Comprehensive Language Treatment
to Overcome Communication Difficulties

We understand communication challenges can be frustrating, and you may feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

You’re guaranteed to find a welcoming and supportive environment at Winston Center. Our speech therapists target social communication, receptive and expressive language difficulties, enabling kids and teens to thrive at school and in life.

Comprehensive Speech Therapy Treatment to Overcome Communication Difficulties

We understand communication challenges can be frustrating, and you may feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

You’re guaranteed to find a welcoming and supportive environment at Winston Center. Our speech therapists target social communication, receptive and expressive language difficulties, enabling kids and teens to thrive at school and in life.

Worried About Your Child’s Communication Skills?
If your child is having difficulty expressing their thoughts, sharing ideas, or understanding others, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to listen, learn more about your child’s unique challenges, and walk you through personalized treatment options that can support their growth and success.

Personalized Oral & Written Language Therapy Programs

A Holistic Approach to Communication Challenges

We recognize that communication difficulties go beyond just spoken or written language. These challenges are often closely tied to social behavior, cognitive processing, articulation issues, and learning styles. That’s why there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. At Winston Center, we develop customized evaluations and treatment plans that address the full range of communication needs — tailored to each individual’s strengths, challenges, and long-term goals.

Start with an Evaluation: Laying the Foundation

The initial two evaluation appointments are essential for building a clear, personalized treatment plan for your child. During this time, we’ll assess their oral and written language abilities and gather important information to help guide next steps.

Appointment 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

In your first visit, we conduct an in-depth evaluation to better understand your child’s unique profile. This includes:

  • A detailed history, including parental input, prior testing, and any current or past medications.

  • An overview of your child’s communication abilities, including any suspected or diagnosed learning differences.

  • A thorough assessment with one of our speech-language pathologists to evaluate both oral and written language skills.

 

Appointment 2: Review & Personalized Treatment Planning

Your second appointment focuses on interpreting results and outlining the path forward. In this session, we take a deeper dive into your child’s diagnosis and explore meaningful, individualized treatment options.

What to expect during this visit:

  • A clear explanation of the diagnostic report, including key findings from the initial evaluation.

  • A walkthrough of the proposed care plan, outlining recommended therapy goals, strategies, and session frequency.

  • Time to address any questions or concerns you or your child may have — we welcome your input at every step.

Most children with language-related challenges benefit from visiting Winston Center twice a week, though this can vary based on individual needs. Whether your child requires more frequent support or a lighter schedule, we are dedicated to creating a treatment plan that fosters confidence, growth, and long-term success.

 

Recognizing Social Communication Difficulties

Children may struggle with both verbal and nonverbal communication in social settings, which can impact their ability to engage in conversations, build friendships, and thrive in academic environments. These challenges often extend beyond simple language delays and can persist over time if left unaddressed.

Common Signs of Social Communication Challenges

  • Excessive talkativeness without awareness of conversational boundaries

  • Difficulty taking turns in conversation or staying on topic

  • Trouble organizing and managing information during discussions

  • Asking inappropriate or off-topic questions

  • Challenges with comprehension, especially of abstract or implied meanings

  • Disorganized storytelling or trouble relaying events clearly

  • Difficulty making inferences or understanding indirect cues

  • Subtle but persistent language impairments that may continue as the child grows older

 

Understanding Receptive Language Difficulties

Children with receptive language challenges often struggle to understand and process spoken or written language. These difficulties can affect everyday interactions, academic performance, and overall communication. In many cases, receptive language issues are accompanied by challenges in expressive language — the ability to use words effectively.

Common Signs of Receptive Language Difficulties

  • Trouble following directions, whether spoken or written

  • Responding inaccurately to questions, even when they seem simple

  • Difficulty understanding what they read, often missing key details

  • Struggling to identify the main idea in conversations or texts

  • Weak reading comprehension, especially with complex or lengthy material

  • Limited vocabulary, affecting both understanding and expression

 

Understanding Expressive Language Difficulties

Children with expressive language challenges may struggle to convey their thoughts, ideas, or emotions effectively — whether through speaking or writing. These difficulties can impact peer relationships, academic performance, and daily communication. While symptoms vary from child to child, several common patterns often emerge.

Common Signs of Expressive Language Difficulties

  • Difficulty organizing thoughts when speaking or writing

  • Struggling to stay on topic during conversations or written work

  • Frequent grammatical errors or misuse of verb tenses

  • Limited vocabulary or trouble retrieving the right word

  • Hesitation or difficulty initiating writing tasks

  • Weak self-editing skills, leading to incomplete or unclear writing

Common Language Difficulties in People with ADHD

Children with ADHD are three times more likely to have language problems. ADHD affects attention, thinking, learning process and social interaction — all essential in the development of language.

  • When speaking or telling a story, children with ADHD may produce more vocal repetitions or word fillers (such as “um”) as they organize their thoughts. They may also be prone to going off topic or becoming distracted.
  • Listening comprehension can also be difficult for children with ADHD, especially in large groups or transitioning between speakers.
  • When writing, children with ADHD may have difficulty organizing their thoughts and ideas, staying on topic and following rules of grammar.
  • When reading, these children often skip words, have difficulty retaining information and can become distracted by other thoughts.
  • Social pragmatic skills can also be a significant issue for children with ADHD. They often have difficulty following the social rules such as taking turns in conversation, maintaining friendships and understanding implicit or nonliteral language.

As we evaluate clients for communications difficulties, we’ll also consider any signs of ADHD. Our physicians and speech therapists offer expertise regarding co-occurring conditions and will recommend best next steps.

Learn more about our ADHD services.

Help and Hope are Found Here  

If your child is facing challenges with language or communication, partnering with a speech-language therapist can be truly transformative. At Winston Center, we’re committed to helping children find their voice and thrive.

We offer in-person services at multiple locations across the Northwest, as well as convenient telemedicine appointments for families in Washington, Idaho, and Montana — so expert care is always within reach.

Request an Appointment