. This documentation may allow clients to submit the charges on their own behalf for reimbursement through their insurance company. For more information regarding costs, please contact me at dramsdell@ramsdellspeechpathology.org or call ‪(207) 200-7145.

If your child is unable to participate in a scheduled session, please cancel your session directly with me a minimum of 12 hours in advance. The late cancellation / no show fee is $50. However, we understand that children may present symptoms of illness the morning of his/her therapy session. Parents will not be penalized for late cancellations due to illness. If you do need to cancel the same day as services, please text or call me directly.