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.