Frequently Asked Questions

No, Oceanview Therapy does not accept insurance. However, we understand that speech and language evaluations are an important investment, and we strive to make our services as accessible as possible. We offer various payment options and can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

At Oceanview Therapy, we are committed to helping families who may not otherwise have access to comprehensive speech and language evaluations. If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re happy to discuss payment options and help you explore resources to ensure that you or your child can receive the assessment needed. Your family’s communication needs matter to us, and we’re here to support you in any way we can!

At Oceanview Therapy, we specialize in bilingual speech and language evaluations to ensure that children and adults who speak more than one language receive an accurate, culturally responsive assessment of their communication skills. Bilingual individuals develop language differently than monolingual speakers, and without a proper evaluation, they are often misdiagnosed with speech-language disorders or learning disabilities.

A bilingual speech and language evaluation is an assessment conducted by a qualified bilingual speech-language pathologist (SLP) who understands the complexities of multilingual development. These evaluations are crucial for differentiating between a true speech-language disorder and a typical pattern of bilingual language acquisition.

The Importance of Bilingual Speech & Language Evaluations

Many children in the U.S. grow up in homes where English is not the only language spoken. However, speech and language assessments are often conducted only in English, leading to incomplete or inaccurate results for bilingual children. A bilingual evaluation assesses a child’s language skills in both languages to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their communication abilities.

A proper bilingual evaluation is essential because:
✔ Bilingual language development follows different patterns than monolingual language development.
✔ Errors in one language may not indicate a disorder—they could simply reflect cross-linguistic influence.
✔ A child’s dominant language may change over time, and testing only in one language may miss their true abilities.
✔ Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate educational placement, including unnecessary special education services.

At Oceanview Therapy, we conduct evaluations in American English, Spanish, and Italian to provide accurate, research-based assessments for bilingual individuals.

Bilingual Language Development: What Parents and Educators Should Know

1. Simultaneous vs. Sequential Bilingualism

Children can acquire two languages in different ways:

• Simultaneous bilinguals learn two languages from birth.
• Sequential bilinguals learn a second language after establishing a first language, often when they enter school.

Both types of bilingual development are normal, but their language skills may develop differently, which must be considered during an evaluation.

1. Typical Patterns of Bilingual Language Development

Bilingual children may go through phases that mimic language difficulties but are actually normal for bilingual speakers. These include:

• Language Mixing (Code-Switching) – Using words from both languages in the same sentence is normal and does not indicate confusion.
• Silent Period – A child learning a second language may go through a quiet stage as they adjust.
• Language Transfer – Features from one language influence the other (e.g., a Spanish-speaking child saying, "He has 12 years" instead of "He is 12 years old").

A monolingual evaluation may mistake these patterns for a disorder, leading to misdiagnosis.

Why Bilingual Evaluations Are Necessary for Students Suspected of a Language Disorder

1. Preventing Misdiagnosis in Bilingual Students

Many bilingual children are incorrectly labeled as having a language disorder or learning disability when, in reality, they have normal bilingual development or are simply acquiring English at a different pace.

Misdiagnosis often happens when:

• The child is only tested in English, ignoring their first language.
• The evaluator lacks training in bilingual language acquisition, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
• The assessment tools are not designed for bilingual individuals, leading to biased results.

By testing in both languages, a bilingual evaluation ensures that a child is not wrongly placed in special education services or denied the support they actually need.

1. Identifying True Speech & Language Disorders

While bilingualism itself does not cause language delays, some bilingual children do have genuine language disorders that affect both of their languages. A bilingual evaluation helps determine whether:
✔ The child is demonstrating normal bilingual development OR
✔ The child has a true speech-language disorder affecting both languages.

This distinction is crucial because a child with a true disorder needs speech-language intervention in both languages, not just in English.

The Role of a Culturally and Linguistically Competent Speech-Language Pathologist

A bilingual speech-language pathologist (SLP) conducting these evaluations must:
✔ Understand linguistic differences vs. disorders – Knowing what is typical for a bilingual speaker prevents misdiagnosis.
✔ Assess both languages – Evaluating only in English does not provide a full picture.
✔ Use appropriate, research-based assessment tools – Many standardized tests are biased toward monolingual speakers.
✔ Consider cultural background – Speech and language are deeply connected to culture, and an SLP must recognize these influences.

At Oceanview Therapy, we have extensive experience in multilingual speech-language assessment and provide detailed, culturally informed evaluations.

