Yanetsy Pena, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

10000 SW 56th St Suite 10 Miami FL, 33165 Show map

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About

Yanetsy Pena is a CCC Speech-Language Pathologist practicing in Miami, FL. Ms. Pena specializes in Speech, Language and Swallowing disorders in patients. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Ms. Pena evaluates, diagnoses and treats patients with communication and language disorders. These conditions may be due to developmental delay, brain injury, hearing loss, autism, stroke or other diseases and injuries. Ms. Pena helps patients make sounds and improve their voices through various methods. Speech-language Pathologists also work with patients to strengthen muscles used to speak and swallow and work with individuals and families to help cope with their conditions.

Education and Training

Florida International Univ. Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences 2015

Albizu University M.S. Speech Language Pathology 2019

Board Certification

Florida Department of Health

Provider Details

Female English, Spanish

Yanetsy Pena, MS, CCC-SLP

Yanetsy Pena, MS, CCC-SLP's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can a speech delay be fixed?
A speech delay in a 2-year-old child can often be addressed and improved with appropriate intervention. I recommend consulting with a speech-language pathologist who can evaluate your daughter's speech and language skills. We will be able to identify any underlying factors contributing to the delay and develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to her specific needs. Early intervention is key to addressing speech delays effectively. READ MORE
Is late talking genetic?
Thank you for reaching out with your question. It is understandable that you may have concerns regarding your daughter's speech development. Late talking in children can have various causes, and genetics can play a role in language development. Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to language disorders and delays. If other family members have experienced delayed speech or language difficulties, it is possible that your daughter may be genetically predisposed to late talking. However, it is important to note that late talking is not solely determined by genetics. Environmental factors, such as the child's exposure to language and the quality of interaction and stimulation they receive, also significantly impact language development. If you are concerned about your daughter's speech delay, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist. They will be able to assess your daughter's overall development, provide a more accurate evaluation, and offer appropriate guidance or interventions if necessary. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and some variations in speech development can be considered within the range of normal. Seeking professional advice will help address any concerns and ensure the best support for your daughter's language development. Best regards, Yanetsy Pena M.S.,CCC-SLP READ MORE
Does your tongue cause speech issues?
Yes, the position and movement of the tongue can indeed contribute to speech issues or speech delays. The tongue plays a crucial role in producing various speech sounds. It helps shape and direct airflow to create specific sounds and articulations. In some cases, individuals with speech delays or disorders may exhibit difficulties with tongue movements or tongue placement during speech production. For example, if the tongue has limited mobility or if there are issues with tongue coordination, it can affect the ability to accurately produce certain sounds, such as those involving tongue-tip placement, such as "t," "d," "n," or "l." Additionally, structural abnormalities or conditions that affect the tongue's anatomy, such as tongue tie (ankyloglossia), may impact speech production. Tongue tie occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual, limiting the tongue's range of motion. However, it is important to note that not all speech delays or disorders are caused by issues with the tongue. Speech and language development involve a complex interplay of various factors, including oral muscle coordination, hearing, cognitive abilities, and overall development. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment by a qualified speech-language pathologist or healthcare professional is necessary to determine the specific factors contributing to an individual's speech delay. If you have concerns about your speech or suspect a speech delay, it is recommended to seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist. We can assess your specific situation, identify any underlying causes, and provide appropriate intervention or therapy to address speech-related challenges effectively. READ MORE
Is it normal for a 4 year old to stutter?
Stuttering, or the interruption in the flow of speech characterized by the repetition or prolongation of sounds, syllables, or words, is not uncommon in young children. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 5% of children experience some form of stuttering during their early years of speech development. For most children, particularly those aged 2 to 5 years old, stuttering is considered a normal part of their language development process. It typically appears as they are learning to put words and sentences together while their language skills are rapidly expanding. This type of stuttering, known as developmental stuttering, tends to resolve on its own without any intervention. However, it is important to note that each child's speech development is unique, and if you have concerns about your daughter's stuttering, it is advisable to consult with a qualified speech-language pathologist or a healthcare professional who specializes in childhood speech disorders. They can assess your daughter's specific situation and provide guidance on whether her stuttering falls within the range of normal development or if further evaluation or intervention is necessary. It is worth mentioning that certain factors, such as a family history of stuttering, a significant increase in stuttering frequency or severity, or associated speech difficulties, may warrant closer attention and evaluation by a professional. Remember, early intervention and support can be valuable in addressing speech concerns, so seeking professional advice is the best course of action to ensure the well-being and proper development of your daughter's speech skills. Please note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional for specific advice regarding your daughter's situation. READ MORE
