How Does Speech Therapy Work?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use a variety of specialized interventions and strategies to achieve progress with their clients. All of our therapists are well-practiced in speech and language facilitation strategies, theories of speech and language development, feeding interventions, and core vocabulary instruction. PROMPT is a tool that utilizes a tactile approach, such as touching parts of the face, jaw and lips to support oral motor development and speech intelligibility. Zoophonics is a multi-sensory approach that is a fun and effective way for children to learn the alphabet, spelling and reading. When needed, Augmented or Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, such as static communication boards like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or speech-generating devices, can be introduced to facilitate communication.
How is Speech Therapy Incorporated into the Day?
Speech therapy at Blue Bird Day produces better results because of the intensity and frequency of therapy incorporated into the therapeutic rotation and individual services. Speech-Language Pathologists lead group therapy sessions in both therapeutic preschool and kindergarten level programs. As part of each child’s therapeutic rotation, they will encounter peer interactions, socialization, and individual skill building. Therapists address all language, articulation, and cognitive challenges each child may have in order to facilitate change. They even get messy with the kids at lunch time and help them explore new foods and how to eat them. Therapists incorporate play to work on oral motor skills, such as moving your lips, tongue, or jaw in a specific way. In addition to the therapeutic day, Speech-Language Pathologists spend time with families to discuss goals and provide parent coaching.
What are the Goals of Speech Therapy?
Speech-Language Pathologists collaborate with the multi-disciplinary Blue Bird Day therapeutic team to create individualized treatment plans for each child. The overall goal for speech therapy is for each child to achieve effective, functional communication with a variety of communication partners. Children should be able to send and receive messages correctly and with ease throughout their day. The SLP team also provides parent education about typical language development and modes of communication.
Who Makes Up the Speech Therapy Team?
Each team member at Blue Bird Day has a unique specialty of focus that allows for treatment plans to be tailored to each child.
Speech Therapy Heads and Leads
Grace K
Specializes in Language development in early childhood and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.
Amanda L
Specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder DIR/Floortime, Parent Coaching, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, Early Language Acquisition and Development, Social-Pragmatic Language Development, and Fluency.
Nicole J
Specializes in Tongue Tie, Developmental Delay, Food Chaining, and Phono/Articulation.
Nicole S
Specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders.
Elle G
Specializes in Pediatrics early language acquisition and development, autism spectrum disorder, social-pragmatic language development, and receptive and expressive language disorders.
