Speech Therapy in Austin, TX
Online speech therapy for Austin children and adults, with a special focus on autism and gestalt language processing. Sessions are live, one-on-one, with Sherry Owais, M.A., CCC-SLP, a Texas-licensed speech-language pathologist.
What Gestalt Language Processing Looks Like
Some children learn language in chunks before they learn single words. They repeat whole phrases from shows, songs or the people around them, like "Let's go to the park!" or "Ready, set, go!", and use those phrases to communicate. This is called gestalt language processing. It's common in autistic children, though not only them.
For these children, repeating phrases (echolalia) is often how they're learning language. Therapy starts by figuring out what your child means with each phrase. Over time, Sherry helps them break phrases into smaller pieces and mix those pieces into new sentences of their own. Learn more about our autism speech therapy.
What You Can Do at Home
Respond to the meaning behind a phrase, even if it's from a movie
Model short, flexible phrases your child can reuse, like "Let's go" or "Look at that"
Keep a list of your child's phrases and when they use them. It helps Sherry a lot.
Medicaid, CHIP and HealthSelect Speech Therapy in Austin
Austin is in the Travis Medicaid service area, where we're in-network with BCBS of Texas for STAR, STAR Kids, and CHIP. The same service area covers Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee counties.
Many state employees in Austin have HealthSelect of Texas, which BCBS of Texas administers. We're in network for HealthSelect too. Here's everything we take for Austin families:
BCBS of Texas Medicaid: STAR, STAR Kids, and CHIP
BCBS of Texas commercial plans, including HealthSelect of Texas for state employees
Aetna: PPO, HMO, EPO, Managed Choice, First Health and Meritain
Curative
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan STAR+PLUS for adults
Medicare, traditional Texas Medicaid, and self-pay
We aren't in network with the other children's Medicaid plans in the Austin area right now. Medicaid and CHIP need a doctor's order before therapy. See which plans we take statewide with our Texas Medicaid and CHIP plan checker.
Austin ISD and Area School Districts
Austin ISD covers most of the city. Parts of Austin are served by Pflugerville, Manor, Del Valle, Eanes, Lake Travis, Leander and Round Rock ISD. Autistic students in Texas often qualify for speech services through the ARD process. If your child's plan needs a closer look, Sherry can help you prepare.
Under 3? Travis County Early Intervention
Texas HHS lists two Early Childhood Intervention programs for Travis County: Any Baby Can and Easter Seals Central Texas. Check which one serves your ZIP code with the HHS ECI Program Search.
Austin Speech Therapy FAQ
-
No. It's most often discussed with autism, but children without an autism diagnosis can be gestalt language processors too.
-
No. Sherry evaluates communication and doesn't diagnose autism. If you have a diagnosis or a developmental report, send it along. It helps with planning and with insurance.
-
No. Every session is by video, so there's no office visit or commute.
-
Yes, for aphasia, stuttering and cognitive-communication. Adults with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan STAR+PLUS in the Travis service area can use it for medically necessary therapy.
Start With a Free Consult
It takes about two minutes. We check your benefits first, then call you to set up the evaluation. Prefer to talk? Call (863) 663-2944.
Serving families across Central Texas and all of Texas by video. See all our Texas service areas.