SPEECH THERAPY

When a family or teachers suspects that a child might have problems with speech and language a screening is the first step. The screening uses a set of tests that will determine if the individual requires a formal speech and language evaluation. These screenings are provided in different settings as needed. Screenings are brief, taking approximately twenty minutes. There is no charge for this service.

Evaluations assess an individual’s communication skills. The evaluation process includes a review of history information, informal and/or formal assessment of current communication levels and interpretation of the information gathered. The family receives a written summary after the evaluation that may be shared with other professionals in order to give a complete explanation of the testing and our findings, and to make specific recommendations.

The following areas may be assessed and the evaluation session is determined according to the patient’s needs.

Articulation/Phonological Skills: Pronunciation of sounds, speech clarity.

Language: Understanding and use of vocabulary, concepts, grammar, word order and social language; involves skills including listening comprehension, ability to follow verbal directions, verbal reasoning, ability to express oneself clearly in an organized manner, appropriate conversational skills.

Fluency: Stuttering.

Oral /Motor/ Apraxia: Strength and coordination of the muscle of the mouth area; good oral-motor skills are needed for feeding and speech.

Tongue Thrust: Tongue pushes forward against teeth when swallowing.

. Auditory Processing.

. Dyslexia/Reading/Language Based Learning Disabilities.

. Written Language/Spelling.

. Sensory deficit related to speech.

. Down Syndrome.

. Selective Mutism.

. Treatment.

Jumping Step by Step, INC provides individualized family-centered services. Our clinicians have developed programs to address the needs of children diagnosed with Language disorder, Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorders and other speech and language disorders. Children are seen for treatment on an individual basis, usually for 30-60 minute sessions depending on the child’s age and specific needs, as determined from the evaluation. Goals and treatment activities are individualized for each child. Games are often used to make learning more fun and to provide reinforcement.

Group is occasionally recommended for children who need to practice their skills in a group setting.

Parent Involvement:

We believe parents are an important part of the treatment. After each session parents are given information about child’s progress during the session. Homework often assigned between sessions to help child make faster progress.