speech therapists
When Speech Therapy Ends: Knowing Your Child Is Ready to Graduate
Here is a little secret about great speech therapy: from the very first session, our goal is to work ourselves out of a job. Every game, every silly sound, every “say it one more time” is quietly building toward a…
School Services vs. Private Therapy: Why Your Child May Need Both
When we talk about speech therapy services at school versus in a private clinic like FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, the word “versus” makes it sound like a cage match. School services in one corner, private therapy in the other,…
Gestalt Language Processing: Why “Repeating Movie Lines” Is Actually Progress
Your child doesn’t ask for juice. Instead, they look at you and say, “To infinity and beyond!” Or maybe they recite an entire scene from their favorite show when they’re excited. Or when you ask “How are you?” they respond…
New to FOCUS Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Welcome to the FOCUS family! Whether your child has just received their first evaluation recommendation, you’re transferring from another clinic, or you’re simply exploring your options in Southwest Florida: We are genuinely glad you are here! Starting or changing your…
Gestalt Language Processing 101: Fort Myers Speech Therapists Explain When Kids Learn Language in “Chunks” or “Scripts” (Echolalia)
If your child repeats entire phrases from their favorite movies, recites commercials word-for-word, or echoes sentences they’ve heard before, you might be witnessing something remarkable: gestalt language processing. For years, parents and professionals viewed this “scripting” or echolalia as a…
From Sounds to Sentences: The Critical Connection Between Clear Speech and Reading Readiness
As Fort Myers speech therapists at FOCUS Therapy, we often see parents and caregivers who are focused on the immediate goal of clear speech. While helping your child say their /r/ or /s/ sounds is crucial, our work is about…
They Hear Me, But Do They Understand Me? A Fort Myers Speech Therapist Explains Receptive vs. Expressive Language
What happens when your child seems to hear you perfectly well, yet doesn’t follow simple directions? Do they look at you blankly after you’ve asked them simple questions, even though you know their hearing is fine? Do they seem to…
Family-Friendly Sensory-Friendly Activities in Fort Myers, FL
As pediatric therapists specializing in ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, we at FOCUS Therapy understand that every child experiences the world differently through their senses. In Southwest Florida, we’re fortunate to have a growing number of sensory-friendly activities…
How Long Does Fort Myers Speech Therapy Take? Setting Realistic Expectations.
“When will my child be ‘done’ with speech therapy?” This is one of the most common questions parents ask when beginning their journey with Fort Myers speech therapy. It’s completely natural to wonder about timelines, especially when you’re eager to…
FOCUS Therapy Summer Spirit Week!
Our upcoming Summer Spirit Week at FOCUS Therapy is jam-packed with super summer fun in every session! ABA, Speech, OT – all of our departments are joining in, the full week of July 28th to August 1st. We hope you…