OUR SPEECH SERVICES

OUR APPROACH

  • Provide evidence-based speech and language therapy services to individuals with complex communication needs
  • Facilitate functional communication skills through a “total communication” approach which encourages the use of multiple communication modalities
  • Create and/or provide appropriate augmentative and/or alternative communication systems and supports that facilitate communicative competency and independence
  • Provide feeding therapy that utilizes a systematic approach to address sensory processing needs and facilitate oral motor skills

EVALUATIONS & ASSESSMENTS

AAC Evaluations

  • According to the American Speech and Hearing Association, “All individuals are considered candidates for AAC intervention as long as there is a discrepancy between their communication abilities and their communication needs.”
  • The goal of an AAC evaluation is to provide input regarding augmentative and alternative communication strategies, systems, and/or technology accommodations which may improve the individual’s ability to communicate effectively and efficiently across a variety of settings and communication partners.
  • An AAC evaluation must be tailored to the unique needs of the individual, which may include one or more of the following:
      • Augmentative means of communication to facilitate natural speech
      • Alternative means of communication for non-speaking individuals 
      • Temporary or permanent need for AAC
      • Means/modes of communication to facilitate more appropriate alternate behaviors
  • An AAC evaluation is an ongoing process; ongoing evaluation and decision making are required, even after an AAC system has been selected.

Comprehensive Speech-Language Evaluations

  • Formal and informal assessment measures are utilized to determine the individual’s current levels of functioning and areas of needed skill development.
  • Evaluations are customized according to the needs of the individual and may assess skills in one or more of the following areas:
      • Speech production
      • Receptive language
      • Expressive language
      • Functional communication
      • Social communication
  • A comprehensive treatment plan is developed based on information gained during the assessment period as well as input from parents and staff.

Re-evaluations are conducted approximately every 12 months or when otherwise indicated (i.e., a rapid increase in skill acquisition). 

DIRECT SPEECH THERAPY

  • One-to-one speech therapy sessions take place at Positive Synergy.  The SLP works directly with the client to address treatment goals in a variety of structured and unstructured tasks, activities, and settings.
  • ABA providers (i.e., BCBA and/or RBT) often participate in speech therapy sessions.  This allows for ongoing collaboration and skill generalization.
  • Therapy sessions provide a variety of structured opportunities for the client to utilize/apply learned skills in situations that resemble “real life” interactions. 
  • AAC systems and supports are regularly evaluated and modified based on the needs of the individual.
  • Speech therapy sessions strive to facilitate functional communication skills through a “total communication” approach which supports the use of multiple communication modalities (e.g., verbal speech, picture exchange, sign, use of visuals, AAC device, etc.)

SPEECH GROUPS

  • Speech groups are held at Positive Synergy and provide opportunities to facilitate social interaction and generalization of skills across people and environments.
  • Each client’s individual treatment plan goals are addressed during group therapy sessions.  
  • Group sessions incorporate a variety of structured and unstructured activities designed to provide opportunities to learn and apply/generalize skills.
  • Speech groups are run by an SLP and one or more behavior technicians.

AAC CONSULTATION SERVICES

  • AAC evaluations, trainings, and consultation services are available upon request.
  • The goal of an AAC evaluation is to provide input regarding AAC strategies, systems, and/or technology accommodations designed to improve the individual’s ability to communicate effectively and efficiently across a variety of settings and communication partners.
  • Follow-up consultative services aim to ensure that families and educational team members are able to support the AAC user fully in school, the community, and at home.