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NYU Steinhardt Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

Communicative sciences and disorders.

About the Clinic

The New York University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is a graduate-training facility within the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Our clinic supports individuals across the lifespan with a range of communication needs. We provide screenings, evaluations, and intervention services in the areas of speech, language, hearing, voice, and stuttering in individual and group settings.

The clinic offers bilingual services and maintains culturally-responsive practices. Faculty deliver comprehensive clinical education and supervision to graduate student clinicians to prepare them for state licensure and national certification in the field of speech-language pathology. 

Our clinic does not discriminate against any client based on race, creed, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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Clinical Services

Acquired apraxia of speech

Autism spectrum disorders

Childhood apraxia of speech

Developmental delay

Gender Affirming Voice and Communication

Hearing Difference

Language delay (late talker)

Language disorders

Primary progressive aphasia

Social Skills

Speech sound disorder (articulation and phonology)

Stuttering/cluttering

Traumatic brain Injury

Voice disorders

We also offer group sessions for:

Adult Stuttering

A weekly therapy and support group for adults who stutter who wish to explore their relationship with stuttering and change this relationship if they choose to.

This support group is an opportunity for clients with aphasia – a language disorder that is caused by damage to the brain – to practice their communication skills.

This monthly group supports transgender individuals to achieve their authentic voices in a safe, nurturing environment and facilitate modifications toward self-selected communication goals.

Free Speech Therapy Opportunities

The BITS Lab at NYU is looking for English-speaking children and adolescents ages 9–15 in the NYC area for the below in-person research studies. COVID-19 precautions are in place.

Having Trouble Saying the "r" Sound?

Children who have trouble saying the "r" sound may be eligible to receive free speech therapy as part of our study comparing treatment methods . Participants will be compensated with $5 for travel costs and $20/hour for evaluation sessions.

Feel free to complete our screening survey or reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions.

"r" Sound Screening Survey  

Book an Appointment

Contact our Clinic Director, Alicia Morrison , MA, CCC-SLP to schedule an appointment at the New York University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

Phone: 212-998-5230 Email:  [email protected]

We are located at  665 Broadway, Suite 900, in downtown Manhattan, easily accessible by the 6, B, D, F, M, W, and R trains.  

Please note : We do not accept  any  non-NYU students for observation or internships. These types of requests will not receive responses.

Online Payment

If you are a current client and would like to pay for your services electronically, please fill out the form below.

Online Payment Form

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Your generous contributions help us attract the best instructors, researchers, and students to our Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

• Testimonials

Speech & Voice Disorders

Speech disorders.

The term speech disorder refers to a person who is unable to produce speech sounds correctly, clearly or fluently. Children may experience developmental articulation delays while adults may experience speech difficulties due to neurologic disease or as a part of normal aging.Apraxia and dysarthria are two types of motor speech disorders commonly evaluated, diagnosed and treated at New York Neurogenic SLP, P.C.

• Apraxia of speech is caused damage to the parts of the brain associated with speaking. Individuals with apraxia experience difficulty sequencing sounds, syllables, and words. The severity depends on the nature of the brain damage.
• Dysarthria occurs when the muscles of the mouth, face, and respiratory system become weak or slow moving. The type and severity of dysarthria is dependent upon which area(s) within the nervous system are affected. Signs of dysarthria include slurred speech, speaking softly, slow rate of speech, rapid rate of speech, mumbling, hoarseness, breathiness, drooling, chewing and/or swallowing difficulty.

Clinicians at New York Neurogenic SLP, P.C. , are certified and experienced in the delivery of LSVT LOUD® (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment). LSVT LOUD® emphasizes high phonatory-respiratory effort in order to improve voice quality, vocal volume and speech intelligibility for patient with Parkinson’s Disease and associated neurological disorders (i.e., MS, CP, TBI, CVA). LSVT LOUD® stimulates generalized neural motor activation across the speech production system and related motor systems resulting in improvements in articulation, facial expression, swallowing and limb movements. Click here for LSVT LOUD® Brochure.

Stuttering is a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or prolonged, disrupting the normal flow of speech. These speech disruptions may be accompanied by struggling behaviors, such as rapid eye blinks or tremors of the lips. Stuttering can make it difficult to communicate with other people, which often affects a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms of stuttering can vary significantly throughout a person’s day. In general, speaking before a group or talking on the telephone may make a person’s stuttering more severe, while singing, reading, or speaking in unison may temporarily reduce stuttering.

Stuttering is sometimes referred to as stammering or dysfluent speech.

Voice occurs when a sound wave is generating from vocal fold vibrations. Speech is created when a sound wave is modified or shaped by the pharynx, palate, tongue, mouth and lips. In order to have a clear voice, the vocal folds must operate in perfect unison. Changes in size, weight, tone and movement of the vocal folds can cause a voice disorder. The term “voice disorder” refers to when an individual’s vocal quality is altered or changed. The onset of voice disorders can be acute or slow. Examples of sudden onset voice disorders include trauma, infection, stroke, injurious inhalation, intubation, conversion reaction, or severe allergic reaction. Slow developing voice disorders are typically caused by degenerative neurologic diseases, musculo-skeletal tension, vocal abuse and misuse, gastro-esophageal reflux, and chronic food/seasonal allergies.

Common voice disorders treated at New York Neurogenic SLP, P.C., include vocal nodules, edema, contact ulcers, polyps, hyperkeratosis, spasmodic dysphonia, laryngitis, granuloma, and vocal fold paralysis.

Upon completion of an individualized voice evaluation utilizing both perceptual and objective computerized measures, a treatment plan is developed to reduce vocal misuse and abuse and improve vocal hygiene and quality.

What are the types of AAC systems?

New York Neurogenic SLP, P.C., has a long standing working relationship with DynaVox Mayer-Johnson®, the world’s leading provider of augmentative and alternative devices. When a child or adult cannot use speech to effectively communicate in all situations, a speech-language pathologist works collaboratively with DynaVox Mayer-Johnson to investigate all AAC options. Typically AAC systems are divided into two categories:

• Unaided communication systems —rely on the user’s body to convey messages. Examples include gestures, body language, and/or sign language.
• Aided communication systems —require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user’s body. Aided communication methods can range from paper and pencil to communication books or boards to devices that produce voice output (speech generating devices or SGD’s) and/or written output. Electronic communication aids allow the user to use picture symbols, letters, and/or words and phrases to create messages.

For more information about speech and voice disorders, please contact us.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device

What is AAC? Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write.

People with severe speech or language problems may rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. Special augmentative aids, such as picture and symbol communication boards and electronic devices, are available to help people express themselves. AAC devices help increase social interaction, school performance, and feelings of self-worth.

For more information or to schedule an evaluation

Support & contact.

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It can be very frustrating to know what you would like to say but are unable to articulate your thoughts. Speech disorders prevent you from forming correct speech sounds, while language disorders affect your ability to learn words or understand what others are saying. However, both speech and language disorders can make it more difficult to express your thoughts and feelings to others.

Speech and language disorders can affect both adults and children and often lead to self-esteem issues and the development of depression. Early treatment can help prevent a speech and language disorder from worsening and often correct them.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Speech Disorders?  

Multidisciplinary care from leading experts:  The speech experts at Weill Cornell Medicine use a personalized approach to treatment, focusing on supporting you with discussion, education and consistent follow-up care.

When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists, which may include audiologists, laryngologists, facial nerve physical therapists and head and neck surgeons. If beneficial, your doctor will refer you to a different specialist at our leading institution, including neurology, physical therapy, oncology or other. Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.  

Comprehensive care founded on cutting-edge research:  Under our care, we provide a personalized treatment plan to improve your speech. We are passionate about helping our patients achieve optimum health and live full, vibrant lives.

Under our care, all treatment is based on the latest knowledge and highest standards, using the most advanced technology available.

Speech Conditions We Treat  

The compassionate providers at Weill Cornell Medicine provide the highest-quality patient care, offering solutions tailored to each patient and utilizing the latest technological advancements.  

Our speech-language pathology services include state-of-the-art diagnostic and rehabilitative services to help treat and manage those disorders that affect hearing, speech, language, voice or swallowing, including:  

●      Stuttering ●      Apraxia, a motor speech disorder that makes it hard to speak ●      Dysarthria, a speech disorder caused by muscle weakness ●      Aphasia, difficulty understanding, speaking, reading, or writing ●      Oral and pharyngeal phase dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) ●      Resonance disorder, an opening or obstruction that changes the way air flows during speech ●      Voice disorders ●      Hearing loss  

Treatment options:  Our professional rehabilitation staff consists of licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists, experienced in a wide range of treatments for speech and language disorders in children and adults, including:

●      Lifestyle changes ●      Voice exercises ●      Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist ●      Medications ●      Auditory treatment ●      Voice or swallowing disorder treatment  

The Weill Cornell Medicine Hearing & Speech Center is renowned for professional voice treatment and our Clinical Voice Laboratory has been equipped with the most technologically advanced instrumentation available to provide dynamic, acoustic measurement of the voice.

Our Cochlear Implant Program provides skilled evaluation and management of hearing loss, including the most current technology, auditory speech and language therapy, auditory training and speech reading (also known as lip-reading) training.

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a Video Visit or you see us in-person, we will never stop providing the highest standards of care with compassion. You can rest assured that we have taken every step to keep our facilities and locations safe. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to your patient experience.

Meet Our Physicians

The physicians and specialists at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.

Our Doctors

10 Most Common Speech-Language Disorders & Impediments

As you get to know more about the field of speech-language pathology you’ll increasingly realize why SLPs are required to earn at least a master’s degree . This stuff is serious – and there’s nothing easy about it.

In 2016 the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reported that 7.7% of American children have been diagnosed with a speech or swallowing disorder. That comes out to nearly one in 12 children, and gets even bigger if you factor in adults.

Whether rooted in psycho-speech behavioral issues, muscular disorders, or brain damage, nearly all the diagnoses SLPs make fall within just 10 common categories…

Types of Speech Disorders & Impediments

Apraxia of speech (aos).

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) happens when the neural pathway between the brain and a person’s speech function (speech muscles) is lost or obscured. The person knows what they want to say – they can even write what they want to say on paper – however the brain is unable to send the correct messages so that speech muscles can articulate what they want to say, even though the speech muscles themselves work just fine. Many SLPs specialize in the treatment of Apraxia .

There are different levels of severity of AOS, ranging from mostly functional, to speech that is incoherent. And right now we know for certain it can be caused by brain damage, such as in an adult who has a stroke. This is called Acquired AOS.

However the scientific and medical community has been unable to detect brain damage – or even differences – in children who are born with this disorder, making the causes of Childhood AOS somewhat of a mystery. There is often a correlation present, with close family members suffering from learning or communication disorders, suggesting there may be a genetic link.

Mild cases might be harder to diagnose, especially in children where multiple unknown speech disorders may be present. Symptoms of mild forms of AOS are shared by a range of different speech disorders, and include mispronunciation of words and irregularities in tone, rhythm, or emphasis (prosody).

Stuttering – Stammering

Stuttering, also referred to as stammering, is so common that everyone knows what it sounds like and can easily recognize it. Everyone has probably had moments of stuttering at least once in their life. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that three million Americans stutter, and reports that of the up-to-10-percent of children who do stutter, three-quarters of them will outgrow it. It should not be confused with cluttering.

Most people don’t know that stuttering can also include non-verbal involuntary or semi-voluntary actions like blinking or abdominal tensing (tics). Speech language pathologists are trained to look for all the symptoms of stuttering , especially the non-verbal ones, and that is why an SLP is qualified to make a stuttering diagnosis.

The earliest this fluency disorder can become apparent is when a child is learning to talk. It may also surface later during childhood. Rarely if ever has it developed in adults, although many adults have kept a stutter from childhood.

Stuttering only becomes a problem when it has an impact on daily activities, or when it causes concern to parents or the child suffering from it. In some people, a stutter is triggered by certain events like talking on the phone. When people start to avoid specific activities so as not to trigger their stutter, this is a sure sign that the stutter has reached the level of a speech disorder.

The causes of stuttering are mostly a mystery. There is a correlation with family history indicating a genetic link. Another theory is that a stutter is a form of involuntary or semi-voluntary tic. Most studies of stuttering agree there are many factors involved.

