Evaluations
Comprehensive, thoughtful evaluations that capture the Whole Child, looking beyond speech and language to understand the factors that may be affecting communication.
Pediatric speech-language therapy
Play with a Purpose.
Play with purpose. Grow with confidence. Communicate your way.
- Birth to 18
- Free Initial Call or Text
- Anna, TX & Collin Co.
- Home & Community
Speech therapy starts with connection, trust, and you.
Therapy, birth to 18
Playful, purposeful therapy built around each child’s strengths, interests, and sensory needs. Meaningful communication skills that matter in real life.
Parent coaching
Strategies that fit real life: bath time, car rides, and the twenty minutes before dinner when everyone is done.
Consulting & supervision
Professional consultation, contract SLP services, and supervision for SLPAs, clinical fellows, interns, and student clinicians.
The Dot & Dash Way
Play is evidence-based
Play is not the reward at the end of the work. It is the work.
Connection first
Kids do their best communicating with people they trust. Trust comes first.
Sensory needs matter
Movement, noise, lighting, and breaks are part of the plan, not a distraction from it.
Neurodiversity-affirming
The goal is meaningful communication and autonomy, not looking more typical.
Individualized care
There is no single formula for communication, so there is no standard program here.
Parents are partners
You know your child better than any report does. We plan together.
What to expect
Four steps, no surprisesFree Initial Consultation
Let’s talk about what you’re noticing, answer your questions, and figure out what makes sense next.
Get to Know Your Child
We’ll get to know your child through play, conversation, and your observations.
Make a Plan Together
We’ll choose goals that matter in your child’s real life, at home and at school.
Play With a Purpose
We’ll work toward those goals through play, connection, and evidence-based practice.
All About Me
- Name
- Cayla Van Vuren
- Age
- 38
- From
- China Spring, TX
- Education
- UNT & TWU
- Pediatric SLP
- 15 years of experience
- Mom
- Wife
- Texan
- my family
- cats
- concerts
- the beach
- things that smell good
- mystery books & tv shows
- good food
- coloring
I like understanding how and why things connect, seeing the bigger picture, and figuring out how things work.
I learn best through observations, examples, conversations, exploration, and very deep research rabbit holes.
I’m a wife, mom, pediatric SLP, and someone who genuinely loves getting to know kids. We are a neurodivergent household, and we celebrate minds of all kinds.
After 15 years of working with children and families, I’ve learned that the most meaningful work starts with connection. Every child brings their own personality, interests, strengths, and way of seeing the world, and I believe all of those things belong in the therapy room. My goal is to help kids feel understood and comfortable being themselves while building the skills they need to thrive.
Patient forms
Intake
Form coming soon
Check back soon, or reach out and we’ll send you what you need.
Consent
Form coming soon
Check back soon, or reach out and we’ll send you what you need.
Medical history
Form coming soon
Check back soon, or reach out and we’ll send you what you need.
Questions parents ask
Do we need a referral or a diagnosis first?
Nope. You don’t need a diagnosis, referral, or even a perfectly formed explanation of what’s going on. If you’re noticing something and wondering, “Hmm, is this something we should look into?” that’s enough. Tell me what you’re seeing, and we’ll figure out the next step together.
What if I’m not sure my child needs speech therapy?
That’s completely okay. You don’t have to know what your child needs before you reach out. That’s part of what I’m here for. We can talk through what you’re noticing, answer your questions, and figure out whether an evaluation, therapy, consultation, or maybe nothing at all makes the most sense.
What does a session actually look like?
Honestly? It depends on your kid. Sessions are built around your child’s communication needs, interests, strengths, and goals. We might play, move, read, talk, practice a skill, or build communication into something your child already loves. The goal is therapy that feels purposeful, engaging, and relevant to your child’s real life.
My child does not sit still. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not. Kids don’t have to sit still to learn or communicate. Movement, sensory needs, attention, regulation, and interests are all part of the picture. I’ll meet your child where they are and figure out what helps them learn best.
Where does therapy take place?
Wherever it makes the most sense for you and your child. Therapy can happen in your home or in a familiar community setting, like a library or another agreed-upon public space. I love working in real-life places because that’s where communication actually happens. We can practice skills right where your child lives, learns, and plays.
How long does an evaluation take?
Most initial evaluations take about 1–1.5 hours. Some may be a little shorter or longer depending on your child’s age, participation, communication needs, and what we need to learn. I don’t believe in rushing an evaluation just to beat the clock. I want to understand the whole picture.
How long and how often is therapy?
Most therapy sessions are 30 minutes, and a common starting point is 4–8 sessions per month. Some kids need more support, some need less, and sometimes the plan changes as your child grows. We’ll figure out what makes sense based on your child’s needs, goals, attention, and stamina. There is no magic number that works for every kid.
What is consultation?
Consultation is for those times when you need an SLP brain, but you’re not necessarily looking for ongoing therapy. Maybe you’re wondering whether your child needs an evaluation, trying to make sense of a school evaluation or IEP, preparing for an ARD meeting, or just have a bunch of questions and don’t know where to start. We can talk through what’s going on, look at what you have, and figure out your next step together.
Do you work with families around school-based services?
Yes. As an educational SLP, I can help you make sense of school evaluations, IEPs, speech-language services, and the special education process. Consultation is a great option if you want another SLP perspective without necessarily starting private therapy.
Do you take insurance?
Not currently. Dot & Dash is a private-pay practice, which means families pay directly for services rather than billing insurance. If that changes down the road, I’ll let you know.
What are your rates?
I believe in being upfront about pricing. Nobody likes getting to the end of a conversation and thinking, “Okay… but how much is this actually going to cost me?”
Dot & Dash is a private-pay practice. Pricing is always provided upfront.
Good Faith Estimate information
Current rates:
- Initial speech-language evaluation: $300
- 30-minute therapy session: $85
- Parent coaching: $100 / 45 minutes
- Consultation: $100 / 45 minutes
If your child needs something outside of these services, I’ll let you know what to expect before we get started.
Big questions are welcome.
Not sure where to start? Call, text, or email. We’ll figure it out together.
Quick privacy note: Text is great for quick questions and scheduling, but please save the health and clinical details for email.
