ABOUT
Hi, my name is Elizabeth Taylor and I’m the founder of West Coast Speech Therapy. I was born and raised in Southern California. My husband and I have two beautiful girls, and my family is everything to me. I hold a Master of Art degree from Loyola Marymount University in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science degree from Baylor University in Communication Sciences Disorders. I am licensed by the State of California and certified as a Speech Language Pathologist by the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA).
We would be thrilled to get your child to achieve their communication goals. At West Coast Speech Therapy, we believe in following your child’s lead and the direct involvement of parents in everyday therapy. That’s right, therapy is an everyday thing, it doesn’t simply start and stop with each speech session. Our children are unique, so every child requires an approach that is tailored to them. While we work with the child, we also work with the parents, because they are the link that connects therapy to everyday life. Our children bring light to our lives and promise to our future. As they grow, we want to give them all the tools they need to fulfill their full potential. Speech is a fundamental skill that everyone should have access to. Together as a team, we can get them communicating.
West Coast Speech Therapy meets the child where they are, literally. Services are virtual and in-home meaning they are offered through Zoom or at the child’s home or school. Therapy can be offered individually or in groups depending on the child’s needs and goals. We have worked with various speech disorders and disabilities including articulation, expressive and receptive language, fluency/stuttering, pragmatic language, Autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy—just to name a few. We also offer parent and group information sessions to answer any questions about a specific disorder and/or disability, or just to talk about the ins and outs of speech therapy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DOES AN EVALUATION TAKE?
An evaluation typically takes 1 day. However, it can take 2-3 days depending on the needs of the child and the therapist’s professional opinion.
HOW DO I GET MY CHILD SIGNED UP FOR SPEECH SERVICES?
First give us a call and let us know what your concerns are briefly over the phone. After a discussion over the phone we can decide if it is necessary to take the next step. You will 1) fill out a New Client Intake Form, 2) schedule a date for an initial evaluation, 3) schedule a date to discuss the results of the evaluation, 4) if services are needed, decide on a therapy schedule together. Every child must receive a formal evaluation in order to be seen for services. The evaluation is what determines the child’s need or lack thereof for services.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A FORMAL EVALUATION?
Typically in a formal evaluation, it is best practice for a speech-language pathologist to assess every child in articulation, expressive and receptive language, and motor skills. While doing this, the child is also being observed and the speech-language pathologist is looking for anything else that may contribute to and support the results of the assessment. In addition to this, parents are asked questions about their child and any other information from other professionals (e.g., pediatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist, behavioralist, other/previous speech-language pathologist) is helpful in our decision-making process. If warranted, a pragmatic language and/or a fluency assessment will also be completed.
HOW SOON AFTER AN EVALUATION DOES THERAPY BEGIN?
Therapy can begin immediately after an evaluation meeting is completed and paperwork is signed.
WHERE IS WEST COAST SPEECH THERAPY LOCATED?
West Coast Speech Therapy is based out of Orange County. We do not have a physical location because therapy is done virtually or in the person’s home or school.