What to Expect from a Bilingual Speech & Language Evaluation

A bilingual evaluation at Oceanview Therapy includes:
✔ Parent & Teacher Interviews – Gathering background information on language exposure and use.
✔ Standardized Testing in Both Languages – Using culturally and linguistically appropriate assessments.
✔ Dynamic Assessment – Looking at how the child learns new language skills to differentiate between a language disorder and a language difference.
✔ Speech Sound Assessment – Evaluating pronunciation patterns in both languages.
✔ Comprehensive Report & Recommendations – Providing an in-depth analysis of language abilities and next steps.

Who Should Get a Bilingual Speech & Language Evaluation?

You should consider a bilingual evaluation if:
✔ Your child speaks a language other than English at home.
✔ A teacher has expressed concerns about your child’s language development or academic progress.
✔ You have noticed difficulties in understanding or expressing themselves in either language.
✔ Your child is being evaluated for a speech-language disorder, and you want to ensure an accurate assessment.

Schedule a Bilingual Evaluation at Oceanview Therapy

At Oceanview Therapy, we provide expert, independent bilingual speech and language evaluations to ensure that bilingual and multilingual individuals receive accurate, unbiased assessments of their communication skills.

If you believe your child may need a bilingual evaluation, or if you want a second opinion regarding a previous school-based assessment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Let’s ensure your child’s language skills are understood the right way—across all the languages they speak.

If your child is growing up with two or more languages, you might wonder if they need a bilingual speech-language evaluation. Many bilingual children develop language differently than monolingual children, and sometimes parents or teachers worry that a child is struggling with communication when they are actually learning both languages in a typical way.

Your child may benefit from a bilingual speech-language evaluation if:
✔ They mix words from both languages often, and you're unsure if it's normal.
✔ They seem to understand more than they can express in either language.
✔ Their speech is difficult to understand in one or both languages.
✔ They struggle to follow directions or answer questions in either language.
✔ Their teacher has concerns about their language development, but they are only assessed in English.

A bilingual evaluation looks at both languages to make sure your child’s speech and language skills are assessed accurately. Many bilingual children are mistakenly identified as having a language delay or disorder when their language differences are actually normal. On the other hand, some bilingual children do have true speech or language challenges, and a bilingual evaluation ensures they get the right support in both languages—not just in English.

At Oceanview Therapy, we specialize in bilingual and multilingual evaluations in American English, Spanish, and Italian. Our experienced evaluators know how to differentiate between a language disorder and normal bilingual development, so your child gets the support they truly need. If you’re unsure whether your child’s language development is on track, contact us today to schedule an evaluation!

At Oceanview Therapy, we specialize in comprehensive speech and language evaluations, including Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) for families seeking an objective assessment of their child’s communication abilities.

Understanding an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private, unbiased assessment conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school district. Parents may request an IEE if they disagree with the results of their child’s school-based evaluation and want an external expert to reassess their child’s speech, language, or overall educational needs.

IEEs can provide a second opinion and offer deeper insight into a child’s strengths and challenges. The findings from an IEE can be used to advocate for additional support, accommodations, or services within the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Your Legal Rights: Federal Laws Supporting IEEs

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1415; 34 C.F.R. § 300.502), parents have the right to request an IEE at the school district’s expense if they disagree with the district’s evaluation. Key legal points include:

• Right to Request: If a parent believes the school’s evaluation was incomplete, inaccurate, or did not fully assess their child’s needs, they can formally request an IEE.
• District’s Response: Once an IEE is requested, the school district must either approve the request and fund the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to defend its original evaluation.
• Choice of Evaluator: Parents have the right to choose a qualified independent professional to conduct the evaluation, as long as the provider meets the district’s criteria.
• Use of IEE Results: The results of an IEE must be considered by the school district when developing an IEP or making educational decisions, even if the district does not fully agree with the findings.

Why Request an IEE?

Parents may seek an independent evaluation for several reasons, including:
✔ Concerns about the accuracy or thoroughness of the school’s assessment.
✔ Disagreements over eligibility for speech-language services or special education support.
✔ Desire for a bilingual/multilingual evaluation to ensure language differences are not mistaken for disorders.
✔ Need for a more in-depth, specialized assessment conducted by a speech-language expert outside the school setting.

How Oceanview Therapy Can Help

At Oceanview Therapy, we provide expert, independent speech and language evaluations that are:
✔ Comprehensive & Evidence-Based – Using the latest assessment tools to deliver a complete analysis of communication abilities.
✔ Unbiased & Independent – Ensuring an objective evaluation that is not influenced by school district policies.
✔ Multilingual – Offering evaluations in American English, Spanish, and Italian to ensure accuracy for bilingual and multilingual students.
✔ Tailored for Educational Advocacy – Our reports include clear findings and recommendations that parents can use in IEP meetings and educational planning.

