Speech & Language /AAC Therapy

Why is speech/language therapy necessary?

Speech is the most common mode of communication in human society. Problems with speech or language hinder a person’s ability to be heard and understood. And if not addressed early, problems with speech or language create difficulties for children both inside and outside school.

Your child may struggle with an inability to imitate sounds associated with speech. Many of these problems are identifiable at an early age and may reflect physical, developmental, or cognitive issues that prevent everyday speech and language patterns.

Speech and language therapy helps children develop the ability to communicate. Even at an early age, children begin to learn how to understand and communicate. Therefore, if your child is having problems, it is best to have them evaluated, allowing for the development of an early intervention plan.

Intervention requires parental commitment.

Remember you, as parents, are a child’s “first teachers.”

We offer teletherapy, and sessions require parental participation.

With teletherapy, the initial 10-15 minutes of the session is spent with the parent to discuss questions, concerns, or teaching strategies for communicating effectively with your child using AAC. The remaining time is spent in therapy, co-treating with the parent to benefit all.

Therapy appointments are weekly for a minimum of eight (8) weeks. This ensures an appropriate amount of time to judge progress. Each session is 45-50 minutes and includes parent time and therapy for the child.

Therapy continues beyond the formal sessions.

There is “At Home Practice” assigned, which we will discuss during the session and put into a follow-up email the next day.

Follow through at home assists your child’s progress!

Doing the work in the home, your child’s natural environment, enhances overall progress and carry-over of skills.

Collaboration is the aim, not animosity!

We ask parents to reach out to the school speech pathologist to inform them of our work with the child.

As we all want what is best for the child, it is best to work together.

AAC on the Lakeshore, PLLC often coordinates the child’s communication goals with the child’s school.

This coordination plus the “At Home Practice” by parents and child can effectively speed up gaining the skills needed to communicate effectively in all environments. I am available to virtually attend annual IEPs, with parental permission.

Determine the length of treatment.

At the end of the session agreement period, we will develop a progress report that outlines the targeted goals, progress made, and recommendations regarding continued therapy or dismissal.

This report provides documentation to the insurance company for review and consideration of authorizing another program of treatment.

Seek early intervention!

Parents are perceptive of their child’s development. If you notice early signs of inability to communicate correctly, seek professional help.

At AAC on the Lakeshore, PLLC, we provide a detailed assessment of your child’s problem. Then, we develop a plan suitable for effective intervention.

Don’t wait! Contact us today.