Speech & Language Services
Our Speech-Language Pathologist provides individual assessment and therapy services for children who are having difficulty with any of the areas listed below:
Late Talkers
This refers to toddlers who are between the ages of 18-30 months who have typical development in their understanding of language, social skills, play skills, cognition and motor skills but are using few to no spoken words. Often parents will use a “wait and see” approach at this time and it is true that some toddlers will catch up on their own but others will not.
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Research shows that early intervention is key! If a child is “late” in expressing themselves (not using words or gestures to communicate their wants and needs) it can put them at risk for further difficulties with grammar and reading in later childhood. The average 18 month old says approximately 50 words and uses these in combination with gestures and babbling to communicate.
If you’re worried that your child is not talking enough for his or her age please give us a call!
Articulation
The ability to use your breath, voice, mouth, lips and tongue to form and produce sounds creating speech. Articulation errors are common at certain ages and should resolve on their own. If sound errors persist it is important to receive an assessment and therapy.
If your child has a difficulty with articulation it may look like this: saying “thome” for “some” or “wed” for “red”
Phonology
Phonological disorders are rule-based sound patterns in speech which results in a child using the wrong sounds in words. Similar to Articulation errors, phonological processes (errors) can be developmentally appropriate but are expected to stop by a certain age. Phonological disorders can look like this:
Fronting (saying “tat” for “cat”) ; Backing (saying “kuck” for “duck”)
Expressive Language
The ability to use sounds, words, gestures, signs, or pictures to express your thoughts, wants, needs and feelings.
If your child has an expressive language delay they may have difficulties finding the right words to use, using grammatically correct sentences, or have difficulty retelling a story.
Receptive Language
The ability to understand language. This often develops prior to expressive language. If your child has a receptive language delay they may have difficulties following directions, responding to their name, or understanding questions.
On-Track Baby Consultation
Your baby is a born communicator-literally! Even as a newborn your baby will quickly learn how to show you what they need (usually by crying). This quickly turns into positive exchanges such as looking at you, smiling and making sounds. It’s important that we nurture and promote these skills from the start!
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Do you have questions about your baby’s development? Do you need help knowing how to interact with your baby to promote babbling, use of gestures, turn taking, or play? Please contact us today to discuss ways we can help!
Literacy
Literacy refers to a person’s ability to read and write. It is a complex process involving many skills and is the foundation to academic success. Difficulties can present in any of the following main areas: phonological awareness, decoding (reading), encoding (spelling), fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.
Social Communication
Children may experience difficulties interacting and using language with peers or adults in social situations. Our therapists understand these difficulties, and work with your preschool children to develop life-long social communication skills.
Let’s Learn Together!
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s speech or language development please contact us to discuss your child’s individual needs.