leesburg, va

dower & associates

speech pathology + applied behavior analysis 

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dower & associates

leesburg, va

OUR SERVICES

We’re here to help, every step of the way.

Our personalized communication, speech and behavior therapy services are designed to help your child thrive. With nearly 40 years of experience, we combine compassion and evidence-based strategies to make a meaningful impact on every client.

our why

We help because we’ve seen the difference it makes. Truly, we help because we’re dedicated to your child’s future.

With nearly 40 years of experience, we’ve seen what works. We’re committed to providing the guidance and support your family needs, helping your child thrive in ways you never thought possible.

our services

Speech and Language Evaluations

Why pursue a speech/language evaluation? An evaluation should be initiated if your child:

- Has difficulty imitating sounds.
- Appears slow to comprehend new words.
- Struggles to communicate their foundational needs.
- Struggles to or does not respond to questions or directions.
- Has difficulty starting conversation with others.
- Makes limited or poor sounds of quality.
- Is not stringing words together by 18 months.
- Cannot be understood by strangers after 24 months.
- Does not speak in sentences by 3 years of age.
- Lacks verbal fluency by 3 ½ years .
- Experiences communicative or cognitive changes after a surgery or injury.

What to expect in the evaluation?

Your child’s case history will be reviewed before the assessment. This includes medical records, education, and socioeconomic, cultural and linguistic background. Speech, language and communication skills will be assessed using both standardized and non-standardized measures. The evaluation may take one session or several sessions depending on your child’s cooperation and the number of skills being assessed. A brief, informal summary of the results will be discussed after testing. Upon request, a formal report is then generated and provided to the parent(s) or guardian with specific recommendations. Should the evaluation indicate the need for speech/language therapy, session(s) can be scheduled to begin at mutually agreeable days and times. A formal plan of care will be developed within the first month of speech/language therapy.

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Specialized Instruction

Standardized and/or informal assessment of reading, written language, spelling, and/or math can occur as part of specialized instruction or as a stand-alone service. Sessions are generally at least one hour in length several times a week. We generally use SRA/McGraw-Hill’s Direct Instruction (DI) curriculums (i.e., Language for Learning, Language for Thinking, Language for Writing, Reading Mastery, Connecting Math Concepts, Spelling Mastery, Reasoning and Writing, etc.) for intervention and instruction. Six meta-analyses have examined Direct Instruction programs. All of these analyses have concluded that DI programs have highly positive effects on student achievement and that the programs are more effective than other curricular approaches.


Our Focused ABA treatment is designed to target a select set of specific skills that align with your or your child’s goals. Provided by an experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who is also a Speech-Language Pathologist, this one-on-one approach hones in on key functional skills.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who need focused intervention on critical areas such as instruction-following, social communication, specific academic skills, and independent leisure activities. It's particularly beneficial when symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are not pervasive but require targeted support in one or two areas. Additionally, Focused ABA is less time-intensive, making it a practical option for those needing specific skill development without the commitment of, or need for, a more comprehensive program.

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we're here for you

Parent Coaching

Coaching from an SLP who is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) offers a powerful opportunity to gain the skills needed to effectively support your family and create lasting positive change. I provide evidence-based strategies to manage behaviors, strengthen parent-child relationships, and cultivate a more harmonious home. Whether your child is facing communication, learning, or behavioral challenges at home or needs support in an educational setting, a qualified parent coach offers personalized guidance to help you reach your goals with your child.

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What makes us different

We Focus on the Details

Every aspect of our care is tailored to your child's unique needs. From personalized therapy plans to meticulous progress tracking, we leave no stone unturned in helping your child succeed.

We're Here For You

We believe in personalized care that’s rooted in trust. We work closely with families to create a supportive environment where every child can thrive.

We're Experienced

With nearly 40 years of expertise in speech and behavior therapy, we bring a wealth of knowledge to support your child's development every step of the way.

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Your child’s success starts here.


Whether your little one needs support in speech-language, behavior, or reading, writing, or math skills, we’re here to make learning a fun-filled adventure. Reach out today, and let’s begin a journey where growth, joy and giggles go hand in hand! 

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Insurance

Rates for our services will be discussed during our complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. We operate on a private pay basis, but we do accept HSA/FSA payments via IvyPay with payment due at the time of service. While we are considered an out-of-network provider, we will provide detailed monthly invoices, to include procedure codes and diagnostic codes, for your records and use. Please note that we do not directly communicate with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. It’s advisable to check with your insurance company to understand your benefits and out-of-network coverage.

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Ready to find the right support for your child? Contact us for a free 15 minute phone consultation and learn how our evidence-based approach can help.


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