expert type icon EXPERT

Tami El Habachi

Speech-Language Pathologist

Tami El Habachi is a speech-language pathologist practicing in McKinney, TX. She owns Double Talk Therapy, operating out of two offices. In addition, she provides teletherapy services in the entire state of Texas, Maryland, California, and Vermont. Ms. El Habachi specializes in speech, language, fluency, voice, and swallowing disorders in patients. As a speech-language pathologist, she evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with communication and swallowing troubles. These conditions may be due to developmental delay, brain injury, hearing loss, autism, stroke, and other diseases and injuries. Ms. El Habachi 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. As part of this, they work with individuals and families to help cope with their conditions. If you are interested in services, feel free to reach out to the Double Talk Therapy office at 972-332-0084 or info@doubletalktherapy.com.
26 years Experience
Tami El Habachi
  • McKinney, TX
  • The University of Tulsa
  • Accepting new patients

At what age do children's speech delays appear?

A lisp is not a speech delay but rather a speech disorder. Delay implies that it just hasn't developed. In your son's case, I would have him evaluated by a speech pathologist READ MORE
A lisp is not a speech delay but rather a speech disorder. Delay implies that it just hasn't developed. In your son's case, I would have him evaluated by a speech pathologist that specializes in myofunctional therapy. Lisping is usually the result of positioning of the tongue in which air is escaping through the front of the mouth or the sides of the tongue. Myofunctional disorders can be the result of genetics, thumb or finger sucking, teeth position, bottles, pacifiers, Sipee cups, etc.

What can damage a baby's hearing?

There are many things that can go into having a hearing loss. If your child has hearing issues, then I recommend seeing and ENT as well as an audiologist to determine the best READ MORE
There are many things that can go into having a hearing loss. If your child has hearing issues, then I recommend seeing and ENT as well as an audiologist to determine the best course of treatment and to answer your questions.

Is speech stuttering serious?

I'm unsure what you mean by serious. Any communication disorder can have long term affects on your child's ability to communicate effectively. If you suspect your child has a READ MORE
I'm unsure what you mean by serious. Any communication disorder can have long term affects on your child's ability to communicate effectively. If you suspect your child has a fluency disorder, I would recommend seeing a speech-language pathologist. Sometimes your local school can help with this.

Is speech stuttering fixable?

There is no known cure for stuttering.

Can a speech pathologist help me with slurred words?

Yes, but it is always good to notify your physician to rule out medication side affects or other neurological conditions.

How is speech delay treated in speech therapy?

Really if your child has been diagnosed with non-verbal Autism, you need to try to access as many services possible. Your local school can also help with accessing special education READ MORE
Really if your child has been diagnosed with non-verbal Autism, you need to try to access as many services possible. Your local school can also help with accessing special education services. You never know which one or combination of services will help your child be able to communicate more affectively.

Should I be worried about my speech impairment?

I often treat adults for this reason. It's doesn't take that long usually to provide strategies as long as it is just a rate issue. Feel free to reach if you would like me to READ MORE
I often treat adults for this reason. It's doesn't take that long usually to provide strategies as long as it is just a rate issue. Feel free to reach if you would like me to refer you to someone locally or if I can be of any help.

How long does a speech therapy session last?

Every clinician is different. Typical sessions range from 30, 45, or 60 minutes 2-3 times a week. I typically tell parents that 30 minutes is best for young children. Speech READ MORE
Every clinician is different. Typical sessions range from 30, 45, or 60 minutes 2-3 times a week. I typically tell parents that 30 minutes is best for young children. Speech Therapy isn't like ABA therapy. We believe in quality over quantity and provide only what we feel the child can attend to.

How can I tell if my daughter has speech issues?

By age 6 your child should be able to produce "r" correctly. I recommend her seeing a speech pathologist to remediate the errored sound. The longer you wait on /r/ productions READ MORE
By age 6 your child should be able to produce "r" correctly. I recommend her seeing a speech pathologist to remediate the errored sound. The longer you wait on /r/ productions the harder it is to remediate.

Do children with autism always have speech delays?

No, there are some children that have Autism that do not have speech delays but still have difficulty with pragmatic language or sensory issues.

How do you help a teenager with a speech delay?

So at 16, it's no longer considered a delay but rather a disorder. I would recommend seeing a speech-language pathologist that specializes in myofunctional therapy to address READ MORE
So at 16, it's no longer considered a delay but rather a disorder. I would recommend seeing a speech-language pathologist that specializes in myofunctional therapy to address the lisp.

Why is my 2 year old still not saying words?

I would recommend having a screening performed by a speech-language pathologist or contacting your state's early intervention program to have an evaluation completed. That will READ MORE
I would recommend having a screening performed by a speech-language pathologist or contacting your state's early intervention program to have an evaluation completed. That will give you more information regarding your son's abilities.

I’m pretty sure I have a tic disorder?

You might try speaking to your school counselor if you feel comfortable with them or the school nurse. They may be able to intervene or provide more direct help.

How often should I take my child to speech therapy classes?

The speech pathologist will make a recommendation based on your child's abilities after an assessment is completed. Recommendations vary from therapist to therapist depending READ MORE
The speech pathologist will make a recommendation based on your child's abilities after an assessment is completed. Recommendations vary from therapist to therapist depending on their style and how severe they feel your child speech delay/disorder is.

Should I take my daughter to a doctor if she has a speech delay?

When in doubt, call and get a screening done, it never hurts. A speech pathologist can tell you if they have concerns regarding your child's speech and if they feel you need to READ MORE
When in doubt, call and get a screening done, it never hurts. A speech pathologist can tell you if they have concerns regarding your child's speech and if they feel you need to see a doctor regarding your child's condition.

How treatable is stuttering?

Although there is no cure for stuttering, it is a very treatable condition to make stuttering manageable.

What is considered late speech?

I would recommend contacting your state's early intervention program and having them evaluate your daughter. Typically there is no cost to you and it can be determined if she READ MORE
I would recommend contacting your state's early intervention program and having them evaluate your daughter. Typically there is no cost to you and it can be determined if she needs additional help or not. You can also contact a private speech pathologist and see if they offer a free consult or screening.

At what age should I worry if my child isn't talking?

I would look at developmental charts and look to see where your child is based on her months of age, not year of age. What is expected out of a 12-month-old is a lot different READ MORE
I would look at developmental charts and look to see where your child is based on her months of age, not year of age. What is expected out of a 12-month-old is a lot different than what is expected out of a 23-month-old both of which are 1 year of age. Here is a link to developmental milestones: https://doubletalktherapy.com/milestones/

What are the treatment options for voice disorder?

Voice disorders are a broad definition of disorders affecting the voice and quality of voice. Without more information, it is impossible to address specifically.

What makes hearing bad?

There are a lot of things that can result in poor hearing. However, in a 2-year-old, the most common cause are ear infections in the middle ear, often referred to as water on READ MORE
There are a lot of things that can result in poor hearing. However, in a 2-year-old, the most common cause are ear infections in the middle ear, often referred to as water on the ear. I would recommend seeing an ENT to address any issues that your child might have regarding hearing abilities.