Dysarthria is a symptom of nerve or muscle damage. It manifests itself as slurred speech, slowed speech, limited tongue, jaw, or lip movement, abnormal rhythm and pitch when speaking, changes in voice quality, difficulty articulating, labored speech, and other related symptoms.

It is caused by muscle damage, or nerve damage to the muscles involved in the process of speaking such as the diaphragm, lips, tongue, and vocal chords.

Because it is a symptom of nerve and/or muscle damage it can be caused by a wide range of phenomena that affect people of all ages. This can start during development in the womb or shortly after birth as a result of conditions like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. In adults some of the most common causes of dysarthria are stroke, tumors, and MS.

A lay term, lisping can be recognized by anyone and is very common.

Speech language pathologists provide an extra level of expertise when treating patients with lisping disorders . They can make sure that a lisp is not being confused with another type of disorder such as apraxia, aphasia, impaired development of expressive language, or a speech impediment caused by hearing loss.

SLPs are also important in distinguishing between the five different types of lisps. Most laypersons can usually pick out the most common type, the interdental/dentalised lisp. This is when a speaker makes a “th” sound when trying to make the “s” sound. It is caused by the tongue reaching past or touching the front teeth.

Because lisps are functional speech disorders, SLPs can play a huge role in correcting these with results often being a complete elimination of the lisp. Treatment is particularly effective when implemented early, although adults can also benefit.

Experts recommend professional SLP intervention if a child has reached the age of four and still has an interdental/dentalised lisp. SLP intervention is recommended as soon as possible for all other types of lisps. Treatment includes pronunciation and annunciation coaching, re-teaching how a sound or word is supposed to be pronounced, practice in front of a mirror, and speech-muscle strengthening that can be as simple as drinking out of a straw.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD) is a chronic long-term disorder that affects the voice. It is characterized by a spasming of the vocal chords when a person attempts to speak and results in a voice that can be described as shaky, hoarse, groaning, tight, or jittery. It can cause the emphasis of speech to vary considerably. Many SLPs specialize in the treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia .

SLPs will most often encounter this disorder in adults, with the first symptoms usually occurring between the ages of 30 and 50. It can be caused by a range of things mostly related to aging, such as nervous system changes and muscle tone disorders.

It’s difficult to isolate vocal chord spasms as being responsible for a shaky or trembly voice, so diagnosing SD is a team effort for SLPs that also involves an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) and a neurologist.

Have you ever heard people talking about how they are smart but also nervous in large groups of people, and then self-diagnose themselves as having Asperger’s? You might have heard a similar lay diagnosis for cluttering. This is an indication of how common this disorder is as well as how crucial SLPs are in making a proper cluttering diagnosis .

A fluency disorder, cluttering is characterized by a person’s speech being too rapid, too jerky, or both. To qualify as cluttering, the person’s speech must also have excessive amounts of “well,” “um,” “like,” “hmm,” or “so,” (speech disfluencies), an excessive exclusion or collapsing of syllables, or abnormal syllable stresses or rhythms.

The first symptoms of this disorder appear in childhood. Like other fluency disorders, SLPs can have a huge impact on improving or eliminating cluttering. Intervention is most effective early on in life, however adults can also benefit from working with an SLP.

Muteness – Selective Mutism

There are different kinds of mutism, and here we are talking about selective mutism. This used to be called elective mutism to emphasize its difference from disorders that caused mutism through damage to, or irregularities in, the speech process.

Selective mutism is when a person does not speak in some or most situations, however that person is physically capable of speaking. It most often occurs in children, and is commonly exemplified by a child speaking at home but not at school.

Selective mutism is related to psychology. It appears in children who are very shy, who have an anxiety disorder, or who are going through a period of social withdrawal or isolation. These psychological factors have their own origins and should be dealt with through counseling or another type of psychological intervention.

Diagnosing selective mutism involves a team of professionals including SLPs, pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. SLPs play an important role in this process because there are speech language disorders that can have the same effect as selective muteness – stuttering, aphasia, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria – and it’s important to eliminate these as possibilities.

And just because selective mutism is primarily a psychological phenomenon, that doesn’t mean SLPs can’t do anything. Quite the contrary.

The National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that one million Americans have some form of aphasia.

Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language capabilities. Aphasia differs from apraxia of speech and dysarthria in that it solely pertains to the brain’s speech and language center.

As such anyone can suffer from aphasia because brain damage can be caused by a number of factors. However SLPs are most likely to encounter aphasia in adults, especially those who have had a stroke. Other common causes of aphasia are brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative brain diseases.

In addition to neurologists, speech language pathologists have an important role in diagnosing aphasia. As an SLP you’ll assess factors such as a person’s reading and writing, functional communication, auditory comprehension, and verbal expression.

Speech Delay – Alalia

A speech delay, known to professionals as alalia, refers to the phenomenon when a child is not making normal attempts to verbally communicate. There can be a number of factors causing this to happen, and that’s why it’s critical for a speech language pathologist to be involved.

The are many potential reasons why a child would not be using age-appropriate communication. These can range anywhere from the child being a “late bloomer” – the child just takes a bit longer than average to speak – to the child having brain damage. It is the role of an SLP to go through a process of elimination, evaluating each possibility that could cause a speech delay, until an explanation is found.

Approaching a child with a speech delay starts by distinguishing among the two main categories an SLP will evaluate: speech and language.

Speech has a lot to do with the organs of speech – the tongue, mouth, and vocal chords – as well as the muscles and nerves that connect them with the brain. Disorders like apraxia of speech and dysarthria are two examples that affect the nerve connections and organs of speech. Other examples in this category could include a cleft palette or even hearing loss.

The other major category SLPs will evaluate is language. This relates more to the brain and can be affected by brain damage or developmental disorders like autism. There are many different types of brain damage that each manifest themselves differently, as well as developmental disorders, and the SLP will make evaluations for everything.

Issues Related to Autism

While the autism spectrum itself isn’t a speech disorder, it makes this list because the two go hand-in-hand more often than not.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of every 68 children in our country have an autism spectrum disorder. And by definition, all children who have autism also have social communication problems.

Speech-language pathologists are often a critical voice on a team of professionals – also including pediatricians, occupational therapists, neurologists, developmental specialists, and physical therapists – who make an autism spectrum diagnosis .

In fact, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association reports that problems with communication are the first detectable signs of autism. That is why language disorders – specifically disordered verbal and nonverbal communication – are one of the primary diagnostic criteria for autism.

So what kinds of SLP disorders are you likely to encounter with someone on the autism spectrum?

A big one is apraxia of speech. A study that came out of Penn State in 2015 found that 64 percent of children who were diagnosed with autism also had childhood apraxia of speech.

This basic primer on the most common speech disorders offers little more than an interesting glimpse into the kind of issues that SLPs work with patients to resolve. But even knowing everything there is to know about communication science and speech disorders doesn’t tell the whole story of what this profession is all about. With every client in every therapy session, the goal is always to have the folks that come to you for help leave with a little more confidence than when they walked in the door that day. As a trusted SLP, you will build on those gains with every session, helping clients experience the joy and freedom that comes with the ability to express themselves freely. At the end of the day, this is what being an SLP is all about.

Ready to make a difference in speech pathology? Learn how to become a Speech-Language Pathologist today

• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.

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Last updated: September 6, 2024

Best Speech Pathologists in New York City

Our recommended top 20, we did the research for you.

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored New York City Speech Pathologists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

2064 Reviewed

1246 Curated

20 Top Picks

Learn about our selection process .

More Than Words Speech Pathology, PLLC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R142q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Expertise.com rating, why choose this provider.

More Than Words Speech Pathology, PLLC provides individualized speech and language services to children and adults across Manhattan and Brooklyn. It diagnoses and treats fluency, motor speech, articulation, and phonological disorders, including stuttering and cluttering. It also covers expressive, receptive, pragmatic language, and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Treatments include literacy development and early intervention administered by speech-language pathologists with varied training and certifications. They use a holistic, collaborative, and neurodiversity-affirming approach that is grounded in evidence-based practice, individual strengths, interests, learning style, and cultural experiences.

Brooklyn Letters PLLC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R144q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Review sources.

Brooklyn Letters is a speech pathology business known for its fresh and fun approach. It offers traveling speech-language therapists and literacy specialists throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester, New York. The speech-language therapy team provides in-home and at-school services for babies, preschoolers, school-aged students, and adults. The traveling literacy specialists are Orton Gillingham-trained and focus on tutoring elementary school-aged students who need help with decoding and writing. The speech-language therapists have master's degrees in speech-language pathology, are New York State and national certified, and have PROMPT training. All professionals are well-vetted by the company’s CEO, Craig Selinger, a well-known speech-language pathologist and learning specialist. Bilingual speech-language therapy services are also available in Spanish, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Swahili.

Communicating Together Speech and Language Therapy self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R146q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Communicating Together Speech and Language Therapy offers in-person and virtual services for children of all ages and adults in New York City and the surrounding areas. It specializes in treating patients with autism spectrum disorders, language and speech delays, and those who use AAC. The clinic provides PROMPT and social group treatment sessions. Communicating Together Speech and Language Therapy provides a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's condition and progress. The owner, Emily Raebeck Wright, has been in the industry for more than 10 years.

Hershey Therapy Practice PLLC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R148q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Hershey Therapy Practice, PLLC treats patients of all ages in New York City and nearby places. The company's speech pathologists offer therapies in areas such as articulation, pragmatics, and school-aged language. Toddlers who do not keep pace with peers in terms of language are given early intervention through play-based solutions. Children who have stutter-like patterns are given fluency therapies to help them correct these and learn techniques. The company also provides therapies for speech sound disorders, childhood apraxia, and limited intelligibility.

Creative Speech Therapy self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14aq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Creative Speech Therapy NYC is a private practice located in New York City's Upper East Side of Manhattan. CST offers therapy both in-home and in-office in the areas of speech, language, and feeding therapy to children from birth to 15 years of age. Rachael Rose, owner, founder, and lead therapist, leads a team of professionals who assist her in providing clients with feeding, language, speech, apraxia, articulation, orofacial myology, and oral motor therapies.

Indy Speech Services self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14cq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Indy Speech Services is a private pediatric speech-language therapy clinic based in New York City. Its medical speech-language pathologists provide researched-based services that will treat the patients' diagnoses including phonological delays, language delays, stuttering, vocal disorders, aphasia, and augmentative and alternative communication. The clinic can handle medical diagnoses such as ear infection, low muscle tone, tongue thrust, dyslexia, and neurological disorders. Indy Speech Services also offers intensive feeding programs for toddlers and kids who are picky eaters.

Accessible Speech Language Pathology PLLC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14eq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Accessible Speech-Language Pathology PLLC provides speech therapy via telepractice to clients in New York City, Virginia, Florida, and Ontario, Canada. Founder and licensed and certified speech-language pathologist Loren Alexander conducts speech therapy appointments through video conferencing, treating clients with expressive and receptive language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, articulation, and phonological disorders. She has an MS degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

LG Speech Therapy self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14gq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Based in NYC, LG Speech Therapy is a speech, language, and social skills therapy practice specializing in the speech development of children in Northern New Jersey, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Founded by Lizzie Gavin, a recipient of the prestigious James W. Hillis Undergraduate Student Leadership Award at GWU, the practice takes a holistic and nurturing approach designed around the family that teaches communication skills while providing simple, but effective strategies for continued development after therapy has ended.

American Institute for Stuttering self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14iq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Located in New York City, the American Institute for Stuttering is a speech pathology center that caters to clients of all ages. Since 1998, it has held individual and group therapy sessions for preschoolers, teenagers, and adults. The center employs multiple speech pathologists and fluency disorder specialists to consult and diagnose clients. They can lead interventions and teach family members of speech techniques for use in home-based programs. The center's board of directors includes celebrities like John Stossel, Emily Blunt, and Kenyon Martin.

Mr. Speech Pathology self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14kq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Mr. Speech Pathology is a Brooklyn-based speech and language therapy practice specializing in helping children. It was founded over 5 years ago by Eugene Chuprin, an award-winning pathologist with extensive experience in geriatrics and pediatrics in hospitals, schools, pre-schools, and private practices. Each individual receives one-on-one treatment designed around their unique strengths, needs, and abilities. Mr. Chuprin is currently a supervisor for clinical fellows and graduate students in the New York City area and is a writer of children's books.

