Speech Language
Pathology
At A Total Approach® we focus on:
- Specific Language Disorder
- Language Organization Skills
- Articulation
- Apraxia
- Stuttering
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Reading (Decoding/Comprehension)
- Written Expression
- From Childhood to Adolescence
- Adult programs
Evaluation Process:
Our comprehensive speech-language evaluation helps establish a clear understanding of the client’s communication abilities and provides tailored treatment recommendations. These findings can be shared with a student’s school to support their IEP or support the adult in accommodations for the work and social environment. The evaluation typically lasts two hours and includes a review of background information, along with standardized tests for language, speech and articulation. We may also use language samples to assess skills such as expressive and receptive language, articulation, non-verbal communication (e.g., gestures, body language), and pragmatics. These samples vary depending on the client and may include tasks like telling personal stories to evaluate clarity and memory, or using language in different play scenarios to explore social communication skills.
Expressive Language: Clients with expressive language difficulties may struggle to communicate their thoughts clearly and effectively. This can include challenges with speech clarity, such as difficulty producing sounds, words, or phrases. Some clients may use vague terms like “stuff” or “thing” instead of more specific descriptive words, while others may have trouble organizing their thoughts or telling a story in a logical sequence. Students might experience academic challenges due to these difficulties. Difficulties with correct use of pronouns, verb tenses, and sentence structure may also be present.
Receptive Language: Receptive language refers to the client’s ability to understand spoken or written language. Those with receptive language difficulties may struggle to follow instructions at home, school, or work, often needing repeated reminders or directions broken down into smaller steps. They may have a tendency to tune out or interrupt conversations. Additionally, they may find it challenging to answer complex or inferential questions and may have difficulty understanding figurative or non-literal language.
Pragmatics: Pragmatics involves using language effectively in social situations. Clients with pragmatic language difficulties may struggle to engage in conversations with peers, have trouble interpreting and using non-verbal cues (like body language and facial expressions), and may not always use appropriate timing, tone, or speech rate in their interactions.
SLP Intervention:
- Communication begins with non-verbal cues like joint attention, gestures, and facial expressions (80% of communication).
- ASL may be used to support children with verbal language challenges.
- PROMPT is used to address phonemic errors and improve speech production.
- DIR®/Floortime® approach targets communication, play, and problem-solving skills.
- Narrative formulation helps children relate past events, build memories, and strengthen self-identity.
- AAC devices are incorporated to enhance communication.
- Intensive treatment sessions for children with Apraxia of speech.
- Technology aids in voice feedback, articulation, and receptive language skills.
- Emphasis on the developmental stages of play skills.
- Timing programs (e.g., Interactive Metronome) improve muscle coordination, speech sequencing, and support stuttering goals.
- Phonemic awareness and orthographic skills are developed for decoding.
- Focus on reading comprehension and written expression.