Services
Evaluations & Screenings of Communication Disorders
Speech and language assessments are carried out to identify the underlying cause. Formal evaluations are offered in speech, language, feeding, and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) for both pediatric and adult populations. These assessments are crucial in determining the individual’s communication needs and developing appropriate intervention plans tailored to their specific requirements.
By conducting thorough evaluations in these areas, professionals can gain valuable insights into the individual’s abilities and challenges, leading to more effective and personalized treatment strategies. It is essential to address communication difficulties early on to enhance overall quality of life and promote successful social interactions.
Through comprehensive assessments and targeted interventions, individuals can improve their communication skills and achieve greater independence in various aspects of daily living. Effective communication is fundamental to personal growth and social integration and addressing communication challenges through specialized assessments and interventions can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Adult Speech and Language Therapy
Speech Sound Disorders:
-Dysarthria
-Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Fluency Disorders:
-Stuttering
-Cluttering
Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders:
-Aphasia
-Social Pragmatic Communication Disorders
Some of the Conditions that impact speech:
-Parkinson’s disease
-Stroke
-Head trauma
-Dementia
-Brain tumors
-Learning and reading disabilities
Pediatric Speech Services
Receptive & Expressive Language disorders/delays:
A receptive language disorder occurs when a child struggles to comprehend and process the language they hear from others. An expressive language disorder, on the other hand, manifests when a child encounters challenges in effectively conveying their message.
Speech Sound Disorders:
A speech sound disorder can result in challenges pronouncing specific words, issues with proper articulation, and struggles with sound patterns. If you find it challenging to comprehend your child’s speech, it is advisable to seek a speech sound evaluation for them.
–Articulation disorders
–Phonological disorders
–Childhood Apraxia of speech
–Pediatric Dysarthria
–Selective Mutism
Fluency disorders (stuttering and cluttering):
Fluency disorders disrupt the natural flow, rhythm, and pace of speech. Individuals experiencing stuttering may exhibit interruptions, blocks, and repetitions within their speech.
Early Intervention (Birth-3):
If you observe that your child is experiencing difficulties in communication and is not achieving developmental milestones, it is crucial to seek assistance promptly. We advise against adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. In the event that your child has been evaluated and you prefer not to endure a lengthy waitlist, we are prepared to offer the necessary therapy services for your child.
Feeding disorders:
We have received training in the SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) Approach to Feeding. This approach emphasizes interactive and engaging experiences with different foods in a sensory-sensitive way, creating a comfortable feeding environment for the child.
If your child is a picky eater or has feeding challenges, they may benefit from additional support to expand their dietary variety.
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
We embrace neurodiversity in our practice, emphasizing the utilization of your child’s strengths to support their preferences and needs. Our team is Inside Out Sensory trained, recognizing that a child’s learning journey begins with meaningful human connections. This approach focuses on sensory regulation. In the therapy sessions the goal is to bring the child into their optimal learning zone. This is the zone where the child is regulated, both emotionally and physically.
The child needs to be regulated in order to communicate. We use play and movement activities to engage the child. We are in the process of becoming trained in Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), which provides an in-depth look into how children communicate with echolalia or scripting.
Pragmatic (Social) communication disorders:
“Social communication disorder (SCD) is defined by ongoing challenges in utilizing verbal and nonverbal communication for social interactions. Key difficulties may manifest in social engagement, comprehension, pragmatics, language processing, or a blend of these areas.”
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses all forms of communication beyond verbal speech. Individuals of any age may utilize AAC if they encounter challenges with speech or language abilities. ‘Augmentative’ refers to enhancing speech, while ‘alternative’ denotes a substitute for speech. Some individuals rely on AAC throughout their lifetime, while others may use it temporarily. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can assist in identifying the most suitable AAC system and provide guidance on its effective use for communication. Since not every tool is suitable for every individual, it is crucial to find the right fit.
Parent Coaching & Education
We aim to support every family by offering virtual coaching and educational resources. If you seek clarity or guidance on enhancing your child’s language development, we are here to help. Our sessions focus on breaking down pre-linguistic skills for parents, providing speech and language strategies to incorporate into play, reading, daily routines like dressing, and mealtime.
Communication Play Groups
This engaging group is designed to enhance communication and play development. Led by a Speech Pathologist in an interactive, play-based setting, the program equips parents with skills and techniques that can be integrated into their daily interactions to effectively support their child. We offer strategies and support to assist parents in helping their children: explore various communication methods, engage in diverse play activities, utilize everyday routines to promote communication, and more.
How to get started:
1. Complimentary consultation:
Reach out to us to schedule a complimentary consultation, which can be conducted over the phone or virtually. This session allows you to ask questions and share your concerns, helping us determine if we are the right match for your requirements.
2. Scheduling an Evaluation:
An evaluation will be arranged, encompassing a review of the client’s medical history, clinical observations, assessment measures, caregiver interview, and teacher interview if necessary. The evaluation will be conducted in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, utilizing informal and formal assessments. Children who have been evaluated within the last 6 months do not require an initial evaluation and will undergo re-evaluation every 6 months. Subsequent to the evaluation, we will review the results and provide recommendations.
3. Begin Treatment:
We will review the most suitable therapy plan for you and your child, along with our available therapy session slots. Our therapy approach is crafted to be enjoyable, interactive, and beneficial for every individual. Speech and language therapy sessions are tailored to align with the patient’s interests and needs.