Neurorehab & Speech Healers, LLC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14mq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Neurorehab & Speech Healers LLC provides clients in New York City and the surrounding communities with pediatric and adult speech therapy services. Its team of therapists can help patients work through conditions such as aphasia or apraxia through outpatient, home, and virtual therapy sessions. The business also offers its LSVT LOUD treatment for patients with Down syndrome or autism. Robert Kevlin, the founder of Neurorehab & Speech Healers, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology.

Chatty Child™ self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14oq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Chatty Child™ is a speech therapy center in New York with over 10 years of experience. The state-of-the-art center welcomes children to come and receive treatment and be empowered as well as encouraged via play and meaningful sensory experiences. Family training sessions also empower parents to communicate with their child, and specialized group treatment classes are available as well. The center was an Opencare Patients' Choice Winner in 2015, and the founder is a speech-language pathologist.

Open Lines self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14qq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Open Lines is a speech pathology clinic in New York City that helps children and adults overcome language difficulties. Its CEO, Jessica Galgano, is a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment LOUD faculty instructor and an executive member of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences. Galgano and her team of speech pathologists facilitate several programs that address stuttering issues, articulation problems, and public speaking fright. They also offer customized plans for professionals to effectively project their voices and convey their ideas.

CommuniKids self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14sq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

CommuniKids is a pediatric speech-language pathology practice serving New York City. It offers speech and language therapy services for a wide range of areas including stuttering, tongue thrusts, craniofacial anomalies, and autistic spectrum disorders. Its team specializes in treating different conditions such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, social skills, and food aversions. The clinic also specializes in sensory integration, occupation, and feeding therapies. Its director, Rachel Fisch-Kaplan, is a speech-language pathologist who hosts professional development courses and parent training seminars in schools.

Speech Club self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R14uq8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Speech Club is a speech pathologist that serves clients in New York City and nearby areas. The business offers a wide range of services that improve children's language, speech, literacy, and social skills. Speech Club specializes in articulation, attention span, critical thinking, feeding issues, language comprehension, and phonemic awareness. Speech Club was founded by Monica Nourmand, a speech language pathologist and pediatric speech therapist who has been in the industry for six years now.

Speech Zone self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R150q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Speech Zone is a pediatric speech-language therapy center located in New York City. Its speech-language pathologists are equipped with the skills and training to treat a variety of speech delays and disorders. These conditions include childhood apraxia of speech, articulation disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, and feeding delays. The center also provides augmentative and alternative communication therapy and training and programs to improve auditory processing. Its founder, Chelsey Kotler, specializes in treating children with speech and sound disorders.

New York Speech-Language Pathology self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R152q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

New York Speech-Language Pathology is a speech pathologist serving clients from the city and its surrounding metros. The business provides a wide range of speech and language services that specialize in language processing disorders, traumatic brain disorders, and auditory processing disorders. The company offers play therapy, speech and language therapy, toddler language groups, and reading groups. Its team of pathologists is led by Anna Maria Miriello who has been working in the industry for more than 10 years.

City Sounds of NY self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R154q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

City Sounds of NY has been helping New York children with their speech for over 10 years. The center employs certified and licensed speech and language pathologists who work with children via individual and group therapy, and parents are invited to participate in the process. Screenings, consultations, evaluations, and treatments address issues such as autism spectrum disorders, cognitive communication, stuttering, voice disorder, oral-motor disorders, feeding issues, and hearing impairment.

Making Milestones self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R156q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

Making Milestones has been a New York speech therapy group since 2002. The pediatric therapeutic facility works with special needs children on issues such as oral motor skills, feeding skills, sensory integration, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, phonemic awareness, socialization issues, articulation, and handwriting. Group sessions are also available, and the founders are a speech-language pathologist and a physical therapist.

NYC Speech-Language Pathologist self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,r,t)=>{let i=(t=t||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,c=e=>t.style.maxWidth=e+"px";t.style.maxWidth="";let a=i.clientWidth,s=i.clientHeight,o=a/2-.25,d=a+.5,l;if(a){for(c(o),o=Math.max(t.scrollWidth,o);o+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+t.dataset.brr,t)})).observe(i)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R158q8rrpnnnlff6lta:",1)

NYC Speech-Language Pathologist offers speech and language therapy in New York City. Founder Deirdre Beglan is a speech pathologist well-versed in orofacial myology and P.R.O.M.P.T. therapy. She seeks to improve the literacy and language skills of children through reading programs called Fast ForWord. In addition, she uses the SmartPalate, a video-game-like tool that corrects tongue placement. She also handles cases that require weaning from thumbsucking. Beglan holds a certification from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is a licensed TSSLD or Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities.

Compare our Top Speech Pathologists

Introduction

What is a speech pathologist.

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech-language pathologist or a speech therapist, is a medical professional who helps people with communication, language, and swallowing disorders. Often, patients who see a speech pathologist will also see other specialists, such as psychologists, physical therapists, audiologists, or occupational therapists.

What does a speech pathologist do?

Speech pathologists analyze, diagnose, and treat people of all ages. They work with individuals to improve and solve speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They help people with speech sounds, literacy, social communication, voice, fluency, cognitive communication, feeding, and swallowing. Typically this work requires one-on-one sessions in which the patient repeats actions to retrain their body or brain.

What is the difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist?

There is no difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist. Today, most professionals in this sector prefer the title speech-language pathologist because it is more descriptive of the profession as a whole. Speech-language pathologists can treat speech problems, as well as issues around communication (i.e., language).

How do speech pathologists help?

A speech pathologist will examine a patient, diagnose their condition, and offer treatment. Communication is a vital part of our everyday lives. If a person has issues with speaking or understanding others, it can make daily life more challenging. Working with a speech pathologist can help individuals improve their communication skills so they can better express themselves and understand others.

What is speech therapy for?

Speech therapy can treat a wide ray of conditions, such as:

• Voice (hoarseness or abnormal pitch)
• Articulation (slurring of speech, indistinct speech)
• Language-based learning disabilities
• Pragmatics (understanding social cues and rules around communication)
• Swallowing disorder
• Hearing loss
• Language delays
• Preliteracy and literacy skills

Who gets speech therapy?

Anyone with speech, language, communication, or swallowing disorders can benefit from speech therapy. A speech therapist will treat patients of all ages. For example, they treat babies and children for swallowing disorders and seniors who have suffered a stroke and have a speech impairment.

What happens in speech therapy?

What happens in speech therapy greatly depends on what condition is being treated. A speech therapist may use books, pictures, and objects to interact with a child and then correct any pronunciation errors. If swallowing is a problem, the speech therapist will teach tongue, lip, and jaw exercises. A lot of speech therapy is about repetition to retrain the body and mind. 

How do I get a speech therapist for myself or my child?

If you believe your child needs to see a speech therapist, you can contact your local public school. Many kids work with speech therapists, so public schools often know professional speech-language pathologists they can recommend. A majority of speech-language therapists work in an educational setting. If you need a speech therapist for yourself, you can ask your doctor for a recommendation.

Where can I find a speech therapist?

The best place to find a speech therapist is through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Go to the ASHA site , select ‘Find an SLP,’ and you’ll find professional SLPs in your area. You can even filter results by location, ages treated, area of expertise, and bilingual service providers. Many work in schools, rehabilitation facilities, out-patient clinics, and hospitals. 

At what age should speech therapy begin?

Speech therapy should begin as soon as language, communication, or swallowing problems present themselves. As with many conditions, the earlier you can start treatment, the better. A lot of speech therapy is unlearning specific patterns or behaviors and reteaching new patterns. The longer a problem continues without treatment, the more ingrained the behaviors become.

What does a speech therapist do for toddlers?

A speech therapist will start by examining the toddler and diagnosing their condition. After which, treatment usually revolves around the practice of words, sounds, or mouth movements. Sessions can be as simple as practicing a word over and over. However, some conditions, such as learning disabilities, will require more complex treatment plans.

When should I get a speech therapist for a toddler?

Some of the common warning signs that your toddler may need to see a speech therapist are:

• Signs of a stutter or stammer
• Using less than 20 words at 18 months or less than 50 words by age two
• Using only a few sounds to pronounce all words
• Difficulties understanding simple sentences, such as get your shoes, by age two
• Talking infrequently

Can a speech therapist diagnose autism?

Many of the typical signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) revolve around communication and language. As a result, speech pathologists can often recognize these signs and treat individuals with autism. However, a speech pathologist is not the professional to diagnose autism.

What is a typical day for a speech pathologist?

A speech pathologist’s typical day is meeting and evaluating patients, administering tests, formulating treatment plans, documenting progress notes, and maintaining insurance and billing records. They also may develop individual or group activities, use sign language or computer programs to help individuals with communication issues, and meet with team members. Working with a speech pathologist usually takes time, so they see the same patients on rotation weekly.

How do I become a speech pathologist?

To become a speech pathologist, you need to:

• Complete an undergraduate degree in a related field, typically in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)
• Complete a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Complete a post-graduate fellowship
• Pass the national Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology test
• Apply for your state license
• Acquire a professional certification

How long does it take to become a speech pathologist?

It takes approximately seven years to become a speech pathologist accounting for the undergraduate degree, graduate program, and post-graduate fellowship. Continued education is required to keep your license in most states, so speech therapists must stay updated on the latest practices. Continued education is often done online through webinars and courses.

What degree do you need to be a speech pathologist?

A speech pathologist needs to complete two degrees: an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. The undergraduate degree includes prerequisite courses to qualify for the graduate program. These courses are usually linguistics, phonetics, semantics, psychology, and human development. The graduate degree is in Speech-Language Pathology or Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

How much do speech pathologists make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a speech-language pathologist is $80,480 per year or $38.69 per hour. However, this can differ depending on which state you work in, how much you work, and who you work for.

How do I become a speech therapist assistant?

There are three pathways a person can take to become a speech therapist assistant.

• Option One: Complete a two-year SLPA program
• Option Two: Have a Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders and complete the ASHA’s Online SLPA course.
• Option Three: Have an associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, complete an SLPA certificate program, and complete the ASHA’s Online SLPA course.

Find top Speech Pathologists nearby

• Philadelphia, PA
• Baltimore, MD
• Annapolis, MD

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Adult Speech and Voice Therapy Services in New York, NY

Improve your communication, adult speech and voice therapy services.

If you are an adult constrained or bothered by a seemingly minor yet complex speech, voice, or swallowing problem, such as stuttering, vocal tension or fatigue, or coughing when drinking, Open Lines®’ highly personalized approach based on evidence-based clinical practice will provide you with customized, innovative solutions. We help you quickly achieve real results with our innovative PRESENCE™ Approach.

Customized Speech Therapy Services

With evidence-based care and individualized precision, we help you improve your communication skills, voice, and/or swallowing abilities.

Our customized treatment plans help you improve your ability to speak and function effectively and efficiently. Whether it takes you two or three months, our personalized team is at your service for as long as it takes you to learn to speak with clarity and use your voice with confidence.

Seeking solutions beyond the standard treatments, we answer questions other experts do not think to ask. Going beyond general routines and an insurance-focused practice, we take an active, investigative stance exploring alternative, creative solutions customized to your specific needs, situation, and goals.

The Open Lines® PRESENCE™ Approach

Our proprietary PRESENCE™ Approach combines cutting-edge research from diverse medical fields and applies it to the speech and voice therapy programs we provide. We believe treatment entails more than just cognitive-communication or physical therapies. Our specially trained therapists also understand and work with you on the mental and emotional aspects of managing communication. This approach guides you in a forward motion to help you in the way you would like with the confidence you need to participate more fully in your life.

Nationally certified in New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida, our team consists of professional researchers/writers for prestigious journals, trusted academicians, reputable lecturers, and clinical experts who practice in and continue to collaborate with New York’s top academic medical centers and private schools, and who stay current with the latest research advancements.

Our professional team is detail-driven in its quest to design a highly personalized program customized and designed just for you. Like motivational coaches and psychological counselors, Open Lines® speech-language pathologists provide in-depth counseling within the scope of communication disorders to ensure you develop the mindset and habits necessary to build a solid foundation for meeting and sustaining your long-term goals.

Viewing all our clients as VIPs, we uniquely deliver personalized, high-end, “white glove” service. Based on your assessment, we will build a customized program based on one or more of our targeted programs.

Speech, Language & Voice Services for Adults

If you are struggling to communicate with ease and confidence, Open Lines®’ personalized and solution-focused approach is here to help you. Our therapists help you determine what is happening. They teach you how to address difficulties to optimize your communication so you may participate more fully in your life in a way that is most meaningful to you.

