(616) 260-3013If speaking is difficult
– or impossible – for your child
AAC on the Lakeshore, PLLC is here to help
Serving those with mild, moderate, and severe communication disabilities
in the state of Michigan via telehealth
Jimmy* can talk but not be understood.
Jimmy* has no serious medical condition or disability.
“I only understand my child 50% of the time.”
“He becomes so upset when he is not understood. I don’t know how to help.”
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
That’s only the beginning.
Sarah* cannot talk.
Sarah* has serious medical issues and a disability.
“I don’t know what my child needs.”
“I can’t tell if she is in pain, sick, or something else.”
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
How can you parent without
communication?
The first thought of parents who have a child who cannot speak or speak clearly is around their child’s welfare and safety. A child who is physically unable to speak or speak clearly can become frustrated, sad, and wanting… leaving parents feeling helpless.
You know that behavior tells you something is wrong. Behavior IS communication, right?
“If my child can’t tell me anything, it’s impossible to know what to do.”
“I am not able to meet my child’s needs.”
“It’s such a guessing game as to what is going on… like 20 questions… and even then, I don’t always get it right.”
What can I do when:
- School is involved with my child’s speech and language needs however it is minimal and does not seem to be helping.
- School help has been requested but my child does not qualify for services.
Let me walk with your family.
- Communication is vital to life. Difficulties with communication can affect self-esteem, behavior, academics, and social skills.
- I can assist whether your child is unable to speak well enough to be understood or unable to speak at all.
- I also may be able to assist if you feel that school services are not meeting your child’s needs by reviewing the IEP’s and other pertinent information and becoming part of your child’s team in this matter.
You are not alone!
Consult an expert who can assist you and your child in
the journey to successful communication.
Real connection is finally here… call me at
Linda Kelley Hartman, MA, CCC-SLP
Hi, I’m Linda.
I am a lifelong learner in Speech-Language Pathology.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that certifies speech-language pathologists nationally requires 30 hours of Professional Development Certification process every three years to keep this certification. I often have those hours completed long before time has expired!
I have completed course work in oral motor, feeding, apraxia of speech, phonological processes, oral facial myology, as well as facilitation techniques for early language, Core vocabulary, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and more.
I worked for the school system in Michigan for over 30 years. I have knowledge of the State of Michigan Special Education Rules & Regulations as they relate to speech and language issue for children from Birth to 26 years of age.
What AAC on the Lakeshore, PLLC Offers
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) is not something every school system knows about or is well versed in.
It takes the ability to see the “light inside the attic,”
as Shel Silverstein so aptly wrote!
Then it takes knowledge of current evidence-based practices
in the field of AAC to apply the most practical strategies
for the child’s true communication to begin.
It takes a “Village” to ensure that your child’s communication occurs at every opportunity, in every environment, and to every person with whom your child wishes to communicate – young and old!
If you know your child knows so much
more than what others think…
If you have spoken with your school system, and they are not able to fully
assist your child’s communication needs…
If your child is receiving speech and language service, and you are
disillusioned by what the service looks like…