SPEECH THERAPY ROADMAP

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about OT, PT and speech therapy measurable goals by downloading this 2012 article.

Parents, just a word of caution when developing goals with your speech therapist or for an IEP. Consecutive sessions means the child has to meet the goal "X" amount of times in a row. This is a typical measurement to prove mastery. However, for some children, it can increase behavior from frustration of working on a goal over and over when they know it but because they had a bad day and got it wrong, it was a set back. Be mindful of goals possibly being dragged out unnecessarily because it has to be mastered consecutively. You know your child best and you will develop a keen insight for your child's learning style. Watch for patterns and use your discretion to advocate for your child.

Another article written by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association called

"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.

Speech and Language Toys for Building Pronunciation, Articulation, Receptive and Expressive Language

Recommended book:

More than Words

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.

Providers:

Good Shepherd Outpatient Services

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.

The Summer Boost Program ages newborn to 21 yrs is an intensive short course for adolescents who don't have summer school based services.

Call: 1-888-44-REHAB (73422)

Website: http://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/services/pediatric-rehabilitation-developmental-pediatrics-allentown/pediatric-speech-and-language-therapy

Advent Pediatric Therapy Services

Where: 3376 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18017

Call: 610-392-4339

Email:office@adventtherapy.com

Website: http://www.adventtherapy.com/therapie/

Backyard Treehouse

Call: 610-365-8989

*Does not accept medical assistance

Website: http://www.backyardtreehousetherapy.com/#

Easton Hospital

Where: 3143 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA 18045
Call: 610-250-4232

Website: https://www.easton-hospital.org/76/service/rehabilitation-services

Epic Health Services

Where: 5000 Tilghman Street, Suite 157, Allentown, PA 18104

Call: 610-432-7403

Website: https://epicpediatrictherapy.com/

Lehigh Valley Health Network

CC Site #: (610) 402-9770

Muhlenberg #: (484) 884-5437

Quakertown#: (215)-804-2500

Nelson Therapeutic Services, LLC #: (610) 462-4625

Services: We are a pediatric team providing in home physical, occupational, speech therapy and educational services to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties.

Where: 3124 Cambridge Cir, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/nelsontherapeutic/about/?ref=page_internal

Pennsylvania Autism Action Center

Where: 2071 US-209, Brodheadsville, PA 18322

Call: (570) 992-6720

Website: http://www.sugarplumspeech.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismActionCenter/?hc_location=ufi

Sayegh Pediatric Therapy Services, PC

Email: info@sayeghpts.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sayeghpts/

St. Luke's Hospital Pediatric Speech Therapy

Following locations:

Allentown - 4136 W. Tilghman St
Bethlehem Neuro - 1417 Eighth Ave
Bethlehem North - 153 Brodhead Rd
Emmaus - 518 Chestnut St
Phillipsburg Hillcrest - 755 Memorial Pkwy
Lansford- 100 W Patterson Street
Lehighton- 575 South 9th St.
Whitehall: Cindy Miles Pediatrics - 3721 Crescent Court West

Call: 484-526-5025

Website: https://www.stlukesphysicaltherapy.com/specialties/speech-and-communication-therapy-(1)

Providers Outside of Lehigh Valley

Children's Specialized Hospital

Where: 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

Call: 1-888-244-5373

Website: https://www.childrens-specialized.org/programs-and-services/outpatient-programs/speech-and-language-therapy

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.

Website: http://www.smallstepsinspeech.org/

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

East Stroudsburg University

Elaine Shuey, Department Chair Speech-Language Pathology

Email: eshuey@esu.edu

Where: Monroe Hall, 200 Prospect St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Call: (570) 422-3247