People often have difficulties that were not fully addressed in childhood or have developed in adulthood and are difficult to manage. These include challenges with language organization and expression, voice, stuttering, muscle tension, vocal fatigue, or articulation/speech clarity. Learn more about our services for cognitive-communication, voice, fluency, and articulation as you review frequently asked questions that follow.

Our Focus Areas

Communication difficulties can result from a variety of courses. You might experience difficulty organizing and expressing your thoughts or vocal fatigue due to vocal cord lesions or muscle tension. Whether issues were never resolved in childhood or emerged later in life, we can tailor our PRESENCE™ Approach to match your specific needs.

If your ease and confidence communicating is hampered by difficulty organizing and expressing your thoughts; vocal issues or discomfort; speech difficulties, such as stuttering, a persistent lisp, or articulation differences; you may feel like it’s impossible to speak in a way which reflects your authentic self, and this may make it difficult for you to fully participate in aspects of your life in the way you would like to.

You may struggle to feel in control of your voice and communication which affect your ability to express yourself with efficiency and confidence. These difficulties can arise from a combination of physiological and behavioral factors and can be influenced further by anxiety and emotion.

Cognitive Communication + Physical Speech Breakdowns (Non-Medical)

Difficulties speaking can result in feelings of loss of control and shame, which can then lead to a cascade of physiological responses, anxiety, and negative self-talk which impede our ability to efficiently recruit skills required for speaking demands.

Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on a host of cognitive-linguistic skills by interrupting our attention, disrupting our thought and semantic organization, and delaying word retrieval. This can look like difficulty finding specific vocabulary in a timely manner. It includes difficulty planning and organizing ideas, which can result in multiple sentence reformulations and loss of train of thought.

Stress and anxiety may also affect your body. When a person experiences stress or anxiety, they may have trouble regulating and controlling the breath when speaking (i.e., running out of air), or they may experience muscle tension, stuttering, vocal strain, or soreness. The shame and embarrassment that frequently accompany these agonizing experiences may provoke patterns of negative self-talk and avoidance. This often results in more difficulties communicating, but all of these behaviors can be addressed and prevented!

Voice Disorders

A voice disorder refers to any symptoms that negatively impact a person’s voice. Symptoms may include difficulty varying pitch to express emotion, experiencing pain, discomfort, or fatigue when speaking, difficulty speaking loud enough to be heard, or exhibiting a hoarse, breathy, or strained vocal quality. These symptoms may be the result of one or any combination of structural, physiological, behavioral, neurological, or psychological factors. 

Dysfluency Disorder

A fluency disorder (also referred to as “stuttering” or “stammering”) refers to an interruption in speech. Dysfluencies or stuttering can present as repetitions of a sound, syllable or word, hesitation when speaking, prolongation of sounds, or a stoppage of air or voice in the middle of speaking. Excessive tension, struggle behaviors, and secondary mannerisms may also co-occur.

Articulation Disorders

Articulation treatment focuses on errors in the production of individual speech sounds. Adults with articulation difficulties may substitute or distort sounds, which makes speech less clear, especially if the rate of speech is fast. People with these types of speech difficulties exhibit difficulties producing crisp, clear sounds when speaking which can make their speech hard to understand.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Individuals may seek gender-affirming voice therapy when they wish to modify aspects of their voice and communication. Within this treatment program, individuals learn to control different aspects of voice, including pitch, intonation, quality, resonance, and loudness. Different aspects of speech may also be a focus of treatment, including articulation and speech rate to help a person’s manner of communicating feel more aligned with their sense of self.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i completely fix my stutter.

The aim of our stuttering treatment program is to promote ease, comfort, and confidence speaking so you may fully participate in life the way you want to and achieve your true, full potential. We address both the physical aspect of speaking — by improving the coordination and efficiency of your motor-speech system — as well as the emotional aspects of managing a stutter. Use of strategies are addressed considering the variety of people one speaks with and the variety of communication contexts one speaks within.

Using our proprietary, holistic PRESENCE™ Approach, many people experience a dramatic decrease in stuttered or dysfluent speech. They also report an improvement in communicative confidence and an overall sense of ease when communicating. We work with you to help you shift into an acceptance of normal dysfluencies and increase your sense of control over various aspects of speaking so you can communicate with greater ease using your authentic voice.

Can I completely fix my lisp?

Given specific, tailored exercises and intensive practice both in session with your speech language pathologist and during your home exercise program, it is possible to eliminate a lisp.

My voice is weak and people are always asking me to speak up. What options are available for me?

If you struggle with vocal endurance or have trouble projecting your voice loud enough to be easily heard by others, you may benefit from exercises and techniques to strengthen respiratory-voice-speech coordination and efficiency. This will result in improved vocal projection, endurance, vocal quality, and speech clarity.

Eligible candidates may benefit from evidence-based approaches to reduce muscle tension associated with voicing and/or improve resonance and coordination of the voice motor system. These may include manual techniques, such as circumlaryngeal manipulation; strategies to balance pressures above and below the level of the vocal cords; and/or Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy.

Others may benefit from different types of treatments, such as LSVT LOUD®. Known internationally as the gold standard approach for respiratory-voice-speech disorders in people with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders, LSVT LOUD® has also been shown to help individuals with other types of voice difficulties that do not have a neurological origin. The program is provided to those who are candidates at the highest level with expert supervision from in-house LSVT LOUD® faculty and clinical experts.

Every treatment plan begins with an individualized comprehensive evaluation of your voice. The evaluation allows your speech-language pathologist to determine the cause of your vocal difficulties and develop a customized plan of action. Your SLP will help you meet your unique goals and optimize your voice as quickly as possible!

People tell me I speak too quickly, and they have trouble understanding me. Is there anything I can do?

Our sessions integrate techniques to teach you effective ways to manage pacing and the rate of speech. The regular and specific practice of these strategies will enhance your delivery using a multisensory approach. Exercises include engaging proper breath support, optimizing vocal projection, appropriately using pauses and phrasing, improving resonance, and optimizing intonation and stress patterns.

These exercises change your delivery by increasing your awareness of and ability to modify the rate of your speech so the organs of speech have time to adequately move into position to produce crisp, clear sounds and are aligned with the expression of your thoughts and ideas.

I have always mumbled and it makes it hard to express myself. Can speech therapy help?

Yes! Our personalized treatment programs incorporate various exercises that facilitate speaking with improved crispness and clarity.

We draw on several techniques that will improve the crispness of your speech. Examples of exercises include techniques to help you engage proper breath support, use appropriate vocal loudness levels, and produce accurate articulatory placement. Exercises will improve respiratory-voice-speech coordination and efficiency. We show you how to practice these strategies within functional exercises to ensure you are able to use your improved voice and speaking skills in all of the activities you do, whether they relate to professional demands or personal needs.

I am transgender. Can I change my voice to sound more like the gender I identify with?

It is possible to modify various aspects of your voice and communication, including pitch, intonation, loudness, articulation, and vocal quality so you feel a sense of alignment between your ability to communicate using voice and speech that is more consistent with your sense of self. In sessions, your SLP will guide you through a variety of exercises to teach you proper vocal techniques to optimize the strength and coordination of your voice in healthy ways.

Improve Your Communication Through Speech Therapy

It is never too late to correct adult speech, voice, or swallowing problems. Our team will provide the committed care needed to address a variety of challenges. Let our supportive team help.

Contact Open Lines® today by phone at 212-430-6800 , by email at [email protected] , or through our contact form . You can learn more about the therapeutic adult programs we offer here. If you are ready to take the next steps in treating the difficulties that hold you back, request an appointment to discuss your goals and review our service options.

Get in Touch With Open Lines®

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New York Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations

• disability advocacy
• home health services
• nursing aide services
• accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.

Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you live in New York and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in New York, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.

Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.

We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.

Learn more about New York's Olmstead plan.

Protection & Advocacy Organization

The New York state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights New York (DRNY). DRNY is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in New York to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRNY is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).  Learn more about New York's Olmstead plan.  

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)

ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.

• NY Connects: Choices for Long-Term Care  

Legal Services Organizations

These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.

• The Legal Aid Society (New York City)
• Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Inc.
• Law Help NY
• New York Legal Assistance Group
• The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.
• The Legal Aid Society of Rochester
• Legal Services NYC

Other Disability Advocacy Organizations

These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.

• NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
• Empire Justice Center Disability Advocacy Program
• Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
• NYLAG Disability Advocacy Program
• Disability Rights Advocates
• Legal Services NYC Disability Advocacy Project
• Disabilities Network of New York City  

State Medicaid Agency

Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in New York.

• New York State Department of Health
• New York Medicaid Choice
• Medicaid.gov New York Page  

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) .

• New York State Independent Living Council, Inc.  

Other State Agencies

These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.

• Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
• New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
• Office of Mental Health
• Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
• Office for the Aging
• Office of Children and Family Services
• "Bridges to Health" (B2H) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program - Office of Children and Family Services  

Money Follows the Person (MFP)

Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.

• NYS Money Follows the Person (MFP)  

Crisis Services

Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.

• Crisis Services - Buffalo and Erie County
• New York City Mobile Crisis Teams
• New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• New York City Lifenet
• Samaritans 24-Hour Crisis Hotline  

Services for Senior Citizens

Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.

• Long Term Home Health Care Program
• Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver Program  

Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center

Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and New York disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network .

• Northeast ADA Center  

Developmental Disabilities Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to New York disability services.

• NY Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
• People First - Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
• Care at Home Medicaid Waiver for Developmentally Disabled Children
• Bridges to Health (B2H) Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver Program for Children in Foster Care
• New York Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
• NY State Early Intervention Program (EIP)
• AHRC New York City
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  

Mental Health Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.

• New York State Office of Mental Health
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Mental Health Association of New York City
• Mental Health Association in New York State
• NAMI New York State
• Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance  

Physical Disabilities Services

Free or low-cost New York disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.

• Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver Program
• Assistive Technology (TRAID) Program  

Traumatic Brain Injury Services

Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.

• NY State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Brochure
• NY Department of Health TBI Information
• Brain Injury Association of New York State  

Addiction and Substance Abuse Services

Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.

• NY State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
• New York City Substance Abuse Resources
• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of NY State
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  

Low-Income Housing Services

Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Assistance Programs
• NYC Housing Preservation and Development
• NYC Housing Development Corporation
• NYC Housing Authority
• New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC)
• NYHousingSearch.gov

Speech-Language Pathology Services

Our speech-language pathology treatments.

The act of swallowing may seem natural, but for 15 million Americans, acute or chronic swallowing disorders – also known as “dysphagia” – can be a struggle. An additional 10 million people may have a related communications disorder – such as speaking, understanding the speech of others, reading and writing.

People of all ages may experience communication (speech, language) or swallowing disorders.

Causes may include neurological disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson Disease, or mechanical disorders, such as those related to head/neck surgery. In children, causes may be related to prematurity or developmental delays and disorders.

Maimonides Speech-Language Pathology is the first dedicated service for communications and swallowing disorders in Brooklyn, and one of only a few in New York City. It is an expansion of our Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Center services .

Our program incorporates the expertise of professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide the latest available techniques for evaluation and treatment of swallowing and communication (speech and/or language) disorders. These specialties include speech-language pathology, neurology , gastroenterology , otolaryngology , clinical nutrition, radiology, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, and pulmonology, among others.

Our speech-language pathologists treat patients with a variety of conditions including:

• Chronic cough
• Voice disorders
• Swallowing disorders
• Respiratory/airway disorders
• Neurologenic disorders affecting speech, language, cognition and swallowing
• Head/neck cancer, including alaryngeal voice restoration

Evaluation & Assessment

The Speech-Language Pathology team at Maimonides provides evaluation and treatment services to patients in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. Specialists who work with children are also available.

Our diagnostic services include:

• Videofluoroscopy/modified barium swallow (an x-ray for swallowing)
• Fiberoptic endoscopy (FEES)
• Other exams
• Speech-language evaluation to assess language, motor speech, voice and other communication disorders.

Treatments & Therapies

• Swallowing Therapy – we provide direct neuromuscular treatment and use state-of-the-art biofeedback equipment to achieve the best outcomes.
• Speech-Language Therapy to treat a variety of disorders of communication. Specialized services include augmentative communication devices, as well as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) technique.

