Speech Therapy for Autism | Step Up Autism Center

Communication

Speech Therapy
Program for Autism

If your child isn’t talking like other kids their age, isn’t combining words, or gets frustrated trying to communicate you haven’t failed as a parent, and this is common, treatable ground.

Book a consultation Ages 3–18
Speech therapist using play-based communication exercises with a child
Fully covered by OAP funding

Supervised by

Registered SLPs

Session format

1:1, play-based

Typical start age

18 months +

Self-check

Is this normal, or
should I be worried?

This is the question almost every parent asks first — and it’s the right one to ask.

Not saying single words by 15–18 months

Not combining two words (“more milk,” “want up”) by age 2

Speech that’s hard for family members to understand by age 3

Frequent frustration or shutting down when trying to communicate

Difficulty following simple instructions

Stuttering that lasts more than 6 months, or comes with visible struggle

If even one of these sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation not a diagnosis, just a conversation. Early support tends to work faster, but it is never too late to start.

The program

What’s included

01

A real evaluation, not a checklist

One-on-one assessment by Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant and a Registered Speech Language Pathologist covering articulation, comprehension, and expressive language.

02

A personalized therapy plan

Goals based on your child’s specific needs — clearer sounds, longer sentences, or reduced stuttering.

03

Play-based, evidence-based sessions

Therapy that feels like play to your child, built on clinically proven speech-language techniques underneath.

04

Parent coaching

Simple, practical techniques you can use during mealtime, bath time, and car rides.

05

Ongoing progress tracking

Clear updates and measurable milestones — never vague reassurance.

06

Flexible formats

In-clinic, or teletherapy, built around your family’s schedule.

Benefits

What changes, on both sides

01

For your child

Clearer, more confident communication

Fewer communication-related meltdowns

Stronger foundation for reading and writing

Improved social skills with peers

Greater independence expressing needs and feelings

02

For you

Clear answers instead of guesswork

A concrete plan with visible milestones

Tools you can use at home immediately

Support explained in plain language

Peace of mind from taking action early

Timeline

How long until we see something change?

4–8

weeks to first visible change

Most families notice small, meaningful shifts — improved sound attempts, longer phrases, less frustration — within the first two months. Articulation goals often resolve in a few months; broader language delays may take longer. Your first consultation includes a realistic, individualized timeline.

Fit check

Who this program is for

Toddlers with speech or language delays

Articulation and pronunciation difficulties

Children who stutter

Autism spectrum communication needs

Social communication challenges

Post-illness or post-injury speech recovery

Why parents trust this

Built to be checked, not just believed

Licensed, certified speech-language pathologists — not assistants

Transparent pricing and insurance guidance before you commit

No pressure, no upselling — we’ll tell you if therapy isn’t needed

Real progress reporting, not vague check-ins

A judgment-free space, for your child and for you

“We were terrified we’d waited too long. Within two months, our son went from single words to full sentences.
The team explained everything in a way we actually understood.”

Parent, current client

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is speech therapy covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover speech therapy when it’s medically necessary and recommended following an evaluation. Our team helps verify your coverage and explains costs clearly before you begin.

What age should a child start speech therapy?

Speech therapy can begin as early as 18 months if delays are noticed, and there is no upper age limit — children, teens, and even adults can benefit from therapy at any stage.

How is speech therapy different from language therapy?

Speech therapy focuses on how sounds are physically produced, while language therapy focuses on understanding and using words, sentences, and grammar. Most programs address both as needed.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to start?

In most cases, no referral is required to schedule an initial consultation, though some insurance plans may request one for reimbursement purposes.

Can speech therapy help with stuttering?

Yes. Speech-language pathologists use proven techniques to reduce stuttering frequency and severity, and to build a child’s confidence when speaking.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a comprehensive but relaxed evaluation. The therapist observes your child, talks with you about your concerns, and uses this data to create a treatment plan for future sessions.

Take the first step today.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to take the next step — and we’ll walk the rest of the way with you.

Free consultation

No referral required in most cases