Speech Language
Services
Language
Speech language pathologist's work to improve the expression/production of language (I.e., expressive language) and the understanding of language (I.e., receptive language). Each component plays a key role in a child's ability to communicate.
Fluency & Stuttering
Fleuncy refers to the smoothness, rate, and effort required when producing speech productions. Stuttering, also known as dysfluencies, refers to 'atypical rate, rhythm, part-word repetitions (ie I w-w-w-want a cookie), one sylable word repetition (no no no way), prolonged sounds (I ssssssssee it), and blocks or pauses I don't.... want it). It can also include tension seen in muscles of the face and neck and avoiding behaviors.
Social Skills
Social skills refer to using language, changing language, and following rules such as greetings & requesting. ​SLPs can help with social skills by targeting appropriate conversational turns (asking questions/commenting on others comment).
Articulation & Sound PRoduction
Articulation is the production of the various sounds present within conversation. Children develop each sound at different ages (e.g., 2-6). For example, sounds first learned to appropriately produce are /p, b, m, h, w/, with the last sounds including /r/ and “th.” These errors may result in decreased ability to understand your child.
Reading
Speech language pathologists can play a vital role in helping children how to read (i.e., literacy skills). Speech therapists target the understanding that words are composed of letters and sounds and how they work together to form words. These skills can include rhyming, syllable segmenting or deleting, blending, segmenting words into sounds, deleting sounds, or substituting sounds. These skills play a vital role in children’s ability to read.
Oral Motor Dysfunction
Oral motor dysfunction refers to difficulties in the movements and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw, which can affect speech, feeding, and swallowing. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological, muscular, or structural abnormalities, as well as developmental delays, genetic conditions, or trauma.
Feeding & Picky Eating
Picky eating is a behavior of being very selective about the foods you eat. It often involves avoiding certain foods or food groups, and preferring a limited range of foods.
Picky eating can manifest in different ways, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as texture, taste, smell, or appearance of certain foods. In some cases, picky eating can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems if the individual is not able to obtain a balanced diet.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (ACC)
AAC refers to a set of tools and strategies used to help individuals with communication impairments express themselves. AAC can be used by people who have difficulty speaking or writing, either temporarily or permanently, due to various medical conditions, such as developmental delays, neurological disorders, or trauma. Three types of AAC include Picture symbols, voice output devices and sign language.
Swallowing Dysfunction
Dysphagia is difficulty or discomfort in swallowing food or liquids. It is a common symptom that can be caused by various medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, muscular disorders, structural abnormalities. Some people may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, while others may have trouble with liquids or both. Dysphagia can also cause pain, coughing, choking, or regurgitation of food or liquids.
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The treatment of dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, simple lifestyle modifications such as changing the texture or temperature of food or modifying the eating position may be helpful.