All speech-language pathology staff are certified in LSVT and trained on the latest equipment available for assessment, treatment and management of swallowing and communication disorders, including:

• Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST)
• IOPI – used for the evaluation and treatment of tongue strength deficits
• Acoustic analysis for voice disorders in adults and children
• Specialized practice for working with children with cleft palate/craniofacial disorders

Meet Our Team

Luis F. Riquelme, Ph.D.,CCC-SLP,BCS-S

Director speech-language pathology.

Orthopedics & Rehabilitation

Alexandra Soyfer, M.S.,CCC-SLP

Assistant director, speech-language pathology.

Our clinicians are international experts in the field of  Speech-Language Pathology, active in research and authors of studies in some of the country’s leading peer review journals. Each has presented at local, national and international conferences.

Outpatient services

883 65 th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Tel:     (718) 283-8961

Fax:    (718) 635-8940

Inpatient services

4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219

Tel:     (718) 283-7453

Fax:    (718) 635-6929

All services are provided within a culturally sensitive environment, and  bilingual/multicultural staff are also available: English, Spanish, Russian. Because Maimonides is a teaching hospital, access to student clinicians that speak a variety of other languages are also available.

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Types of Speech Impediments

Phynart Studio / Getty Images

Articulation Errors

Ankyloglossia, treating speech disorders.

A speech impediment, also known as a speech disorder , is a condition that can affect a person’s ability to form sounds and words, making their speech difficult to understand.

Speech disorders generally become evident in early childhood, as children start speaking and learning language. While many children initially have trouble with certain sounds and words, most are able to speak easily by the time they are five years old. However, some speech disorders persist. Approximately 5% of children aged three to 17 in the United States experience speech disorders.

There are many different types of speech impediments, including:

• Articulation errors

This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the different types of speech disorders.

Speech impediments that break the flow of speech are known as disfluencies. Stuttering is the most common form of disfluency, however there are other types as well.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Disfluencies

These are some of the characteristics of disfluencies:

• Repeating certain phrases, words, or sounds after the age of 4 (For example: “O…orange,” “I like…like orange juice,” “I want…I want orange juice”)
• Adding in extra sounds or words into sentences (For example: “We…uh…went to buy…um…orange juice”)
• Elongating words (For example: Saying “orange joooose” instead of "orange juice")
• Replacing words (For example: “What…Where is the orange juice?”)
• Hesitating while speaking (For example: A long pause while thinking)
• Pausing mid-speech (For example: Stopping abruptly mid-speech, due to lack of airflow, causing no sounds to come out, leading to a tense pause)

In addition, someone with disfluencies may also experience the following symptoms while speaking:

• Vocal tension and strain
• Head jerking
• Eye blinking
• Lip trembling

Causes of Disfluencies

People with disfluencies tend to have neurological differences in areas of the brain that control language processing and coordinate speech, which may be caused by:

• Genetic factors
• Trauma or infection to the brain
• Environmental stressors that cause anxiety or emotional distress
• Neurodevelopmental conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Articulation disorders occur when a person has trouble placing their tongue in the correct position to form certain speech sounds. Lisping is the most common type of articulation disorder.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Articulation Errors

These are some of the characteristics of articulation disorders:

• Substituting one sound for another . People typically have trouble with ‘r’ and ‘l’ sounds. (For example: Being unable to say “rabbit” and saying “wabbit” instead)
• Lisping , which refers specifically to difficulty with ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds. (For example: Saying “thugar” instead of “sugar” or producing a whistling sound while trying to pronounce these letters)
• Omitting sounds (For example: Saying “coo” instead of “school”)
• Adding sounds (For example: Saying “pinanio” instead of “piano”)
• Making other speech errors that can make it difficult to decipher what the person is saying. For instance, only family members may be able to understand what they’re trying to say.

Causes of Articulation Errors

Articulation errors may be caused by:

• Genetic factors, as it can run in families
• Hearing loss , as mishearing sounds can affect the person’s ability to reproduce the sound
• Changes in the bones or muscles that are needed for speech, including a cleft palate (a hole in the roof of the mouth) and tooth problems
• Damage to the nerves or parts of the brain that coordinate speech, caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy , for instance

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a condition where the person’s tongue is attached to the bottom of their mouth. This can restrict the tongue’s movement and make it hard for the person to move their tongue.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia is characterized by difficulty pronouncing ‘d,’ ‘n,’ ‘s,’ ‘t,’ ‘th,’ and ‘z’ sounds that require the person’s tongue to touch the roof of their mouth or their upper teeth, as their tongue may not be able to reach there.

Apart from speech impediments, people with ankyloglossia may also experience other symptoms as a result of their tongue-tie. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breastfeeding in newborns
• Trouble swallowing
• Limited ability to move the tongue from side to side or stick it out
• Difficulty with activities like playing wind instruments, licking ice cream, or kissing
• Mouth breathing

Causes of Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition, which means it is present from birth. A tissue known as the lingual frenulum attaches the tongue to the base of the mouth. People with ankyloglossia have a shorter lingual frenulum, or it is attached further along their tongue than most people’s.

Dysarthria is a condition where people slur their words because they cannot control the muscles that are required for speech, due to brain, nerve, or organ damage.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Dysarthria

Dysarthria is characterized by:

• Slurred, choppy, or robotic speech
• Rapid, slow, or soft speech
• Breathy, hoarse, or nasal voice

Additionally, someone with dysarthria may also have other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and inability to move their tongue, lips, or jaw easily.

Causes of Dysarthria

Dysarthria is caused by paralysis or weakness of the speech muscles. The causes of the weakness can vary depending on the type of dysarthria the person has:

• Central dysarthria is caused by brain damage. It may be the result of neuromuscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Central dysarthria may also be caused by injuries or illnesses that damage the brain, such as dementia, stroke, brain tumor, or traumatic brain injury .
• Peripheral dysarthria is caused by damage to the organs involved in speech. It may be caused by congenital structural problems, trauma to the mouth or face, or surgery to the tongue, mouth, head, neck, or voice box.

Apraxia, also known as dyspraxia, verbal apraxia, or apraxia of speech, is a neurological condition that can cause a person to have trouble moving the muscles they need to create sounds or words. The person’s brain knows what they want to say, but is unable to plan and sequence the words accordingly.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Apraxia

These are some of the characteristics of apraxia:

• Distorting sounds: The person may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, particularly vowels, because they may be unable to move their tongue or jaw in the manner required to produce the right sound. Longer or more complex words may be especially harder to manage.
• Being inconsistent in their speech: For instance, the person may be able to pronounce a word correctly once, but may not be able to repeat it. Or, they may pronounce it correctly today and differently on another day.
• Grasping for words: The person may appear to be searching for the right word or sound, or attempt the pronunciation several times before getting it right.
• Making errors with the rhythm or tone of speech: The person may struggle with using tone and inflection to communicate meaning. For instance, they may not stress any of the words in a sentence, have trouble going from one syllable in a word to another, or pause at an inappropriate part of a sentence.

Causes of Apraxia

Apraxia occurs when nerve pathways in the brain are interrupted, which can make it difficult for the brain to send messages to the organs involved in speaking. The causes of these neurological disturbances can vary depending on the type of apraxia the person has:

• Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS): This condition is present from birth and is often hereditary. A person may be more likely to have it if a biological relative has a learning disability or communication disorder.
• Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS): This condition can occur in adults, due to brain damage as a result of a tumor, head injury , stroke, or other illness that affects the parts of the brain involved in speech.

If you have a speech impediment, or suspect your child might have one, it can be helpful to visit your healthcare provider. Your primary care physician can refer you to a speech-language pathologist, who can evaluate speech, diagnose speech disorders, and recommend treatment options.

The diagnostic process may involve a physical examination as well as psychological, neurological, or hearing tests, in order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Treatment for speech disorders often involves speech therapy, which can help you learn how to move your muscles and position your tongue correctly in order to create specific sounds. It can be quite effective in improving your speech.

Children often grow out of milder speech disorders; however, special education and speech therapy can help with more serious ones.

For ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, a minor surgery known as a frenectomy can help detach the tongue from the bottom of the mouth.

A Word From Verywell

A speech impediment can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, speak clearly, or communicate fluently. 

Living with a speech disorder can be frustrating because people may cut you off while you’re speaking, try to finish your sentences, or treat you differently. It can be helpful to talk to your healthcare providers about how to cope with these situations.

You may also benefit from joining a support group, where you can connect with others living with speech disorders.

National Library of Medicine. Speech disorders . Medline Plus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Language and speech disorders .

Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Stuttering .

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick statistics about voice, speech, and language .

Cleveland Clinic. Speech impediment .

Lee H, Sim H, Lee E, Choi D. Disfluency characteristics of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms . J Commun Disord . 2017;65:54-64. doi:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2016.12.001

Nemours Foundation. Speech problems .

Penn Medicine. Speech and language disorders .

Cleveland Clinic. Tongue-tie .

University of Rochester Medical Center. Ankyloglossia .

Cleveland Clinic. Dysarthria .

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Apraxia of speech .

Cleveland Clinic. Childhood apraxia of speech .

Stanford Children’s Hospital. Speech sound disorders in children .

Abbastabar H, Alizadeh A, Darparesh M, Mohseni S, Roozbeh N. Spatial distribution and the prevalence of speech disorders in the provinces of Iran . J Med Life . 2015;8(Spec Iss 2):99-104.

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Type of Speech Impediments: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Speech impediments can pose unique challenges for individuals striving to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. These hindrances to spoken language manifest in various forms, constituting various speech impediments. This article delves into the intricacies of different speech impairments, from stutters and lisps to apraxia and dysarthria. By shedding light on the characteristics, causes, and potential treatments for most speech impediments, we aim to foster understanding and support for those navigating the complex realm of speech impediments.

Understanding Speech Impediments: An Overview

Understanding speech impediments diagnose speech disorders is crucial in recognizing and addressing communication challenges individuals face. Speech impediments, or disorders, affect a person’s ability to speak clearly and fluently, impacting their daily communication and, in some cases, their quality of life.

Types of Speech Impediments :

Common speech impediments include stuttering, lisping , dysarthria, apraxia of speech, cluttering, phonological disorders, and articulation disorders. Each type of voice disorder affects speech production differently.

Role of Speech Language Pathologists :

Speech language pathologists play a key role in diagnosing and treating speech disorders. They assess speech sounds, expressive language skills, and the mechanics of speech production to develop tailored therapy plans.

Impact on Communication :

Speech impediments can significantly affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. This impact can range from difficulty with certain sounds or producing specific sounds to more complex challenges in expressing language.

Associated Conditions :

Some speech impediments are associated with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, or neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Influence of Early Childhood Development :

Early childhood is a critical period for language development. Delays or abnormalities during this stage can lead to speech and language disorders.

Family History and Genetic Factors :

A family history of language and speech disorders that can increase the likelihood of speech impediments. Genetic factors play a role in conditions like stuttering or developmental language disorders.

Treatment and Therapy Options :

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the impediment. Speech therapy often includes exercises for breath control, articulation practice, and language development activities.

Stuttering: Characteristics and Challenges

Stuttering is a speech impediment characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, presenting unique challenges to those affected. It is a complex condition involving various characteristics that impact other communication disorders.

• Repetitions and Prolongations : Stuttering often involves repeating parts of words and prolonging sounds. These disruptions can make speech less fluid and more effortful.
• Blocks in Speech : Individuals who stutter may experience blocks, knowing exactly what they want to say but struggling to start a word or sentence.
• Physical Tension : Stuttering can accompany physical tension, especially around the mouth and vocal cords. This tension can exacerbate speech difficulties.
• Anxiety and Emotional Impact : Many people who stutter experience heightened anxiety about speaking, particularly in public or stressful situations. This anxiety can, in turn, worsen the stuttering.
• Variability in Severity : The severity of stuttering can vary widely among individuals and even within the same person, depending on factors like stress, fatigue, or the speaking context.
• Impact on Social Interactions : Stuttering can affect social interactions, leading to avoidance of speaking situations, fear of being judged, and challenges in professional settings.
• Speech Therapy and Coping Strategies : Effective treatments often involve speech therapy, where individuals learn techniques to manage their stuttering. Coping strategies may include slow and deliberate speech, relaxation techniques, and exercises to reduce speech muscle tension.

Lisping: Causes and Effects on Speech

Lisping is a common speech impediment characterized by difficulty articulating sibilant sounds like “s” and “z.” It affects individuals of all ages and can have various causes and effects on speech .

