Early Intervention Speech-Language Therapy in Myrtle Beach, SC

The first five years of life are considered to be the critical period for language and communication development. If you have concerns about your infant or toddler’s speech or language development, early intervention is the most powerful tool available — and it works best when started as soon as possible.

Communication Cottage Therapy provides early intervention speech-language therapy for children from birth through age 3 in Myrtle Beach and across Horry County, through South Carolina’s BabyNet program.  Not yet involved in babynet but your child is of this age group? No problem we can help support you without you needing to be in babynet first; however, can get you the necessary tools you need to receive additional support through Babynet.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The brain is most “plastic” — most able to form new neural connections — in the first five years of life. Research consistently shows that children who receive speech-language therapy early achieve significantly better long-term outcomes in communication, literacy, academic performance, and social development.

Early intervention does not require a confirmed diagnosis. If you are concerned about your child’s development, you do not need to wait for a specialist referral or a formal diagnosis to begin services. The earlier we start, the better.

What to Watch For: Communication Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but general milestones can help identify when early support may be beneficial:

  • By 12 months: Using gestures (pointing, waving), saying “mama/dada” meaningfully, responding to their name
  • By 18 months: Using 10–20 words, pointing to show interest, following simple directions
  • By 24 months: Using 50+ words, combining two words (“more milk,” “daddy go”), understood by familiar adults
  • By 36 months: Using short sentences, understood by strangers most of the time, asking and answering simple questions

If your child is not meeting these milestones, or if you simply have a gut feeling that something may be off, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

South Carolina BabyNet Program

BabyNet is South Carolina’s early intervention program for children birth–3 with developmental delays or disabilities, authorized under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child qualifies, BabyNet coordinates and funds a range of services — including speech-language therapy — at no cost to families.

The process to access BabyNet services:

  • Submit a referral to BabyNet for your child (your pediatrician can do this, or you can self-refer)
  • A BabyNet Intake Coordinator will contact you to schedule an evaluation
  • If eligible, your child is assigned a Service Coordinator who will help create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
  • The IFSP outlines goals and the services your child will receive, which may include speech-language therapy
  • Complete the CCT evaluation request form — either yourself or the Early Interventionist (EI) can complete on your behalf if you have one set up.  We’ll coordinate with your EI/ Service Coordinator from there

In-Home Early Intervention

For very young children, the home is the ideal therapy setting. Learning happens in the context of familiar routines — feeding, bathing, playing, reading — and that’s exactly where early intervention speech therapy is most effective. Our SLPs come to your home and work with you and your child together, in the moments that matter most. If availability or access is better for in – clinic services we do provide early intervention in our clinic as well with families involved in all sessions.  Our clinic mimics a home environment and feels comfortable to our community. 

We don’t just work with your child and leave. We teach you how to support language opportunities and help empower you, as your child’s most important communication partner.  The involvement of family is so important because you’re with them all day, every day and you know your child the best! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can self-refer to BabyNet in South Carolina. You can also contact Communication Cottage Therapy directly and we can help guide you through the process.

Yes — and we strongly support it. AAC (picture boards, devices) can reduce frustration, support language development, and in no way prevents verbal speech from improving. Many children with CAS benefit from a multimodal approach that includes both verbal and AAC strategies.

No — it’s never too late to start. While children transition out of BabyNet at age 3, some can extend early intervention through what used to be known as DDSN but is now BHDD (Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities) to still receive their Early Interventionist/Service Coordination services.  Babynet funding for Speech and Occupational Therapy services does end at 3 years of age.  

School-based and private therapy services continue from age 3. We can also help support each transition that your child has.  Our admin team reaches out months in advance to help educate on what the transitions may mean with payor sources to work on ensuring continuity of care. 

Don't Wait — Start Early

If you have concerns about your infant or toddler’s communication development, reach out today. Early action makes the biggest difference.

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