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Speech Therapy Services

Intervention addressing aphasia will vary depending on the type of aphasia a person presents with such as Broca’s, Wernicke’s, or Global aphasia.  Aphasia can impact all areas of language including comprehending verbal language, understanding written text, graphic/written expression, or speaking verbally. Aphasia can vary in severity from mild-profound. 

Therapy addressing aphasia will focus on improving one’s ability to communicate effectively to safely function in their daily life, communicate wants and needs, minimize dependency on caregivers, and maximize quality of life.  Treatment typically involves a combination of structured exercises (e.g. naming tasks), compensatory strategy training, and training in implementation of functional tasks to be utilized outside of the therapy clinic (e.g. external aids, picture boards, etc.)

Aphasia

Communication

Aphasia is a language disorder that can occur following an event such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, but may also be a result of a degenerative disease such as Primary Progressive Aphasia. Aphasia impacts an individual’s ability to express themselves, communicate effectively, and comprehend language.

Apraxia therapy is specifically designed to address apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder where individuals have difficulty planning and executing the movements required for speech. Therapy begins with a thorough assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to identify the specific challenges faced by the individual. Based on this assessment, a customized treatment plan is developed.

The therapy emphasizes repetitive practice and the gradual progression from simple to complex speech tasks. Techniques used may include phonetic placement, tactile and visual cues, and the use of rhythm and pacing strategies to improve speech fluency. The SLP may also use technology, such as speech-generating devices, to assist in communication. Throughout the process, the focus is on helping the individual achieve consistent and accurate speech production through intensive and systematic practice.

Apraxia

Speech & Motor Oral Skills

Apraxia therapy focuses on improving the motor planning and coordination necessary for accurate speech production in individuals with apraxia of speech.

Articulation therapy is designed to address and correct speech sound errors, which can include substitutions, omissions, distortions, or additions of sounds. The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify specific articulation issues. Based on the assessment, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) develops a personalized treatment plan that includes targeted exercises and activities.

During therapy sessions, clients practice producing specific sounds and sound combinations, both in isolation and within words, phrases, and sentences. Techniques such as modeling, repetition, and the use of visual and auditory cues are employed to reinforce correct sound production. The SLP may also incorporate games and interactive activities to make learning engaging and fun. Progress is continuously monitored, and the therapy plan is adjusted as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.

Articulation Therapy

Speech & Motor Oral Skills

Articulation therapy helps individuals improve their ability to pronounce sounds correctly, leading to clearer and more intelligible speech.

AAC therapy is designed to support individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication by providing alternative methods to convey their thoughts, needs, and desires. The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to determine the most appropriate AAC systems and strategies based on the individual's specific needs and abilities.

AAC systems can be divided into two main categories:

Unaided Systems: 

These do not require any tools or devices and include methods like gestures, sign language, and facial expressions.

Aided Systems: 

These involve the use of tools or devices, which can range from low-tech options like picture boards and communication books to high-tech solutions such as speech-generating devices (SGDs) and AAC apps on tablets and smartphones.

During AAC therapy sessions, the SLP focuses on several key areas:

Selection and Customization: 

Identifying the most suitable AAC system for the individual, which may involve customizing devices or creating personalized communication boards tailored to their preferences and needs.

Training and Practice: 

Teaching the individual how to use the chosen AAC system effectively. This includes instruction on navigating devices, using symbols and pictures to communicate, and combining various methods to convey more complex messages.

Communication Strategies: 

Developing and practicing strategies to facilitate effective communication in different settings, such as home, school, work, and social environments. This may include role-playing scenarios and interactive activities.

Integration and Support: 

Working with family members, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals to ensure consistent use of the AAC system across all aspects of the individual’s life. The SLP provides ongoing support and training to these individuals to help them assist the AAC user effectively.