• Causes of Lisping : Lisping often results from improper tongue placement inside the mouth during the speech, where the tongue may protrude between the front teeth (interdental lisping) or be placed too far back in the mouth (dentalized lisping). It can also be caused by structural abnormalities such as a tongue-tie or by habits like prolonged thumb sucking.
• Developmental Lisp : Many children experience a developmental lisp as they learn to speak. This typically resolves as their speech matures and they develop better control over their tongue movements.
• Impact on Speech Clarity : A lisp can significantly affect speech clarity , making it difficult for listeners to understand the affected individual, particularly in cases where sibilant sounds are prominent.
• Social and Emotional Effects : Individuals with a lisp, especially children and adolescents, may become self-conscious about their speech. This can lead to social withdrawal or reluctance to participate in conversations, affecting their social development and confidence.
• Speech Therapy for Correction : Speech therapy often corrects a lisp. Speech-language pathologists work on exercises focusing on proper tongue placement and strengthening the tongue muscles.
• Possible Accompanying Speech Disorders : Sometimes, a lisp may be accompanied by other speech disorders, necessitating a comprehensive approach to speech therapy.
• The Role of Early Intervention : Early intervention is crucial in correcting a lisp , especially in children. The sooner the therapy begins, the more effective it can be in rectifying speech patterns.

Dysarthria: Impact of Neurological Disorders on Speech

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological disorders, significantly with speech sound disorders impacting an individual’s ability to speak. This condition arises from impairments in the muscles used for speech, directly linked to brain or nerve damage.

• Neurological Causes : Dysarthria is often caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These conditions can affect the brain and nervous system, disrupting the control of the muscles involved in speech.
• Symptoms and Speech Characteristics : Common symptoms include slurred or slow speech, difficulty articulating words, a hoarse or breathy voice, and abnormal rhythm and pitch in speech. The severity can range from mild difficulties to being almost unintelligible.
• Impact on Communication : Dysarthria can lead to significant communication challenges, affecting an individual’s ability to express themselves clearly. This can have profound social and emotional effects, often leading to frustration and social withdrawal.
• Assessment and Diagnosis : Speech language pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing dysarthria. They assess speech sound production, breath support, and muscle strength and coordination in the face and mouth.
• Treatment Approaches : Treatment typically includes speech therapy, improving articulation, breath control, and muscle strength. Techniques may involve exercises, communication strategies, and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in severe cases.
• Adapting to Communication Needs : People with dysarthria and their families must adapt their communication methods. This might include using shorter sentences, speaking more slowly, or relying on non-verbal communication methods.
• Impact on Quality of Life : Dysarthria can significantly impact the quality of life, not just in communication but also in self-esteem and independence. Supportive care, understanding, and effective therapy are vital in helping individuals cope with these challenges.

Apraxia of Speech: Struggles with Speech Coordination

Apraxia of Speech is a motor speech disorder that significantly affects an individual’s ability to produce sounds and coordinate the muscle movements necessary for speech. It’s not caused by weakness or paralysis of the speech muscles but by difficulty in the brain’s planning and sequencing of these movements.

• Nature of the Disorder : Apraxia of Speech is characterized by the inability to voluntarily control the movements needed for clear speech despite having the desire and physical ability to speak.
• Symptoms and Speech Characteristics : Common signs include difficulty initiating speech , inconsistent errors in pronunciation, distorted speech sounds, and abnormal speech rhythm and intonation. Individuals might also struggle to position their mouths correctly to produce sounds.
• Differentiating from Other Speech Disorders : Unlike other speech disorders caused by muscle weakness, apraxia stems from impaired coordination and planning. This distinction is crucial for appropriate treatment.
• Causes of Apraxia : It often results from neurological damage due to stroke, head injury, or progressive neurological disorders. The cause might be unknown in children, referred to as developmental apraxia of speech.
• Impact on Communication and Daily Life : Apraxia can profoundly affect communication, leading to frustration and social challenges. In severe cases, it can impact an individual’s ability to express themselves effectively, affecting their daily interactions and quality of life.
• Treatment Approaches : Speech therapy is the primary treatment, focusing on repetitive practice and exercises to improve speech-muscle coordination. Therapists may use visual, auditory, and tactile cues to help guide the patient’s movements.
• Use of Alternative Communication Methods : In cases where speech is severely affected, alternative methods of communication, such as sign language or communication devices, may be necessary.

Cluttering: Rapid and Disorganized Speech Patterns

Cluttering is a lesser-known speech disorder characterized by a rapid and disorganized speech pattern, making it difficult for listeners to understand. This disorder presents unique challenges in communication, and speech sound disorder is often confused with other speech impediments .

• Rapid Speech Rate : A hallmark of cluttering is the unusually fast speech rate. This rapidity often leads to slurred or blended words, reducing speech clarity and listener comprehension.
• Disorganized Speech Flow : Individuals with cluttering tend to exhibit disorganized speech flow. They may add unnecessary words, revise sentences midway, or display erratic rhythm and pauses in speech.
• Overlapping Symptoms with Stuttering : Cluttering can be mistaken for stuttering. However, unlike stuttering, cluttering is not typically accompanied by physical tension or blocks in speech.
• Impact on Language Processing : Cluttering can affect language processing skills. People with this language disorder may have difficulty organizing their thoughts, reflected in their disorganized speech patterns.
• Social and Emotional Implications : Due to their rapid and unclear speech, individuals with cluttering may face challenges in social interactions, potentially leading to frustration and self-esteem issues.
• Diagnosis and Treatment : Accurate diagnosis can be challenging but is essential for effective treatment. Speech therapy for cluttering focuses on slowing speech, improving articulation, and organizing thoughts more coherently.
• Developing Effective Communication Strategies : Therapy often includes exercises to enhance self-monitoring of speech rate and clarity and strategies to structure speech more effectively.

Phonological Disorders: Difficulty in Sound Patterns and Pronunciation

Phonological disorders encompass a range of speech impediments where individuals, particularly children, struggle with sound patterns and pronunciation. This difficulty is not due to a lack of physical ability but a challenge in understanding and implementing language rules.

• Nature of Phonological Disorders : These disorders involve difficulty learning and applying a language’s phonological rules, resulting in patterns of sound errors. For instance, a child might consistently substitute all ‘r’ sounds with ‘w’ sounds.
• Impact on Speech Clarity : These sound substitutions or omissions can significantly affect speech clarity and make it difficult for listeners to understand the speaker.
• Distinguishing from Articulation Disorders : Unlike articulation disorders, which are related to the physical production of sounds, phonological disorders are more about the linguistic processing of sounds.
• Common in Early Childhood : Phonological disorders are most commonly identified in early childhood as children develop and refine their language skills.
• Diagnosis by Speech Language Pathologist : These disorders are diagnosed by speech language pathologists through assessments that evaluate a child’s ability to use and understand phonological rules.
• Treatment Approaches : Treatment typically involves speech therapy, where children are taught the correct way to produce sounds and are given exercises to practice these sounds within words, sentences, and conversations.
• Long-Term Implications : Without treatment, phonological disorders can persist into adulthood and may lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and effective communication.

In conclusion, speech impediments are a common and diverse range of communication disorders that can affect individuals of all ages. These conditions can manifest as difficulties with articulation, fluency, voice quality, or overall communication abilities. While the exact causes of speech impediments vary, they often arise from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Understanding and addressing speech impediments is crucial for providing individuals with the support and resources they need to overcome these challenges and enhance their verbal communication skills.

By incorporating various therapeutic techniques and techniques adapted to individual needs, speech therapists play a pivotal role in helping people overcome speech impediments and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know struggles with a speech impediment, seeking professional help is encouraged, as early intervention and proper treatment can lead to significant improvements in a person’s speech and language abilities.

Maryville University – Speech Impediment Guide

https://online.maryville.edu/blog/speech-impediment-guide/

Cleveland Clinic – Speech Impediment

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21937-speech-impediment

Medical News Today – Speech Impediment: Types, Causes, and Treatment

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324764

Verywell Mind – Types of Speech Impediments

https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-speech-impediments-6560947

WebMD – What to Know About Speech Impairment

https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-to-know-about-speech-impairment

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• Voice Therapy: Personalized  Treatment  Plans That Help You Achieve the Best Possible vocal health. Improves vocal function and helps with problems related to pitch, volume, resonance or quality of the voice that distracts listeners from what is being said.
• Articulation Therapy: Helps with problems in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, such as stuttering. Therapy decreases stuttering also known as diffluent episodes. Articulation Therapy: Helps with difficulty in producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people cannot understand what is being said.
• Oral Placement Therapy: Treatment of muscle-based difficulties as related to speech clarity, articulation and feeding issues.

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CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder

Natalie Lippa , MS, CGC, Maureen Mulhern , MS, MAT, CGC, Michelle Ernst Florido , MS, CGC, Chelsea Earley , MD, and Tristan T Sands , MD, PhD.

Initial Posting: September 5, 2024 .

Estimated reading time: 26 minutes

Clinical characteristics.

CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD), reported in more than 80 individuals to date, is characterized in most individuals by developmental delay (DD) / intellectual disability (ID) and seizures. Most young children have delays in speech and motor development. The majority of individuals older than age five years at the time of evaluation have ID ranging from borderline/mild to severe/profound. Seizures, present in most individuals, range in type and severity. While many individuals have pharmaco-responsive epilepsy, others have severe epilepsy with recurrent episodes of refractory status epilepticus. Less consistent findings include ataxia or impaired coordination, generalized hypotonia of infancy, neurobehavioral/psychiatric manifestations, and digital anomalies.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of CSNK2B -NDD is established in a proband with suggestive findings and a heterozygous CSNK2B pathogenic variant identified by molecular genetic testing.

Management.

Treatment of manifestations: Supportive care to improve quality of life, maximize function, and reduce complications is recommended. This includes multidisciplinary care by specialists in pediatrics, developmental pediatrics, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and medical genetics / genetic counseling.

Surveillance: To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, routinely scheduled evaluations with multidisciplinary care providers are recommended.

Genetic counseling.

CSNK2B -NDD is an autosomal dominant disorder typically caused by a de novo pathogenic variant. Almost all probands reported to date whose parents have undergone molecular genetic testing have the disorder as the result of a de novo pathogenic variant. Rarely, individuals diagnosed with CSNK2B -NDD have an affected parent. The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents: if a parent of the proband is known to have the CSNK2B pathogenic variant identified in the proband, the risk to the sibs of inheriting the pathogenic variant is 50%. Once the CSNK2B pathogenic variant has been identified in an affected family member, prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing are possible.

No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD) have been published.

Suggestive Findings

CSNK2B -NDD should be considered in probands with the following clinical findings and family history.

Clinical findings

• Mild-to-profound developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), or learning disability
• Generalized tonic or tonic-clonic seizures
• Absence seizures
• Myoclonic seizures
• Atonic or myoclonic-atonic seizures
• Myoclonic-absence seizures
• Focal-onset seizures

Less common and variable findings include the following:

• Ataxia or impaired coordination
• Generalized hypotonia of infancy
• Neurobehavioral/psychiatric manifestations
• Facial features
• Digital abnormalities
• Short stature

Family history. Because CSNK2B -NDD is typically caused by a de novo pathogenic variant, most probands represent a simplex case (i.e., a single occurrence in a family). Rarely, the family history may be consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance (e.g., affected males and females in multiple generations).

Establishing the Diagnosis

The diagnosis of CSNK2B -NDD is established in a proband with suggestive findings and a heterozygous CSNK2B pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) variant identified by molecular genetic testing (see Table 1 ).

Note: (1) Per ACMG/AMP variant interpretation guidelines, the terms "pathogenic variant" and "likely pathogenic variant" are synonymous in a clinical setting, meaning that both are considered diagnostic and can be used for clinical decision making [ Richards et al 2015 ]. Reference to "pathogenic variants" in this GeneReview is understood to include likely pathogenic variants. (2) Identification of a heterozygous CSNK2B variant of uncertain significance does not establish or rule out the diagnosis.

Molecular genetic testing in a child with developmental delay or an older individual with intellectual disability may begin with exome sequencing / genome sequencing [ Manickam et al 2021 , Smith et al 2023 ]. Other options include use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or a multigene panel. Note: Single-gene testing (sequence analysis of CSNK2B , followed by gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis) is rarely useful and typically NOT recommended.

