Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy
Pediatric speech-language therapies cover a wide range of communication skills, including both the use and understanding of language (expressive and receptive language), social communication, and speech production. At DFX, we embrace a total communication approach, providing language support verbally, through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and using signs and gestures.
Communication Skills
Speech-language therapy extends to the use of higher-level pragmatic language, such as non-literal language, non-verbal language (body language and facial expressions), perspective-taking, and verbal problem-solving. Therapy targeting speech production can involve building phonological awareness, speech production skills, oral motor planning, or speech fluency.
Speech and language evaluations provide families with information about their child’s communication skills, including receptive and expressive language, speech production, and social communication.
Speech Therapy FAQs
Speech-language pathologists are focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, and communication challenges. They work with clients of any age to help them communicate, whether that be through speech or by using assisted communication devices.
To become a Speech-Language Pathologist, a person must complete extensive education at the Master’s level at an accredited university and maintain their certification by engaging in on-going professional training and mentoring. Speech-language pathologists can specialize in certain aspects of communication. The SLPs at DFX are trained in DIR Floortime, Hanen It Takes Two, Hanen More Than Words, and other higher level methodologies.
Speech and language evaluations provide families with information about their child’s communication skills, including receptive and expressive language, speech production, and social communication.
To determine the appropriate course of therapy, our speech-language pathologists closely consider a child’s needs, abilities, and goals. Therapy sessions may look like quiet play at a table, shared book reading, active play in the sensory gym, and/or collaboration or co-treatment with an occupational therapist.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC is an acronym that stands for augmentative and alternative communication. AAC is a term that represents low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech communication support.
What are examples of low-tech AAC supports?
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Alphabet board
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Pen and paper
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Printed paper with words and/or pictures
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Picture cards
What are examples of mid-tech AAC supports?
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Single buttons with a recorded message
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A device with a single page of pre-recorded messages
What are examples of high-tech AAC supports?
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Speech generating devices (SGD) on a tablet or computer
Many kids benefit from access to speech generating devices to either supplement their verbal communication or as a primary means of communication.
Speech Generating Device FAQs
Many kids could benefit from an SGD. Here are some profiles and diagnoses that may be supported by an SGD: kids with limited verbal communication (i.e. autism, speech language delay), kids with unintelligible verbal communication (i.e. childhood apraxia of speech, childhood dysarthria), and/or kids with inconsistent access to verbal communication. An SLP can help you to determine if an SGD would be supportive for your child.
None! There are myths that a child must be able to isolate their finger, use picture communication, or follow directions before introducing an SGD device. Research and clinical experience tells us that there are no prerequisite skills.
No! There are many companies that could provide SGD as well as many different vocabulary systems. SGDs may be large or small. Some devices have eye-gaze selection capability. Other devices children can select vocabulary with their isolated fingers. A skilled SLP will work with your family and a communication device consultant to select supportive type of device and vocabulary for your child.
No! In fact, research and clinical experience suggests that utilizing an SGD will not limit verbal communication and may likely increase verbal communication.
The specific steps required to get an SGD depend on your insurance plan. Generally, most SGD evaluations consist of the following: an SGD device trial with a loaner device, an in-person doctor’s appointment with your child’s pediatrician, and an SGD evaluation completed by your child’s speech language pathologist.
Possibly! Depending on your insurance and which communication device company is chosen, your speech generating device may be partially or totally covered by insurance. You and your SLP will identify an option that would work best for your family situation. You would be aware of the total dollar amount owed to insurance prior to requesting an SGD for your child.
Get in contact with a skilled SLP, like the ones at Developmental FX. They can support you to get the process started.
