Speech Therapy Services
We Now Offer Speech and Language Services
Speech therapy services are available at Tanque Verde Pediatrics by our licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Natalie Clausen. Patients who make use of this service will meet at our office for evaluation of your child’s communication needs
Speech and Language Services are available to address the following:
● Late Language Emergence
● Language Disorders
● Articulation
● Phonology
● Stuttering/Fluency
● Childhood Apraxia of Speech
● Voice
● Pragmatics/Social Language
Request a Referral
Natalie Clausen, SLP
Natalie earned her undergraduate degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona. Her clinical interests include early language development, childhood apraxia of speech, and literacy. Read Natalie’s Full Bio
Natalie Clausen, SLP
Natalie earned her undergraduate degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona. Her clinical interests include early language development, childhood apraxia of speech, and literacy. Read Natalie’s Full Bio
Speech and Language Resources
Speech Talk
“Speech Talk”, found in the TVP Newsletter, includes topics and tips related to speech and language development. Subscribe to the TVP email newsletter to view current and archived editions.
Where to Find Services
AzEIP-Arizona Early Intervention Program
For children birth-3 years who are not meeting developmental milestones. Parents can complete a short referral form on the AzEIP website to request a screening. If your child does not qualify for these services, see Families Who Are Not Eligible for AzEIP for more resources.
ChildFind
For children ages 3-5. You must request a screening with the school district that you live in. Go to that school district’s website and look in the “exceptional/special education” section for “ChildFind.”
ASHAProfind
This is a searchable list of certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Late-Talking Toddlers
Links and Handouts
- “Making New Words Stick”
- “How to Talk to Kids Who Are Learning to Talk“
- First Words Tracker
- Baby Sign dictionary
Book
It Takes Two To Talk: A Practical Guide for Parents of Children with Language Delays by Elaine Weitzman, M.Ed., S-LP
Podcasts
SLP Talk Show with Cari Ebert:
Additional Resources
Listed below are numerous resources for parents. The information is intended to help provide parents with reputable sources of information. You should always talk to your child’s physician if you have any concerns or questions specific to your child.
Websites
“ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)” – Communication Milestones
The Hanen Centre – Many helpful articles for parents about early childhood language delays, language and literacy development, and autism
“Baby Navigator” – Resources for parents of children birth-24 months
Other Online Resources
Baby Sign dictionary
“3 Brain-Building Ways to Play With Your Baby” – HealthyChildren.org
The “Serve and Return” series – Center On the Developing Child at Harvard University
Screen Time & Language Development
Be Tech Wise with Baby! [PDF]
Be Tech Wise with Toddler! [PDF]
Books
Beyond Baby Talk – From Speaking to Spelling: A Guide to Language and Literacy Development for Parents and Caregivers by Kenn Apel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP and Julie Masterson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Talking on the Go by Dorothy P. Dougherty, MA, CCC-SLP, Diane R. Paul, PhD, CCC-SLP
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.
Podcasts
“The Brain Architects” – Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
“Tanque Verde Pediatrics: Coffee With a Consult”: Episode 2 “Speech in the Early Years”
Text Tips
Bright By Text – Get free parenting tips by text, based on your child’s exact age.
Screening Checklists & Milestones
These resources can be helpful to concerned parents and can be used to help guide parents toward an appropriate next step. They should not replace discussing your specific concerns for your child with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist; this will always be more reliable than a broad screener or checklist like those listed here.
“16 Gestures By 16 Months” – First Words Project
“16 Actions With Objects By 16 Months” – First Words Project
Social Communication Growth Charts
Red Flags of Autism Checklist – Autism Navigator
Communication Milestones: 3 to 4 Years
Communication Milestones: 4 to 5 Years
Typical Speech Sound Development
Tutorials explaining how to produce individual speech sounds – Peachie Speechie videos
Early Literacy Development
“Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: Activities for Your Pre-K Child” – Reading Rockets
“Dialogic Reading: An Effective Way To Read Aloud With Young Children” – Reading Rockets
Reading Tips for Parents of Preschoolers
Screen Time Tips & Guidelines
Be Tech Wise with Preschoolers! [PDF]
Books
No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.
Does My School-Aged Child Need Speech Therapy for R or S? [PDF]
Language Disorders
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Social Communication Disorder
Written Language Disorder – Affects the understanding and/or expression of written language
Other Conditions Associated with Communication Difficulties
Intellectual Disability
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Genetic Syndromes
Cerebral Palsy
AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication
“What Are Communication Devices for Non-verbal Children?” – Rare Parenting
Raising a Multilingual Child
Learning More Than One Language – ASHA
Autism
What Is Autism? – Autism Navigator
National Autism Association
Autism Society of Southern AZ
Voice
Vocal Hygiene for Children
Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)
Stuttering
The Stuttering Foundation: Tips for Parents
Literacy & Preliteracy
Reading 101: A Guide For Parents – Reading Rockets
Feeding & Swallowing
Feeding & Swallowing Milestones – ASHA
IG @mymunchbug_melaniepotock – Melanie Potock, M.A., CCC-SLP is a feeding specialist
and posts about topics such as picky eating, sippy cups, pacifiers, and more.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Apraxia Kids
Cleft Lip/Palate
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia resource page
Hearing Impairment
Hearing Loss in Children – ASHA