• An intellectual disability or epilepsy multigene panel that includes CSNK2B and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis ) is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition in a person with a nondiagnostic CMA while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview . Of note, given the rarity of CSNK2B -NDD, some panels for intellectual disability or epilepsy may not include this gene. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests. For an introduction to multigene panels click here . More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here .
• Comprehensive genomic testing does not require the clinician to determine which gene(s) are likely involved. Exome sequencing is most commonly used. Genome sequencing is also possible. To date, the majority of reported CSNK2B pathogenic variants (e.g., missense, nonsense) are within the coding region and are likely to be identified on exome sequencing. Of note, some CSNK2B pathogenic splicing variants beyond the canonical splice site have been identified [ Zhang et al 2022 ]. For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here . More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here .

Molecular Genetic Testing Used in CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder

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See Table A. Genes and Databases for chromosome locus and protein.

See Molecular Genetics for information on variants detected in this gene.

Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include missense, nonsense, and splice site variants and small intragenic deletions/insertions; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here .

Data derived from the subscription-based professional view of Human Gene Mutation Database [ Stenson et al 2020 ]

Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include a range of techniques such as quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.

• Clinical Characteristics

Clinical Description

CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD) is characterized by seizures and variable degrees of developmental delay / intellectual disability. Less consistent findings include ataxia or impaired coordination, generalized hypotonia of infancy, neurobehavioral/psychiatric manifestations, digital abnormalities, and nonspecific facial features.

To date, more than 80 individuals have been identified with a CSNK2B pathogenic variant [ Poirier et al 2017 , Li et al 2019 , Ernst et al 2021 , Yang et al 2021 , Asif et al 2022 , Orsini et al 2022 , Wilke et al 2022 , Yang et al 2022 , Zhang et al 2022 , Trivisano et al 2023 ] . The following description is based on the well-documented phenotypic features of these individuals (see Table 2 ).

CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Select Features

Poirier et al [2017] , Li et al [2019] , Ernst et al [2021] , Yang et al [2021] , Asif et al [2022] , Orsini et al [2022] , Wilke et al [2022] , Yang et al [2022] , Zhang et al [2022] , Trivisano et al [2023]

Developmental delay (DD) and intellectual disability (ID). While most individuals have developmental delays and/or intellectual disability, there is marked variability in developmental outcomes.

The following discussion is based on information reported on 48 individuals in publications with at least two individuals with CSNK2B -NDD on whom neurodevelopmental outcomes and age of evaluation are included [ Poirier et al 2017 , Ernst et al 2021 , Yang et al 2021 , Yang et al 2022 , Trivisano et al 2023 ]. Ages at the time of evaluation of these individuals ranged from younger than five years (16 individuals), 5-17 years (25 individuals), and 18 years and older (7 individuals).

Of these individuals, the majority (45/48) had developmental delays in at least one domain. Most (39/45) had both speech and motor delays. Of the three individuals reported not to have developmental delay, two were younger than age five years and one (age nine years at the time of evaluation) had a learning disability [ Ernst et al 2021 , Yang et al 2022 ].

• Motor delay. Of the 93% (42/45) who had motor delay, the average age of independent walking was 24 months. Sixteen of 21 individuals achieved independent walking by age three years. Five individuals walked after age three years (range: 4-7 years). Two males older than age five years were unable to ambulate independently by the time of evaluation; both had severe epilepsy with recurrent refractory status epilepticus associated with regression. The 12-year-old male lost the ability to walk independently at age nine years; the 26-year-old male had started to walk independently at age seven years but was unable to walk without assistance by the time of evaluation [ Ernst et al 2021 ].
• Speech delay. Of the 40 of 46 individuals who had speech delays, five were nonverbal or minimally verbal at the time of evaluation. Three of the five were ages 5 to 17 years; two were adults.

Of those older than age five years at the time of evaluation, 23 of 29 had ID. Twelve had borderline or mild ID; five had moderate ID; five had severe or profound ID; and one individual's level of ID was not reported. Of the six who did not have intellectual disability, four had a learning disability.

Trivisano et al [2023] also described two families with multiple affected individuals with intrafamilial variability regarding developmental outcomes.

One study noted a possible difference in neurodevelopment outcomes between males and females, with males having a more severe intellectual disability (see Figure 1b in Ernst et al [2021] ).

Epilepsy. Age of seizure onset ranged from during the neonatal period to age 10 years. Some individuals had febrile seizures only or an isolated unprovoked seizure and did not meet criteria for epilepsy. Ninety percent of individuals who had developed epilepsy by the time they were reported had their first seizure at age three years or younger [ Ernst et al 2021 , Yang et al 2022 , Trivisano et al 2023 ].

Epilepsy types included generalized epilepsy, focal epilepsy, and combined generalized and focal epilepsy [ Ernst et al 2021 ]. Seizure types included tonic-clonic, myoclonic, atonic, myoclonic-atonic, absence, atypical absence, myoclonic-absence, and tonic. While the most common seizure type was generalized tonic-clonic, seizures seen initially in infants were often focal or myoclonic [ Ernst et al 2021 ].

The severity of epilepsy was highly variable [ Ernst et al 2021 ]. At least one individual had only a single seizure at age 1.5 months by the time of evaluation at age 12 years, whereas many individuals had multiple seizures daily. Seizures tended to cluster in many individuals. While many individuals had pharmaco-responsive epilepsy, others had severe epilepsy with recurrent episodes of refractory status epilepticus [ Li et al 2019 , Ernst et al 2021 , Trivisano et al 2023 ]. No anti-seizure medication (ASM) has been demonstrated to have specific efficacy in CSNK2B -NDD, and different ASMs have been reported to be effective in different individuals.

Although the course of epilepsy tended to improve with age, several individuals experienced increased seizure frequency between ages 7 and 12 years [ Ernst et al 2021 ].

EEG is often characterized by generalized epileptiform discharges, including generalized spike-and-wave and polyspikes [ Ernst et al 2021 ]. Epileptiform abnormalities most often were high amplitude generalized or lateralized polyspikes occurring during sleep [ Ernst et al 2021 ].

Multifocal epileptiform abnormalities were also described [ Trivisano et al 2023 ].

Less commonly, some individuals with epilepsy had EEG studies that did not report epileptiform abnormalities (e.g., Patient 5 in Trivisano et al [2023] ).

Slowing of the EEG background was observed in about 50% of individuals [ Ernst et al 2021 , Trivisano et al 2023 ].

Neuroimaging. Brain MRI abnormalities are variable with no identifiable persistent patterns. Nonspecific findings reported in a few or single individuals include the following:

• Delayed myelination (3 individual) [ Li et al 2019 , Ernst et al 2021 , Orsini et al 2022 ]
• Enlargement of subarachnoid spaces (2 individuals) [ Yang et al 2021 ], which resolved in one individual on later imaging [ Li et al 2019 ]
• Ventriculomegaly that resolved on later imaging (1 individual) [ Yang et al 2022 ]
• Cortical gyral simplification [ Orsini et al 2022 ]
• Periventricular gliosis (1 individual) [ Ernst et al 2021 ]
• Pineal gland abnormalities [ Trivisano et al 2023 ]
• Scattered signal abnormalities identified in gray and white matter [ Yang et al 2021 , Zhang et al 2022 ]

Hindbrain abnormalities reported in one or more individuals include T 2 hyperintensity and restricted diffusion in the pontine central tegmental tracts, pontine hypoplasia, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia with a large cisterna magna, and Chiari malformation [ Ernst et al 2021 ].

Microcephaly, seen in one individual, was associated with severe intellectual disability [ Orsini et al 2022 ].

Neurobehavioral/psychiatric manifestations. Behavioral manifestations (including tantrums, aggression, and hyperactivity) were reported in 26/83 individuals in well-described cohorts. Eleven individuals had autism spectrum disorder or autistic features; eight had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and one had anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder [ Asif et al 2022 ].

Other reported findings include the following:

• Ataxia / poor coordination (10/81 individuals) [ Ernst et al 2021 , Trivisano et al 2023 ]
• Dental abnormalities (14 individuals), including widely spaced teeth, small teeth, large central or superior incisors, hyperdontia, hypodontia, diastema, delayed tooth eruption, and prominence of the upper dental arch
• Skin findings (several individuals), including soft/translucent skin, intermittent rashes, congenital scalp nevus sebaceous, vascular skin abnormality, partial hypopigmentation, and hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules
• Hair findings (3 individuals), including thin hair, one of whom had sparse temporal hair and coarse posterior hair
• All five individuals reported by Yang et al [2022] had short stature. Of the two who underwent growth hormone (GH) stimulation testing, one had complete GH deficiency and one had partial GH deficiency.
• One individual reported by Ernst et al [2021] had partial GH deficiency, short stature, and hypoglycemia of childhood, and another individual had delayed bone age / puberty.
• One individual was noted to have growth delay [ Orsini et al 2022 ], one was reported to have short stature [ Asif et al 2022 ], and one was reported to have growth stagnation in infancy [ Trivisano et al 2023 ].
• Cardiovascular abnormalities. Since each of the following cardiac abnormalities (reported in one individual) can be seen in the general population, it is unclear whether they are manifestations of CSNK2B -NDD or incidentally identified: congenital heart disease (unspecified) [ Ernst et al 2021 ], patent foramen ovale [ Ernst et al 2021 ], Ebstein anomaly and atrial septal defect [ Asif et al 2022 ], fenestrated atrial septal defect [ Asif et al 2022 ], Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome [ Asif et al 2022 ], episodes of supraventricular tachycardia at birth [ Ernst et al 2021 ], mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency [ Orsini et al 2022 ], episode of unspecified cardiac arrhythmia at birth [ Trivisano et al 2023 ], and aortic root dilatation (z score = 2.4].
• Genital abnormalities. Undescended testes were reported in two individuals; hypospadias and uterine agenesis was reported in one individual [ Ernst et al 2021 , Zhang et al 2022 ]. It is unclear if these are incidental findings or manifestations of CSNK2B -NDD.
• Microcephaly and macrocephaly. Multiple individuals have had either microcephaly (15%) [ Ernst et al 2021 , Asif et al 2022 , Orsini et al 2022 , Wilke et al 2022 ] or macrocephaly (7%) [ Ernst et al 2021 ].
• Digital abnormalities include clinodactyly of fingers and toes; syndactyly of fingers and toes; polydactyly; tapered fingers; hypoplasia of fingers and toes; broad thumb; protonation of feet; nail hypoplasia; and both long and short fingers [ Ernst et al 2021 , Asif et al 2022 , Orsini et al 2022 , Wilke et al 2022 ]. One individual with contractures of the first, fourth, and fifth fingers of one hand required surgery to release a trigger finger [ Asif et al 2022 ].
• Facial features. In about half of individuals a facial gestalt can be seen, variably including a broad or narrow forehead; frontal bossing; wide-spaced and/or deep-set eyes; a wide and/or depressed nasal bridge; bulbous nose or broad nasal tip; underdeveloped ala nasi; smooth philtrum; thin vermilion of the upper lip; wide mouth; downturned corners of the mouth; prognathism; a pointed chin; and various ear abnormalities (e.g., overfolded helix, forward-facing ear lobes) [ Asif et al 2022 , Di Stazio et al 2023 ].

Intrafamilial variability. In one reported family, the proband had a history of neonatal hypoxia, hypotonia, moderate ID, epilepsy, and disruptive behavior disorder; the proband's father, who had the same CSNK2B pathogenic variant, had mild ID and febrile seizures that did not requirement treatment. In another family, the mother and proband had mild cognitive disability, whereas an affected sib with the same CSNK2B pathogenic variant had normal cognitive ability and ADHD [ Trivisano et al 2023 ].

