Why Might We Ask for a Doctor’s Opinion After an Evaluation?

At More Than Speech, we’re committed to providing the most personalized, effective care possible for every child who walks through our doors. After a comprehensive evaluation, our team may sometimes recommend that you follow up with your child’s pediatrician or a medical specialist, and that’s not a cause for concern. It’s a proactive step to ensure your child is getting the complete support they need to thrive.

🩺 So, Why Might We Refer You to a Doctor?

Speech, language, sensory, and feeding concerns don’t always exist in isolation. They may be related to other developmental, neurological, or medical factors that deserve a closer look. A doctor’s insight can help us:

• Rule out or confirm underlying causes

• Coordinate care with other specialists

• Provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan

• Ensure your child is receiving care that considers the whole picture

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📋 Common Reasons We May Suggest a Medical Referral:

1. Hearing Concerns If your child has limited verbal output, inconsistent responses to sound, or delayed speech, a hearing screening may be necessary to rule out hearing loss or auditory processing difficulties.

2. Feeding Difficulties Persistent choking, gagging, or refusal to eat may require input from a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, or ENT to explore possible structural, sensory, or medical issues.

3. Sensory Processing Signs Children who exhibit extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, or movement, or who seek out intense sensory input, may benefit from further evaluation by a neurologist.

4. Concerns About Developmental Disorders If we notice markers that may suggest autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or global developmental delays, we may recommend follow-up with a developmental pediatrician or psychologist for a deeper evaluation.

5. Oral-Motor or Structural Issues. If a child has difficulty coordinating the movements needed for speech or feeding, or shows signs of a tongue-tie or other anatomical concern, we may recommend assessment by a pediatric dentist, ENT, or oral motor specialist.

🤝 Collaboration Is Key

As therapists, we bring expertise in communication, feeding, and sensory development—but we also know when another professional’s perspective is needed. Working as part of a collaborative care team helps us develop the most informed and effective plan for your child’s success.

When we recommend a medical opinion, we’ll explain exactly why, what to expect, and how it ties into your child’s therapy journey. We’re always here to answer your questions and guide you through each step.

We're In This Together

Our goal is to make sure every child receives care that supports them fully, mind, body, and communication. Sometimes that means we bring in other experts to ensure no detail is missed.

🗓️ Click here to schedule your child’s evaluation with More Than Speech💬 Let’s take the next step together.