Speech therapy

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Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. SLPs look at the following components

• Expressive Language: how your child uses words to express himself/herself 
• Receptive Language: your child’s ability to hear and comprehend spoken language Articulation: the production of speech sounds 
• Fluency: refers to the continuity, rate, smoothness in speech (ex. stuttering) 
• Voice: this can include voice quality, vocal hygiene, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort Auditory 
• Processing: your child may have difficulty processing what they hear AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication): AAC refers to various communication methods used to help one communicate without talking (ex. Picture communication, communication devices) 
• Feeding/Oral Motor Skills: if your child has difficulty chewing, swallowing, or advancing their diet an SLP may be able to help

Speech Therapy Evaluation: 

A speech therapy evaluation is administered by our speech therapist. During the evaluation, the speech therapist will assess the child's current functional status in the areas above. Together with the child and family, a treatment plan is developed with short-term and long-term goals to improve targeted skills and functional limitations. The frequency and duration of speech therapy are also determined during the evaluation. The Speech evaluation will last 60 minutes. 

Speech Therapy Sessions:

Speech therapy sessions are performed by the speech  therapist. The sessions are used to address the goals developed within the speech evaluation. The therapist provides one-on-one direct treatment integrating therapeutic activities to enhance progress. Parental education and a comprehensive home program are also provided to support the carryover of skills to the home and community. Each speech session is 60 minutes in duration.