Prognosis. It is unknown whether life span in CSNK2B -NDD is abnormal. One individual is alive at age 36 years [ Ernst et al 2021 ], demonstrating that survival into adulthood is possible. Since many adults with disabilities have not undergone advanced genetic testing, it is likely that adults with this condition are underrecognized and underreported.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

No clear genotype-phenotype correlations have been established across all variant classes, given high phenotypic variability and the small total number of individuals reported to date, the small number of individuals with recurrent variants, and the inconsistent reporting of certain phenotypic features. Nonetheless, genotype-phenotype correlations have been proposed for missense variants affecting certain residues [ Ernst et al 2021 , Zhang et al 2022 ]:

• Substitutions at p.Asp32 (p.Asp32Asn or p.Asp32His), reported in individuals with intellectual disability and craniodigital anomalies [ Asif et al 2022 ]
• Missense variants in the zinc finger domain (amino acids 105-140), associated with milder intellectual disability and more manageable seizures than CSNK2B missense variants in other domains [ Zhang et al 2022 ]

Nomenclature

The term "intellectual disability-craniodigital syndrome (IDCS)" was proposed to refer to the phenotype observed in individuals with substitutions in CSNK2B at p.Asp32 [ Asif et al 2022 ]. That these CSNK2B missense variants cause a distinct syndrome has been challenged, as individuals with other pathogenic CSNK2B variants have been reported with similar dysmorphisms and digital abnormalities [ Di Stazio et al 2023 ] (see Genotype-Phenotype Correlations ).

To date, more than 80 individuals have been identified with a CSNK2B pathogenic variant (see Clinical Description ).

• Genetically Related (Allelic) Disorders

No phenotypes other than those discussed in this GeneReview are known to be associated with germline pathogenic variants in CSNK2B .

Contiguous gene deletions involving CSNK2B

• A contiguous gene deletion in the 6p21.33 region involving CSNK2B and 36 additional genes was reported in a child with macrocephaly, facial dysmorphisms, and mild intellectual disability [ Ohashi et al 2021 ]. This child also had a history of one febrile seizure in the setting of a viral infection. He started walking at age 24 months and speaking at age 38 months. Brain MRI at age four years showed incomplete hippocampal infolding (hippocampal malrotation is a radiologic finding of uncertain significance often reported in individuals with epilepsy but without clear causal relationship). Though nonspecific, mild intellectual disability and varying speech and motor delays have been seen in individuals with CSNK2B -NDD. Isolated febrile seizures have also been seen in individuals with CSNK2B -NDD [ Ernst et al 2021 ].
• A de novo 4.8-Mb deletion involving CSNK2B was reported in the DECIPHER database; no clinical information was available.
• A de novo 1.2-Mb deletion involving CSNK2B was reported in the DECIPHER database; clinical findings included delayed speech and language, growth delay, short stature, motor delay, and seizures.
• Differential Diagnosis

The phenotypic features associated with CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD) are not sufficient to diagnose this condition clinically. All disorders with intellectual disability and/or epilepsy without other distinctive findings should be considered in the differential diagnosis. See OMIM Phenotypic Series for genes associated with the following:

• Autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorders
• Early-onset epilepsy

No clinical practice guidelines for CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD) have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors’ personal experience managing individuals with this disorder and similar disorders.

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with CSNK2B -NDD, the evaluations summarized in Table 3 (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended.

CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADL = activities of daily living; ASD = autism spectrum disorder; CSNK2B -NDD = CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder; MOI = mode of inheritance; OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy

Medical geneticist, certified genetic counselor, certified advanced genetic nurse

Treatment of Manifestations

There is no cure for CSNK2B -NDD. Supportive treatment to improve quality of life, maximize function, and reduce complications is recommended. This ideally involves multidisciplinary care by specialists in relevant fields (see Table 4 ).

CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Treatment of Manifestations

ASM = anti-seizure medication; OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy

Education of parents/caregivers regarding common seizure presentations is appropriate. For information on non-medical interventions and coping strategies for children diagnosed with epilepsy, see Epilepsy Foundation Toolbox .

Developmental Delay / Intellectual Disability Management Issues

The following information represents typical management recommendations for individuals with developmental delay / intellectual disability in the United States; standard recommendations may vary from country to country.

Ages 0-3 years. Referral to an early intervention program is recommended for access to occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapy as well as infant mental health services, special educators, and sensory impairment specialists. In the US, early intervention is a federally funded program available in all states that provides in-home services to target individual therapy needs.

Ages 3-5 years. In the US, developmental preschool through the local public school district is recommended. Before placement, an evaluation is made to determine needed services and therapies and an individualized education plan (IEP) is developed for those who qualify based on established motor, language, social, or cognitive delay. The early intervention program typically assists with this transition. Developmental preschool is center based; for children too medically unstable to attend, home-based services are provided.

All ages. Consultation with a developmental pediatrician is recommended to ensure the involvement of appropriate community, state, and educational agencies (US) and to support parents in maximizing quality of life. Some issues to consider:

• An IEP provides specially designed instruction and related services to children who qualify.
• IEP services will be reviewed annually to determine whether any changes are needed.
• Special education law requires that children participating in an IEP be in the least restrictive environment feasible at school and included in general education as much as possible, when and where appropriate.
• PT, OT, and speech services will be provided in the IEP to the extent that the need affects the child's access to academic material. Beyond that, private supportive therapies based on the affected individual's needs may be considered. Specific recommendations regarding type of therapy can be made by a developmental pediatrician.
• As a child enters the teen years, a transition plan should be discussed and incorporated in the IEP. For those receiving IEP services, the public school district is required to provide services until age 21.
• A 504 plan (Section 504: a US federal statute that prohibits discrimination based on disability) can be considered for those who require accommodations or modifications such as front-of-class seating, assistive technology devices, classroom scribes, extra time between classes, modified assignments, and enlarged text.
• Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) enrollment is recommended. DDA is a US public agency that provides services and support to qualified individuals. Eligibility differs by state but is typically determined by diagnosis and/or associated cognitive/adaptive disabilities.
• Families with limited income and resources may also qualify for supplemental security income (SSI) for their child with a disability.

Motor Dysfunction

Gross motor dysfunction

• Physical therapy is recommended to maximize mobility and to reduce the risk for later-onset orthopedic complications (e.g., contractures, scoliosis, hip dislocation).
• Consider use of durable medical equipment and positioning devices as needed (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, orthotics, adaptive strollers).

Fine motor dysfunction. Occupational therapy is recommended for difficulty with fine motor skills that affect adaptive function such as feeding, grooming, dressing, and writing.

Communication issues. Consider evaluation for alternative means of communication (e.g., augmentative and alternative communication [AAC]) for individuals who have expressive language difficulties. An AAC evaluation can be completed by a speech-language pathologist who has expertise in the area. The evaluation will consider cognitive abilities and sensory impairments to determine the most appropriate form of communication. AAC devices can range from low-tech, such as picture exchange communication, to high-tech, such as voice-generating devices. Contrary to popular belief, AAC devices do not hinder verbal development of speech, but rather support optimal speech and language development.

Neurobehavioral/Psychiatric Concerns

Children may qualify for and benefit from interventions used in treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA therapy is targeted to the individual child's behavioral, social, and adaptive strengths and weaknesses and typically performed one on one with a board-certified behavior analyst.

Consultation with a developmental pediatrician may be helpful in guiding parents through appropriate behavior management strategies or providing prescription medications, such as medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, when necessary.

Concerns about serious aggressive or destructive behavior can be addressed by a pediatric psychiatrist, behavioral pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician.

Surveillance

To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in Table 5 are recommended.

CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Recommended Surveillance

OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.

• Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, mode(s) of inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members; it is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that may arise or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional . —ED.

Mode of Inheritance

CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder ( CSNK2B -NDD) is an autosomal dominant disorder typically caused by a de novo pathogenic variant.

Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

• Almost all probands reported to date with CSNK2B -NDD whose parents have undergone molecular genetic testing have the disorder as the result of a de novo CSNK2B pathogenic variant.
• Rarely, individuals diagnosed with CSNK2B -NDD have an affected parent. Transmission of a CSNK2B pathogenic variant from an affected parent to an affected child has been reported in two families to date [ Trivisano et al 2023 ].
• Molecular genetic testing is recommended for the parents of the proband to evaluate their genetic status and inform recurrence risk assessment.
• The proband has a de novo CSNK2B pathogenic variant.
• The proband inherited a CSNK2B pathogenic variant from a parent with gonadal (or somatic and gonadal) mosaicism. Note: Testing of parental leukocyte DNA may not detect all instances of somatic mosaicism and will not detect a CSNK2B pathogenic variant that is present in the germ (gonadal) cells only.

Sibs of a proband. The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents:

• If a parent of the proband is known to have the CSNK2B pathogenic variant identified in the proband, the risk to the sibs of inheriting the pathogenic variant is 50%. Of note, significant intrafamilial clinical variability has been observed in the two families reported to date with recurrence [ Trivisano et al 2023 ] (see Clinical Description , Intrafamilial variability ).
• If the CSNK2B pathogenic variant found in the proband cannot be detected in the leukocyte DNA of either parent, the recurrence risk to sibs is estimated to be 1% because of the possibility of parental gonadal mosaicism [ Rahbari et al 2016 ].

Offspring of a proband. Each child of an individual with CSNK2B -NDD has a 50% chance of inheriting the CSNK2B pathogenic variant.

Other family members. The risk to other family members depends on the status of the proband's parents: if a parent has the CSNK2B pathogenic variant, the parent's family members may be at risk.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

Family planning

• The optimal time for determination of genetic risk and discussion of the availability of prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing is before pregnancy.
• It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected and parents of affected individuals.

Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Once the CSNK2B pathogenic variant has been identified in an affected family member, prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing are possible.

Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing. While most health care professionals would consider use of prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing to be a personal decision, discussion of these issues may be helpful.

GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here .

No specific resources for CSNK2B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder have been identified by GeneReviews staff.

• Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. — ED.

CSNK2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Genes and Databases

Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene from HGNC ; chromosome locus from OMIM ; protein from UniProt . For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD, ClinVar) to which links are provided, click here .

OMIM Entries for CSNK2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder ( View All in OMIM )

Molecular Pathogenesis

CSNK2B encodes casein kinase II subunit beta (CK2β), a regulatory subunit of casein kinase II (CK2), a serine/threonine kinase implicated in many diverse cellular functions. The holoenzyme is a heterotetramer comprised of two catalytic alpha subunits (combinations of α and α') flanking a beta subunit, the latter specifically encoded by CSNK2B [ Niefind et al 2001 ]. Casein kinase is ubiquitously expressed with high levels of expression in the brain [ Guerra et al 1999 ]. The alpha subunit is encoded by CSNK2A1 , which has also been associated with neurodevelopmental disease [ Okur et al 2016 ] (see Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome ).

Mechanism of disease causation. The mechanism of disease causation in CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder is not fully understood. Because a subset of CSNK2B pathogenic variants is expected to result in reduced beta subunit expression, haploinsufficiency appears to be one important disease mechanism [ Di Stazio et al 2023 ]. Indirect support for reduced CK2β expression as a cause of nervous system dysfunction comes from experimental evidence showing altered dendritic arborization and synaptic physiology because of CSNK2B knockdown in neural stem cells [ Yang et al 2018 ]. Although reduced holoenzyme formation and activity is the presumed relevant consequence of CSNK2B haploinsufficiency, holoenzyme-independent mechanisms are also possible.

It is unclear whether some CSNK2B missense pathogenic variants might be hypomorphic alleles or have a dominant-negative effect in reducing activity of the heterotetramer in a more profound way (as proposed by Asif et al [2022] ).

CSNK2B Pathogenic Variants Referenced in This GeneReview

ID = intellectual disability

Variants listed in the table have been provided by the authors. GeneReviews staff have not independently verified the classification of variants.

GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society ( varnomen ​.hgvs.org ). See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature.

• Chapter Notes

Author Notes

Natalie Lippa, MS, CGC, is Assistant Professor of Genetic Counseling in the Department of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Maureen Mulhern, MS, MAT, CGC, is a genetic counselor in the Inter-Departmental Genetic Counseling Program, Department of Neurology, and in the Precision Genomics Laboratory at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Michelle Ernst Florido, MS, CGC, is Assistant Program Director for the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Chelsea Earley, MD, is a pediatric clinical epilepsy fellow at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Tristan T Sands, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Dr Sands sees patients with genetic causes of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disability, and his laboratory conducts translational research as part of the Center for Translational Research in Neurodevelopmental Disease (CTRND).

The CTRND at Columbia University is actively involved in ongoing clinical and translational research on CSNK2B -related neurodevelopmental disorder. Contact Dr Sands ( ude.aibmuloc.cmuc@72stt ) with clinical questions or research interests.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the CSNK2B Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Foundation and patients with CSNK2B -NDD and their families.

Revision History

• 5 September 2024 (bp) Review posted live
• 7 August 2023 (ts) Original submission

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