Speech Therapy
Comprehensive Speech & Language Therapy at Amy Zier + Associates
Amy Zier + Associates (AZ+A) is expanding and now offers licensed speech therapy to complement our occupational therapy expertise. Single-provider care or coordinated co‑treatment, as needed, helps children reach their communication and participation goals.
We Can Help!
Pediatric speech‑language pathology (SLP) at Amy Zier + Associates in Chicago evaluates and treats communication, language, feeding, and pragmatic needs in children of all ages. Whether your child needs articulation support, language intervention, or help with feeding and oral‑motor skills, we create individualized plans tailored to each child and family’s specific needs.
By offering SLP and mental health services alongside pediatric occupational therapy, our interdisciplinary staff coordinates co‑treatment options to accelerate progress for children who need multiple interventions.
Our developmental philosophy prioritizes regulation and connection first, using play, affect, and relationship to build lasting skills.
Questions? Schedule a FREE 15 min consult or contact us today.
Why Choose AZ+A
- We involve caregivers throughout the family-centered therapeutic process, from training to progress updates to strategies you can use at home.
- Play-based therapy: We use evidence-driven and fun interventions that motivate children.
- AZ+A’s speech‑language pathologists and occupational therapists are licensed experts in pediatric developmental differences, including speech delay, language disorder, autism, sensory needs, ADHD, and feeding challenges.
- When a child benefits from simultaneous OT + SLP, our providers deliver coordinated co-treatment sessions to address communication, sensory‑motor, and functional goals. SLP and OT collaborate so that goals, strategies, and home programs are consistent and effective.
How Co‑treatment Works
- Shared evaluation: OTs and SLPs review assessments and determine combined goals.
- Coordinated session plans: Our clinicians plan activities that target overlapping skills (e.g., oral‑motor exercises that support feeding and speech; social play that targets sensory regulation and pragmatic language).
- Single documentation & unified goals: Families receive a cohesive home‑practice plan and streamlined progress notes.
- Flexible scheduling: Co‑treatment can be scheduled regularly or used periodically as needed.
Start Today! Schedule a FREE 15 min consult or contact us today.
Our SLP Services
- Comprehensive speech and language evaluations: Your SLP will assess expressive/receptive language, articulation, phonology, pragmatics, and speech processing to create a targeted treatment plan.
- Storytelling and narrative development, which bridge written and oral language, improve listening, reading comprehension, and literacy skills. Storytelling also improves self-esteem, provides problem-solving techniques, and teaches children to relate to others with empathy.
- One‑on‑one speech therapy sessions: together we address articulation, language delay, phonological disorders, vocabulary and grammar, and social communication.
- Small‑group opportunities: We practice social and pragmatic language skills in small groups to build conversation, perspective‑taking, and peer interaction.
- Feeding & oral‑motor therapy: Assessment and treatment for picky eating, oral‑motor weakness, texture progression, and safe feeding strategies.
- Co‑treatment: To target shared goals efficiently, AZ+A offers joint OT + SLP sessions for complex cases (e.g., sensory feeding issues, motor speech disorders, social‑communication with sensory needs).
- Teletherapy SLP: Secure online sessions for ongoing progress, caregiver coaching, or when in‑person visits are not possible. Research by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) confirms that telehealth SLP is effective and appropriate for children and families who prefer the convenience of teletherapy due to distance, illness, or weather. In many cases, teletherapy results in better progress than in-person sessions.
Who We Help
- Infants and toddlers with feeding difficulties, early communication delays, or reduced social engagement.
- Preschoolers and school‑age children with speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, or pragmatic/social‑communication challenges.
- Children with developmental differences such as autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, ADHD, or motor coordination issues may experience communication issues.
- Families seeking holistic and multi‑disciplinary support to promote participation at home, school, and in daily life.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Intake & history: We review developmental, medical, feeding, and communication histories with caregivers.
- Thorough assessment: Standardized tests, observation, and play‑based probes tailored to your child’s age and ability.
- Collaborative plan: Clear goals, recommended frequency, expected timeline, and home strategies are provided before scheduling therapy.
- Options discussed: Individual SLP, OT only, or combined co‑treatment recommendations based on your child’s profile.
Start today! Schedule a FREE 15 min consult or contact us today.
Our robust selection of speech and language assessments includes:
- DOLLI (Gerber & Ricamato, 2023)
- PPVT-2 (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, 2nd edition)
- The Developmental Articulation Assessment
Insurance & Scheduling
- We accept BCBSIL and offer private‑pay options. Our intake team works with you to complete insurance verification and benefit checks.
- Appointments available for in‑clinic therapy and teletherapy SLP. Co‑treatment needs will be addressed during scheduling.
FAQs
- Q: Do I need a physician referral?
A: Requirements vary by insurance; many families can self‑refer. We’ll check your plan and guide you. - Q: What ages do you serve?
A: Age‑appropriate and family-centered treatment is offered for infants through young adulthood, as well as parent coaching/support as needed. - Q: How long are sessions?
A: Typical sessions are 30–60 minutes. Co‑treatment sessions are generally 45–60 minutes, depending on goals. - Q: Can SLP and OT coordinate with my child’s school?
A: Yes, with caregiver consent, we can communicate with school teams and support IEP goals.
Get Started Today
Help your child find their voice and fully participate in life. Schedule a consultation or speak with our team today:
1. Email us at operations@amyzier.com
2. Call us at 773-755-7791
We looking forward to hearing from you!