Requesting an IEE: Next Steps

If you are considering an Independent Educational Evaluation, we recommend:

1. Submitting a written request to your child’s school district stating your disagreement with their evaluation and your request for an IEE at the district’s expense.
2. Consulting with our team at Oceanview Therapy to discuss your child’s needs and how we can assist with a thorough, objective evaluation.
3. Using the IEE results to advocate for the best possible educational support for your child.

Contact Us for an Independent Educational Evaluation

If you believe your child’s school evaluation was incomplete or inaccurate, you have the right to seek an independent, expert assessment. Oceanview Therapy is here to provide the clarity and support you need.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with an IEE for speech and language assessment.

If you disagree with your child’s school district’s speech and language evaluation, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district’s expense. An IEE is a private evaluation conducted by a qualified speech-language pathologist who does not work for the school. This allows for a second opinion and ensures your child receives an unbiased, thorough assessment.

Steps to Request an IEE:

1. Submit a Written Request – You must formally request an IEE in writing. In your letter, explain that you disagree with the school’s evaluation and are requesting an independent speech and language evaluation. You do not have to explain why you disagree, though you can if you choose.
2. Wait for the District’s Response – The school must either approve your request and fund the IEE or file for a due process hearing to argue why their evaluation is sufficient. If the district does not take either action, they are violating your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
3. Choose an Independent Evaluator – If the district approves your request, they may provide a list of approved evaluators, but you are not required to choose from that list as long as your chosen provider meets the district’s qualifications.
4. Schedule the IEE – Once your IEE is approved, you can schedule the evaluation with a qualified speech-language pathologist who specializes in school-based speech and language concerns.
5. Review and Use the Results – The results of the IEE must be considered by the school district when making decisions about your child’s services, though they are not required to accept all recommendations. The IEE can be used to advocate for appropriate speech therapy, accommodations, or IEP/504 Plan modifications.

Why an IEE is Important

Many school evaluations are limited in scope due to time and resource constraints. If you feel that your child’s communication needs were not fully assessed, an IEE provides a more in-depth, comprehensive evaluation to ensure they receive the support they need.

At Oceanview Therapy, we provide independent speech and language evaluations tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our evaluations are thorough, evidence-based, and unbiased, helping parents advocate for the right services and accommodations. If you need an IEE for speech and language assessment, contact us today to discuss your

The Importance of a Speech & Language Evaluation for Neurodiverse Individuals

At Oceanview Therapy, we recognize that speech and language evaluations for neurodiverse individuals require a specialized, affirming, and strength-based approach. Neurodiverse individuals—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, apraxia, and other developmental differences—often have unique communication styles that traditional assessments fail to capture accurately.

Many clinical practices still rely on deficit-based models, focusing only on what a neurodiverse individual struggles with rather than identifying their strengths. At Oceanview Therapy, we use a strength-based, neuro-affirming approach to respect the diverse ways neurodiverse individuals communicate and provide a more accurate and meaningful evaluation.

Why Neurodiverse Individuals Need Specialized Speech & Language Evaluations

1. Traditional Assessments Can Be Misleading

Standardized speech and language assessments are often designed for neurotypical individuals and may not reflect the true communication abilities of a neurodiverse person. These tests frequently:

• Overlook non-traditional communication styles (e.g., scripting, echolalia, gestural communication).
• Fail to accommodate sensory needs or executive functioning challenges, making it difficult for neurodiverse individuals to fully engage.
• Rely on neurotypical norms, which may pathologize natural differences in speech, language, and social interaction.

Without a specialized evaluation, neurodiverse individuals—especially autistic children and adults—may receive inaccurate diagnoses, be denied necessary support, or be pressured to conform to neurotypical standards rather than being supported in their natural communication strengths.

1. Strength-Based Assessments: A New but Crucial Approach

Historically, speech and language evaluations have been deficit-focused, highlighting communication “problems” and recommending ways to “fix” them. However, a strength-based approach—which is still new and not yet widely adopted in clinical settings—focuses on:
✔ Recognizing and utilizing an individual’s natural communication strengths.
✔ Understanding how neurodiverse individuals process and express language in unique ways.
✔ Building upon existing abilities rather than forcing a neurotypical standard of communication.