What causes an adult to develop a speech delay?
In adults, a speech delay or speech disorder can have various causes. Here are a few potential factors that can contribute to the development of a speech delay in adulthood: 1. Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological disorders, can affect the areas of the brain responsible for speech production and motor control. These conditions can lead to difficulties with articulation, fluency, or voice production. 2. Developmental Disorders: Some individuals may have undiagnosed or untreated speech and language disorders that persist into adulthood. Conditions like childhood apraxia of speech, specific language impairment, or dysarthria can affect speech development during childhood and continue to impact speech abilities in adulthood. 3. Hearing Loss: Hearing loss can affect speech development and lead to speech delays, both in children and adults. If an adult develops hearing loss later in life or experiences a decline in hearing ability, it can affect their speech production and understanding of speech sounds. 4. Psychological Factors: Psychological factors, such as anxiety, stress, or emotional trauma, can influence speech production and fluency. These factors may manifest as speech delays or disorders in adulthood. 5. Structural Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the oral cavity, such as cleft palate, vocal cord paralysis, or other physical conditions, can impact speech production and cause delays or difficulties in adulthood. 6. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as limited exposure to language or speech stimulation, lack of access to speech therapy, or cultural and linguistic differences, may contribute to speech delays in adults. It is important to note that the causes of speech delays in adults can vary widely, and each individual's situation is unique. If you are experiencing speech-related challenges as an adult, it is advisable to consult with a speech-language pathologist or a healthcare professional specializing in communication disorders. We can assess your specific circumstances, identify the underlying causes, and provide appropriate intervention or therapy to address your speech concerns effectively. READ MORE
How do you help a teenager with a speech delay?
Helping a teenager with a speech delay, such as a small lisp, can involve various strategies and approaches. Here are some general suggestions that may be beneficial: 1. Consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): It is advisable to seek the expertise of a qualified SLP who specializes in speech and language disorders. We can assess your son's specific speech patterns, identify the underlying causes of the lisp, and develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to his needs. 2. Speech Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can provide structured speech therapy sessions to address the lisp. Therapy may include specific exercises and techniques to target the sounds associated with the lisp, such as practicing correct tongue placement and airflow during speech production. The SLP will guide your son through these exercises and provide feedback to help him improve his articulation. 3. Practice and Reinforcement: Encourage your son to practice speech exercises and techniques regularly at home. Consistent practice is vital for reinforcing new speech patterns and achieving progress. Provide positive reinforcement and support during practice sessions to keep your son motivated and engaged. 4. Communication Strategies: In addition to speech therapy, an SLP can help your son develop effective compensatory strategies to minimize the impact of the lisp in daily communication. These strategies may include emphasizing specific sounds, adjusting speaking rate, and using appropriate breath control while speaking. 5. Education and Awareness: Help your son understand his speech delay and the strategies being implemented to address it. Educating him about the nature of his lisp can reduce self-consciousness and foster a positive attitude towards therapy. Encourage open communication and create a supportive environment where he feels comfortable discussing his concerns. 6. Peer Support: Encourage your son to participate in activities or support groups where he can interact with peers who may have similar experiences. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. 7. Patience and Encouragement: Understand that progress may take time, and setbacks can occur. Encourage your son to persevere and remain patient throughout the process. Offer praise and positive reinforcement for his efforts and improvements to boost his confidence. Remember, each teenager's situation is unique, and the guidance of a qualified speech-language pathologist is crucial for designing an individualized treatment plan. We can provide specific strategies and techniques tailored to your son's needs and monitor his progress over time. READ MORE
Does birth order affect the likelihood of having speech issues?
