Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation is the first important step in the therapeutic process. This consists of parent-report measures, standardized testing and therapists’ observations in a clinical setting while interacting with your child. The therapist will choose their evaluation tools based on the unique needs of your child to ensure the best possible data to design an effective intervention plan. The therapist will then analyze all of the information and provide a written report to the family. The development of specific therapy objectives for each child is a collaborative process with parents/caregivers and therapists and will take place over the first weeks of treatment.

Individual Speech Therapy

We provide services for the pediatric population experiencing any type of communication disorder. A communication disorder is defined as any impairment in the ability to understand or use verbal, nonverbal and/or written language systems. It may be evident in the processes of hearing, language, and/or speech and may range in severity from mild to profound. Communication disorders may be developmental in nature or acquired due to illness or injury.

These may be related to:

• • Speech disorders including articulation, voice, and fluency
• • Expressive, Receptive and Pragmatic Language Disorders
• • Autism Spectrum Disorders
• • Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
• • Learning Disabilities
• • Developmental Delays
• • Cerebral Palsy
• • Congenital and Chromosomal Anomalies
• • Oral Motor Deficits including Repaired Cleft Lip/Palate
• • Executive Functioning Difficulties
• • Feeding Problems

Co-Treat Model of Speech Therapy

There are times when a traditional approach to treatment isn’t as effective as a co-treat model with a Speech Therapist and an Occupational Therapist treating one child together. Ideally, by combining the two approaches, more significant progress is made in the same amount of time. Individual progress varies based on each child’s specific strengths and weaknesses, as well as cognitive, environmental and other variables. When the co-treated child is ready, speech and occupational therapies separate and return to two separate sessions.

Oral Motor / Feeding Therapy

Our speech therapists provide individual oral motor and feeding therapy for children to increase their comfort and success with eating. Therapists will determine the likely causes for feeding difficulties and design a plan of intervention to address those causes. It may include fundamental skills, such as posture, oral motor skills, tactile discrimination or to decrease tactile hypersensitivities to textures.

Individual therapy works to address areas that form the foundation for successful eating. Each therapeutic treatment program is based on the individual needs of the child and incorporates the goals of the client and family. Oral motor therapy utilizes direct services, as well as consultation and participation by caregivers. Additionally, weekly homework is provided in order to ensure carryover to their child’s natural environments.

Therapy Intensive

A therapy intensive may be beneficial if you are traveling from out of state and have a limited amount of time before returning home. It may also be recommended by your therapist if it is determined from the evaluation that a burst of service would enhance progress more than a traditional, weekly model of service delivery. Typically we start with a program of 20 to 30 sessions in intense bursts (3 times a week for local clients; 5 times a week for out-of-town clients).