Speech and Language Evaluation
The evaluation process begins with a comprehensive analysis of the child’s development. Formal and informal assessments may be conducted in the areas of receptive language (understanding spoken language), expressive language (speaking and communicating), pragmatic language (proper use of language), articulation, voice and fluency, and the oral peripheral speech mechanism. Based upon the evaluation, specific recommendations are made and therapeutic goals are established to improve the child’s speech and language skills.
Language Intervention
Therapy services are designed specifically for each individual child. In each session, an array of play, pictures, books, objects, games, and toys are used to stimulate language development and improve the following language skills:
- Understanding linguistic concepts and questions
- Following directions
- Breaking down and understanding lengthy verbal communications
- Expanding utterance length
- Increasing clear communication
- Establishing functional communication
- Improving social communication
Articulation and Oral-Motor Therapy
Various therapy techniques are used to help children increase speech intelligibility starting with specific phonemes in isolation and working up to connected speech. Oral motor exercises are used to strengthen the muscles of the mouth with the use of various TalkTools. PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), a tactile-kinesthetic treatment program, helps children feel the muscles and movements needed to produce words and phrases. The child’s entire communication system is analyzed and treated, and the plan provides carry over activities for reinforcement.