Welcome to CHAT!
Do you know someone who struggles with a communication disorder? Have you seen first-hand how a communication disorder has impacted someone's daily life? We’re proud to say that our team of certified speech language pathologists (SLPs) can help! Not only are we located in schools across Chicago, but we also provide one-on-one therapy. We've been a leader in family-centered speech and language therapy for over 40 years, and we've transformed thousands of lives with our caring and professional interventions.
As a nonprofit organization, we believe that everyone deserves to have a voice that’s heard. We also believe in the importance of advocacy and providing quality care to anyone who needs it. By serving as both therapists and advocates, our impact extends far beyond just the families we work with and into the broader community. Our goal is to leave a positive footprint on the world by inspiring change, one voice at a time.
What is Speech & Language Therapy?
Speech and language therapy is a professional intervention focused on improving your child’s ability to understand and express themselves through language and learning. At CHAT, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter therapy plans and you will be involved in your child’s progress. We’ll work closely with you to discover your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Then, we'll develop a tailored treatment plan that’s just as unique as your child.
We’re passionate about what we do because we know how powerful speech and language therapy can be in transforming all areas of your child’s life – in school, at home, and with friends. With our help, your child will develop the ability to communicate, and you will see them grow in ways that you might have never imagined.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
All children hit their milestones at different ages, which can sometimes make it difficult to tell whether or not you should seek help from CHAT. In some situations, you might already know that your child needs therapy services because someone like a teacher, counselor or primary care physician recommends it.
If you’re not sure what signs to look for, below are some common indicators that your child might benefit from working with a skilled member of our CHAT team:
- Struggles with mispronouncing simple words, or says single words only and not phrases or sentences
- Says a new word once and doesn't use it again
- Points to the wrong object in a book you're reading - "Where is the dog?" but doesn’t point to the dog
- Responds to questions by repeating the question instead of answering the question - "Do you want juice?" with "you want juice" instead of nodding or answering, “Yes!”
- Fails to demonstrate progressive language skills and seems stuck
- Struggles with homework
- Avoids eye contact
- Has a hard time holding a conversation
- Displays difficulty making friends
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s speech, language and/or literacy development, then give us a call today! The earlier your child begins to strengthen their communication skills, the sooner you will see a positive impact in many areas of their life.
How to Get Started
If you're interested in learning more about how we can help, the best place to start is to schedule an evaluation. This allows us to assess your child's skills and determine a treatment plan that's specific to your child.
We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna and Medicaid options (a wait list may apply). CHAT is the ONLY nonprofit in the Chicago area dedicated to helping children with speech and language challenges. If you need financial assistance, please let us know so that we can find ways to help your child get the treatment they deserve.