Monitoring and Adjustments: 

Regularly assessing the effectiveness of the AAC system and making necessary adjustments to improve communication outcomes as the individual’s needs and abilities evolve.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Communication & Assistive Technology

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy helps individuals with severe speech or language impairments use various forms of communication aids to express themselves effectively.

Cognitive disorders therapy is designed to help individuals with cognitive impairments develop strategies and skills to manage and improve their cognitive functioning. The therapy begins with a thorough assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT), or neuropsychologist to identify specific cognitive deficits and tailor the therapy plan accordingly.

Therapy sessions may include a variety of activities and exercises targeting different cognitive domains:

Memory Training: 

Techniques to improve short-term and long-term memory, such as mnemonic devices, visual imagery, and spaced retrieval exercises. The therapist may also teach strategies for organizing information and creating effective memory aids.

Attention and Concentration: 

Activities to enhance sustained, selective, and divided attention. This may involve tasks that require focusing on specific details, ignoring distractions, and multitasking exercises.

Executive Functioning: 

Exercises to improve planning, organization, time management, and decision-making skills. The therapist may use real-life scenarios and problem-solving tasks to help individuals practice these skills.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: 

Activities designed to enhance logical reasoning, hypothesis testing, and strategic thinking. These may include puzzles, brainteasers, and structured problem-solving tasks.

Language and Communication: 

For individuals with language-related cognitive deficits, the therapy may include activities to improve word retrieval, comprehension, and verbal expression.

The therapy also involves teaching compensatory strategies to help individuals cope with cognitive deficits in daily life. This may include the use of calendars, to-do lists, alarms, and other organizational tools. The therapist provides education and training to both the individual and their caregivers to support the application of these strategies in everyday settings.

Regular assessments are conducted to monitor progress, adjust the therapy plan as needed, and ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the individual’s evolving needs and goals.

Cognitive Disorders

Cognitive & Behavioral Skills

Cognitive disorders therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning to enhance daily living and overall quality of life.

 Feeding therapy is designed to assist individuals who have difficulties with eating, drinking, or swallowing. The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) to identify specific feeding and swallowing issues. This assessment may include evaluating the individual's oral motor skills, sensory responses to food, and overall mealtime behaviors.

Therapy sessions focus on improving the various skills involved in feeding. These may include:

Oral Motor Skills: 

Exercises to strengthen the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, such as jaw exercises, tongue movements, and lip control activities.

Sensory Processing: 

Activities to help individuals become more comfortable with different food textures, tastes, and temperatures. This can involve gradual exposure to new foods and desensitization techniques.

Feeding Techniques: 

Strategies to improve the mechanics of eating, such as pacing, proper utensil use, and safe swallowing techniques. The therapist may also recommend adaptive feeding equipment.

Behavioral Interventions: 

Approaches to address mealtime behaviors, such as establishing a positive mealtime routine, reducing anxiety around eating, and using positive reinforcement to encourage healthy eating habits.

Nutrition Guidance: 

Providing recommendations on dietary modifications and working with nutritionists to ensure a balanced diet that meets the individual's needs.

The therapy is tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, with a focus on making mealtime a positive and successful experience. The SLP or OT works closely with caregivers to provide education and training, ensuring that the strategies used in therapy are effectively implemented at home.

Feeding Therapy

Feeding, Oral Motor Therapy

Feeding therapy helps individuals develop the skills necessary for safe and effective eating and drinking, addressing challenges related to oral motor function, sensory processing, and overall nutrition.

Therapy will focus on training different muscles of the face with different exercises to practice during your session and at home. The therapist will demonstrate and share different exercises and tools for the tongue, lips, jaw, and core.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Speech & Motor Oral Skills

OMT is a specialized therapy service that supports oral and facial muscles, and includes facial exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote proper tongue position, improved breathing, chewing and swallowing.

Pragmatic language therapy is designed to address challenges related to the use of language in social interactions. This includes understanding and following conversational rules, interpreting non-verbal cues, and adapting language to different social situations. The therapy begins with an assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to identify specific pragmatic language difficulties and tailor the therapy to the individual's needs.

During therapy sessions, the SLP uses a variety of techniques and activities to enhance pragmatic language skills. These may include:

Role-Playing Scenarios: 

Practicing different social situations to develop appropriate responses and behaviors, such as greeting others, initiating and maintaining conversations, and taking turns in dialogue.

Social Stories and Scripts: 

Using written or visual narratives to explain social rules and expectations, helping individuals understand how to behave in various social contexts.

Non-Verbal Communication: 

Training in interpreting and using body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures to enhance social interactions.

Conversational Skills: 

Activities to improve the ability to stay on topic, use appropriate tone and volume, recognize and repair communication breakdowns, and understand the perspective of others.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: 

Exercises that help individuals navigate social dilemmas, understand the consequences of different actions, and develop strategies for resolving conflicts.

The therapy is often interactive and play-based, particularly for children, to keep sessions engaging and relevant to real-life situations. The SLP may also involve family members or caregivers in the therapy process to reinforce skills and strategies at home.

Pragmatic Language Therapy

Communication & Social Skills

Pragmatic language therapy focuses on improving social communication skills, helping individuals understand and use language appropriately in social contexts.

Stuttering therapy is aimed at helping individuals who experience disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. Therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to understand the nature and severity of the stuttering. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created.

Therapy typically involves a combination of techniques and strategies tailored to the individual's needs. These may include fluency shaping techniques, which focus on modifying the physical aspects of speech production to promote smoother speech, and stuttering modification techniques, which aim to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with stuttering and make moments of stuttering less severe. Cognitive-behavioral strategies may also be used to address the emotional and psychological aspects of stuttering.

Throughout the therapy process, the SLP works closely with the individual to practice and reinforce these techniques in various speaking situations, gradually building confidence and communication skills. The goal is to help the individual achieve more fluent speech and effective communication in daily life.

Stuttering

Speech & Fluency

Stuttering therapy helps individuals improve speech fluency and communication skills, reducing the frequency and severity of stuttering episodes.

Voice therapy is designed to help individuals who have difficulties with their voice, such as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, pitch problems, or loss of voice. The therapy begins with an assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to diagnose the specific voice disorder and determine the best course of treatment. This assessment may include a detailed history, vocal assessments, and sometimes laryngoscopic examinations.

During voice therapy sessions, the SLP uses a variety of techniques and exercises to improve vocal function:

Vocal Exercises: 

Specific exercises to strengthen the vocal cords and improve their coordination and control. This may include pitch glides, vocal warm-ups, and resonance exercises.

Breathing Techniques: 

Training in proper breath support and diaphragmatic breathing to enhance vocal strength and reduce strain. Exercises may involve practicing deep breathing, controlling airflow, and coordinating breath with voice production.

Voice Hygiene Education: 

Instruction on healthy vocal habits to prevent further damage and promote vocal health. This includes tips on hydration, avoiding vocal strain, managing reflux, and reducing throat clearing.

Posture and Alignment: 

Techniques to improve posture and body alignment to support effective voice production. This can involve exercises to release tension in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Vocal Relaxation: 

Methods to reduce tension in the vocal folds and surrounding muscles. Techniques may include progressive muscle relaxation, massage, and gentle vocal exercises.

Behavioral Modification: 

Strategies to change harmful vocal behaviors, such as yelling, whispering, or speaking in a pitch that is too high or too low. The SLP may use biofeedback and auditory feedback to help individuals become more aware of their vocal habits and make adjustments.

The therapy is tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, with a focus on achieving a clear, strong, and sustainable voice. The SLP may also provide home practice assignments to reinforce techniques learned during therapy sessions.

Voice Therapy

Speech & Voice Skills

Voice therapy focuses on improving vocal quality, strength, and endurance, helping individuals with voice disorders to use their voice effectively and healthily.

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