Hi, Thanks for reaching out to me with your concerns. It is not uncommon for younger kids to let the older ones take the lead on their speech attempts. However, speech delays depend on multiple factors. I would like more information. Are all the kids born in the same environment/opportunities? Have all of them had the same devoted attention from the caretaker? Do they share the same biological parents? Have they been exposed to the same education or support system as they were growing? Even when having all of this factors in common, it is still possible to have a speech delay in one them and not the others. Each child is unique! My best advice: If you have concerns with any of your kids, talk to your pediatrician, request a speech and language evaluation prescription, and seek help. It will never hurt, even if it’s a mild concern. READ MORE
What are the treatment options for dyslexia?
You can request your pediatrician for a speech and language evaluation and bring her for a comprehensive assessment with a speech language Pathologist. READ MORE
What is apraxia of speech in toddlers?
In order for speech to occur, messages need to go from your brain to your mouth. These messages tell the muscles how and when to move to make sounds. When a child has apraxia of speech, the messages do not get through correctly. She might not be able to move their lips or tongue in the right ways, even though her muscles are not weak. A child with CAS knows what they want to say. The problem is not how the child thinks, but how the brain tells the mouth muscles to move. Make sure the diagnosis came from Speech Language Pathologist after receiving an evaluation. READ MORE
When should I worry about my child not talking?
Hello, thanks for reaching out to me with your concerns. According to the language acquisition chart, expressively, at 7 months he should have started requesting objects using hands, from 9-11 months he should have had babbles, from 9m to 11 months he should have been vocalizing to toys and pets, at 12 months imitating and naming words via approximations, such as, dada, tete, mama, tata, ba for ball , and preferred objects. And by 15 months he should be using gestures plus word combination and exclamations, i.e., "uh-oh" Please express your concerns to your pediatrician and request an early intervention Speech- Language evaluation. Many pediatricians opt to wait until the kid is older, but honestly, you will continue to be concern and the sooner he is given the help he needs the sooner he will meet his overall language milestones. READ MORE
What is the difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist?
Hello, I am happy to answer this question for you. In the Speech career, there are three different titles: -SLP-A wish is an assistant with a (Bachelors Degree in speech) who’s role is to follow with the treatment plan and provide therapy only under direct supervision -CF-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow (Masters degree working under supervision) evaluates and provides therapy -CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist certified by the board and ASHA to evaluate/diagnose, treat and supervises assistants/clinical fellows (Highest Rank) READ MORE
How can I tell if my baby has speech problems?
Hello, My advice is to never wait, she is at the stage of major language acquisition. Request your pediatrician a prescription for a speech and language evaluation. READ MORE
My son still can't pronounce his "r's" properly. Would therapy help him?
Hello, thank you for reaching out for help. How old is your son? If he happens to be older than 5, request from your pediatrician a speech and language evaluation prescription. READ MORE
How can I tell if my daughter has speech issues?
Hello, Yes, she needs to have a speech and language evaluation to test the severity of her articulation concern. Thanks. READ MORE
What causes children to have a delayed speech?
Hello Thanks for reaching out. There are numerous factors that causes a speech delay or disorder. The most common are Autism Spectrum Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, Audiological and Phonological disorders etc. But right now the most important thing other than finding the cause is taking him for 1.Speech Language Evaluation A speech pathologist will then refer you if needed to an 2.Audiological Evaluation and/or 3.Neurological Evaluation READ MORE
How long does a speech therapy session last?
Hello, typically, sessions last either 30 mins or 1 hour. Speech Pathologists recommend that time based on the severity of the disorder found in the evaluation process. The treatment recommendation and duration is written in the plan of care (POC) the pathologist wrote for her, you need to (request a copy of your evaluation report and POC). However, even when we recommend for a patient to attend therapy 1,2 or 3 times a week for 30 or 60 mins the insurance not always approves it. Therefore, you need to contact the administration department at the office you will be receiving the treatment to find out what was the insurance authorization or contact your insurance and they will let you know your approval information. READ MORE
Is there a therapy that can cure stammering?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for stammering. Most stammering develops during childhood and is a neurological, rather than a psychological, condition. The stammer may come and go during childhood, but if it continues into adulthood, then it's likely to be a lifelong condition. Therefore, make sure she attends to a speech pathologist who is specialized in disfluencies disorders and give her the treatment she needs now that she is still a girl. READ MORE
How can a speech pathologist help my son?
Yes, make sure he receives an articulation evaluation with a speech pathologist. READ MORE
Why does my 2 year old son slap himself when angry?
Please express your concerns to your pediatrician and if needed request a Behavioral Therapy Evaluation. READ MORE
Why is "l" difficult to pronounce for some?
It it hard to say the reason without having completed a comprehensive speech and language evaluation. Please request to your pediatrician a prescription for a speech evaluation and if the severity of the condition is not developmental then he might need treatment sessions. The /l/ sound in my opinion is one of the easiest to target and all he needs is skilled therapy. READ MORE