Speech, Language and Myofunctional Evaluations
Evaluations include a combination of standardized testing, clinical observations, and parent interview. When appropriate, reviews of other evaluation reports and interviews with teachers and other professionals can help provide a more thorough assessment. Evaluations typically last between 45-60 minutes. Once completed, a report is generated which includes a description of the child’s skills and areas of need, recommended goals, a treatment plan, and referrals if needed. Pending on the evaluation a recommendation of speech, language or myofunctional therapy could result. In addition, an outside referral of an ENT, developmental pediatrician or other professional could occur.
Individual Speech, Language or Myofunctional Treatment
A treatment plan typically includes 1-3 sessions per week of direct one-on-one treatment, focusing on individualized and measurable goals. Parent education is an integral part of the process and may be done through direct involvement during therapy sessions, observation, conversations following sessions, and/or written notes. Often, a therapy notebook is implemented in order to document what took place during therapy sessions and in order for children to work on goals throughout the week outside of sessions.
Speech, Language and Myofunctional Services- Individual Therapy
Growing Talkers Thumbsucking Program
Prolonged pacifier use and digit sucking are a natural way that children of a young age calm themselves, however these habits can become harmful to the child’s swallowing, breathing or communication if continued. When continued into childhood problems that occur could be: teeth misalignment, speech disorders, palatal issues resulting in a high, narrow palate to where the tongue does not properly rest, open mouth breathing and poor dental health. Growing Talkers Thumbsucking Program is a 30 day intensive program designed to involve caregivers and offer support. This method is 99% effective in helping children of all ages quite the habit. Often, stopping this behavior is the first step in improving swallowing, breathing or speech deficits.
Family Intervention and Parent Education
Parent and caregiver education is an integral part of the speech and language process. In lieu of traditional one-on-one therapy, the family intervention model is intended to be a one-time two-hour course for parents and caregivers seeking information and ideas on how best to facilitate communication within their homes. Courses can be tailored to specific age groups and will come with printouts of milestones, checklists and resources. A limit of 8-10 caregivers per group will be enforced.
Speech and Language Services- Group Therapy