For example, many autistic individuals use gestures, augmentative communication, scripts, or echolalia as valid and meaningful ways to interact. Rather than viewing these as deficits, a strength-based assessment recognizes how these skills can be harnessed to support effective communication.

At Oceanview Therapy, we evaluate communication holistically, considering verbal, nonverbal, and alternative communication to get a complete picture of an individual’s language strengths.

Neuro-Affirming Care: Why It’s Essential in Speech & Language Evaluations

What Is Neuro-Affirming Care?

Neuro-affirming care validates and supports the natural communication styles of neurodiverse individuals rather than forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations. This means:
✔ Respecting different ways of communicating, including nonverbal methods, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), and echolalia.
✔ Avoiding harmful intervention goals, such as suppressing natural autistic traits (e.g., scripting or stimming).
✔ Encouraging self-advocacy and autonomy in communication.
✔ Focusing on communication as a two-way process, recognizing that difficulties in conversation may stem from neurotypical misunderstanding rather than a neurodiverse individual's inability.

Why Neuro-Affirming Evaluations Matter for Autism and Other Neurodivergences

Neurodiverse individuals, particularly autistic children and adults, often face significant barriers to receiving accurate speech and language evaluations. Many are misdiagnosed with a language disorder when they simply have a different way of communicating or, conversely, have legitimate language challenges overlooked because standard tests do not accommodate their needs.

A neuro-affirming speech and language evaluation ensures that:

• Social communication differences are not misdiagnosed as a disorder. Some autistic individuals prefer parallel play, direct communication, or less eye contact—these are differences, not deficits.
• AAC and nonverbal communication are supported and validated. Non-speaking or minimally verbal individuals deserve assessments that recognize all forms of communication beyond spoken words.
• Executive functioning and processing differences are accounted for. Some neurodiverse individuals need more time to process language or may struggle with word retrieval.

At Oceanview Therapy, our evaluations honor and respect the diverse ways neurodiverse individuals communicate while identifying genuine areas where support may be beneficial.

What a Neuro-Affirming Speech & Language Evaluation Looks Like

1. A Comprehensive & Holistic Approach

Unlike traditional evaluations that only measure communication based on neurotypical norms, our assessments include:
✔ Parent and caregiver input – Gathering insights on an individual’s communication in different settings.
✔ Dynamic assessment methods – Using flexible, real-world communication tasks instead of rigid standardized testing alone.
✔ Observations across multiple settings – Understanding how an individual communicates in both structured and naturalistic environments.
✔ Consideration of sensory and executive functioning needs – Ensuring that assessment conditions are adapted for comfort and success.

1. Evaluating a Range of Communication Skills

We assess multiple aspects of communication, including:
✔ Speech & articulation – Identifying any phonological or motor speech differences.
✔ Language processing – Evaluating receptive (understanding) and expressive (use) language skills.
✔ Social communication (pragmatics) – Understanding how an individual interacts in their own way, rather than imposing neurotypical expectations.
✔ Alternative communication methods – Assessing the use of AAC, echolalia, scripting, or other nontraditional language forms.

1. Individualized Recommendations Based on Strengths

Instead of focusing only on “deficits,” our evaluations provide:
✔ Personalized communication strategies tailored to the individual’s natural strengths.
✔ AAC and assistive technology recommendations, if applicable.
✔ Guidance for educators and therapists on how to support the individual without forcing neurotypical norms.
✔ Empowering self-advocacy skills for individuals who can benefit from structured communication supports.

Who Can Benefit from a Neuro-Affirming Speech & Language Evaluation?

A strength-based, neuro-affirming evaluation is valuable for:
✔ Autistic children and adults – Whether verbal or non-speaking, every autistic individual deserves an evaluation that respects their communication style.
✔ Individuals with ADHD – Many with ADHD experience word retrieval difficulties, social communication challenges, and executive functioning-related language delays.
✔ People with learning disabilities – Individuals with dyslexia, auditory processing disorders, or language-based learning disabilities need evaluations that identify how they learn best rather than only focusing on challenges.
✔ Minimally speaking or non-speaking individuals – Speech and language assessments should include AAC and alternative communication forms, ensuring a full understanding of their abilities.

Schedule a Neuro-Affirming Speech & Language Evaluation at Oceanview Therapy

At Oceanview Therapy, we are committed to providing neurodiverse individuals with evaluations that truly reflect their abilities—not outdated, deficit-based assessments.

If you or your child need a strength-based, neuro-affirming speech and language evaluation, we are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure that communication abilities are understood, supported, and celebrated in the way they deserve.