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What is Speech Therapy?
An (SLP) speech language pathologist or also known as a speech therapist conducts evaluations and treatment of verbal communication issues and swallowing. Speech therapy extends beyond utterances and pronunciation of words. It addresses cognitive deficits, phonics, voice pitch, communication, and even literacy. Speech therapists are often involved as part of a whole team of professionals. You can find speech therapists in a hospital setting, school districts, and private practices. SLP's are state licensed and they must earn Continuing Education Credits (CEU's) to maintain their license. More information can be found on American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) website.
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What are the benefits of speech therapy for Autism?
A child with autism may have communication challenges, speech delays, and language development. Especially during Early Intervention, speech therapists can lead the way in making a referral towards a diagnosis. They can help the child with articulation, improve conversational skills, and even comprehend verbal/non-verbal communication. All these things can help improve social relationships in school, at home, and in the community.
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Examples of Measurable Goals:
An example of a long term goal would be increasing expressive language 0-25 words with minimal prompts in 80% of the opportunities in 4/5 consecutive sessions. An example of a short term goal would be with fading prompts, the child will imitate 5 signs/word in approximation to a request, protest, or greeting with familiar listeners 80% of opportunities in 4/5 consecutive sessions.
Be careful of allowing goals to repeat year after year without additional SDI's, teaching from another angle and/or rewording the goal.
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What to do when the child doesn't make progress with speech therapy?
Not every child responds the same to traditional speech therapy but not to worry, there are alternatives. Check out the tabs for assistive technology, Verbal Behavior Approach and Soma Rapid Prompting. It's important to note even if a child never speaks words but is given the tools to communicate their needs with ease so they can feel more empowered in their daily life. The ability to communicate helps reduce some behaviors that are associated with frustration of not being able to express themselves so that others understand how they feel or what they need.
Recommended book:
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Articles
"Language Outcomes for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" also addresses this predictor but offers advice for parents/professionals to increase specific skills that will help with building speech. Click on the following link to read more.
20 Measurable Pragmatic Language IEP Goals (samples and examples)
15 IEP Goals for Assistive Technology and AAC
20 Listening Comprehension IEP Goals (and Examples)
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Resources and Tools:​
Speech and Language Toys for Building Pronunciation, Articulation, Receptive and Expressive Language
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Providers:
Advent Pediatric Therapy Services
Where: 3376 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-392-4339
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Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy Services
Where: 701 West Union Ave, Unit 10, Bethlehem PA 18018
Call: (610) 625-4404
Website
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Good Shepherd Outpatient Services
Augmentative and alternative communications, developmental and behavioral feeding problems, hearing impairments, issues with listening, reading, writing or speaking (Aphasia), issues with pragmatic language and social skills, oral motor issues, motor speech disorders (Apraxia), swallowing disorders (Dysphagia) and vice disorders.
Call: 1-888-44-REHAB (73422)​​
Website
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Lehigh Valley Health Network
Where: Multiple locations
​Call: 610-866-9675
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Nelson Therapeutic Services, LLC
Where: 3124 Cambridge Cir, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Call: (610) 462-4625
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St. Lukes Hospital
Where: Multiple Locations
Call: 484-526-5025
Speech Grants
Small Steps in Speech
Their mission is to help children with speech and language disorders improve their communication. Offers grants for families with a combined income lower than $125,000 on behalf of children between 3yrs-22yrs old.
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