Speech Therapy Across Ages What Families Should Know

🎧 Listen now as speech therapy across ages is explored in this informative and compassionate conversation on how communication support helps children, adults, and caregivers thrive.    ▶️  Listen Here

In this informative episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel welcomes speech-language pathologist Ebony Turner-Bailey for an in-depth conversation on speech therapy across ages and why communication support is essential at every stage of life. Ebony shares her professional journey into speech-language pathology and explains how the field serves infants, children, adults, and older adults through a wide range of therapeutic services.

During the conversation, Ebony discusses her work with children experiencing speech and language delays and explains the early signs parents should watch for, beginning as early as six months old. She also addresses the specific communication challenges faced by children with Autism, including language development and eye contact, and describes how social group therapy can help children build meaningful interaction skills.

The discussion highlights that speech therapy extends far beyond spoken words. Ebony explains how therapy also focuses on eye contact, social engagement, and effective communication strategies. She shares insight into voice therapy for adults, including individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia, as well as those experiencing chronic coughing or swallowing concerns.

Betsy shares her own personal experiences, reflecting on how speech therapy supported her son through early language delays and how voice therapy currently helps her manage coughing. These personal insights underscore the real-life impact of early intervention and ongoing therapeutic support across the lifespan.

Ebony also speaks about her international work in Ghana and Haiti, where she collaborated with educators and caregivers to support children with communication disorders. She emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy, and access to services worldwide. The conversation concludes with an overview of the comprehensive services offered through Prime Speech Solutions in Springfield, New Jersey.

Betsy believes it is vital for audiences to understand the importance of speech therapy and the wide range of services speech-language pathologists provide. Parents with concerns about a child’s development are encouraged to consult their pediatrician, while adults experiencing coughing, swallowing, or communication challenges should speak with their primary care physician. Both Betsy and Ebony emphasize the importance of advocating for necessary services within educational and healthcare systems.

This conversation reinforces why speech therapy across ages plays a critical role in supporting communication, confidence, and quality of life for individuals and families.

About the Guest:

Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a New Jersey-based Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Prime Speech Solutions.

She is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology. Ebony is a recipient of the 2019 ACE Continuing Education Award and is a member of both ASHA and CORSPAN.

🎧 Listen Here

✨ Why It Matters
Speech therapy across ages reminds us that communication is more than words — it is connection, confidence, and quality of life. From recognizing early developmental signs in infants to supporting adults with voice, swallowing, or neurological challenges, timely intervention can make a lasting difference. Awareness empowers families, caregivers, and individuals to seek support and advocate for necessary services.

💭 What Do You Think?
Have you or someone you love benefited from speech therapy services? Were early signs easy to recognize, or did you wish you had known more at the time? We would be interested in hearing your experience and how communication support has made a difference in your life.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from learning more about speech therapy and the importance of early intervention and ongoing support.

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Thank you for helping us amplify voices that matter.

Resources and Guest Links
Website https://www.primespeechsolutions.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/primespeech
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonytbailey