Speech Language Pathology
At Chitter Chatter, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in helping children expand their communication including articulation, fluency/stuttering, voice, language and feeding. Our speech-language pathologists help facilitate growth with individualized goals along with the collaboration of the client and their family. Our overall goal is to help children express their daily wants, needs, and ideas using tools and strategies to be successful.
Chitter Chatter provides evaluations, assessments, diagnoses, and treatment services for speech and language. Our therapy services may be used to target a child’s area of need such as articulation/phonology, fluency/stuttering, voice, expressive language, receptive language, social communication, feeding, and other communication difficulties that are unique to a child’s special needs.
Our clinic also provides services to children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We help improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication skills. Our early intervention program helps expand speech and language abilities in the earlier stages (18 months-3 years of age).
Our clinic provides evidence-based practice programs, procedures, and treatment protocols to address a child’s communication goals. The speech-language pathologists frequently reference the American Speech-Language Hearing Association as well as the Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association.
Signs & Symptoms
Speech
Some sounds (phonemes) are acquired at different age stages. Roughly, the phoneme acquisition are as follows per the development chart https://stewartslp.com/blog/2019/11/17/english-speech-sound-development
Receptive & Expressive Language
Expressive and receptive language includes words that are expressed and understood. Difficulties with understanding and expressing language may be the first sign to talk to your child’s pediatrician for a request to see a speech-language pathologist. Difficulties within language may include: delayed play skills, decreased use of facial expressions, word retrieval difficulties, decreased production of sounds, decreased babbling, not understanding simple directions/commands, saying only a few words, misnaming items, difficulties answering “wh” questions (who, what, where, why) or yes/no questions, or repeating words/phrases immediately or later in the day.
Pragmatic Language
Pragmatic language is the social aspect of communication and non-communication tasks. Difficulties within social language may include: inconsistent eye contact, not responding to his/her name, not using gestures (hello/goodbye), interacting alone rather than with peers, making automatic comments, making jokes/idioms/abstract concepts that are more literal
Voice
Voice includes how our voice sounds or is perceived. Difficulties in this area may include a hoarse, breathy, or scratchy voice. The voice may also sound nasally as the sound is coming from the individual’s nose. The sounds /m/, /n/, and /ing/ are the only speech sounds that should come from the nose
Fluency
Fluency is also known as “stuttering”. It is how well the speech process flows. Some disfluencies are typical, however disruption in the flow of speech can impact communication. If you feel like your child’s fluency is impacting their communication or if your child has negative feelings towards speaking/communicating due to their disfluencies, an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist is recommended
Feeding & Swallowing:
Coughing or being a picky eater is not always a sign of a fussy meal time. The position of feeding, being able to self-feed, as well as handling fluids and solids differ for each age. Possible signs of a feeding/swallowing difficulties may include: refusing to eat, eating only a little bit for a certain period of time, constant or excessive drooling and/or coughing, sensitivity to textures (how the food feels) and/or temperatures (how hot or cold the food is).
Procedural Skills
The procedures used in speech therapy are guided by the child’s needs based on diagnosis, age, and personal factors for success. The treatment may be modified as the clinician sees fit. More treatment procedures and resources are referenced as needed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and other sources. Evidence based practice leads the way to know what is best for the child and how to increase and decrease the difficulty for growth and development
Language
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Enhanced milieu approach: this is a naturalistic approach that uses your child’s communication attempts to provide the caregiver and/or SLP an opportunity to model words and language in daily routines and play
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Child led/directed play: having the child lead play routines creates a naturalistic environment to support language development
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Dialogic Reading: this approach involves an adult and the child having a discussion or dialogue around what is being read. This therapy approach involves asking questions and building upon answers. Dialogic reading supports developing new vocabulary, introducing story structure, improving verbal fluency, and developing story telling skills
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC includes using gestures, signs, low tech communication boards (pictures/symbol systems), or high-tech devices to communicate. AAC is utilized to supplement verbal speech as well. AAC does not replace verbal speech.
Articulation
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Cycles Approach, Minimal Pairs, Maximal Oppositions, Melodic
Intonation Approach, Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST): these are research-based approaches that are utilized to help improve your child’s speech intelligibility/articulation. These approaches also help increase intelligibility between sounds and syllables. The speech-language pathologist will determine which approach is most appropriate to utilize based upon your child’s needs
Fluency
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Desensitization Therapy: addresses the emotional components of stuttering.
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Fluency Shaping & Modification Therapy: addresses the mechanics,
tension, movement, and flow of speech
Resources
& Tips
Collaborative efforts to propose synopsis information was brought by the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as the Chitter Chatter P.C. team. Please reference the links below for more information in regards to speech and language for your child. However, please reach out to Chitter Chatter P.C. for any other comments or concerns.