Services

Speech and Language Services

There are five major areas which impact communication: oral motor, speech, language, hearing, cognition.

Oral Motor involves the oral musculature- strength, range of motion, speed and coordination of the cheeks, lips, tongue and jaw; muscle tone.

Speech involves using the tongue, lips, and jaw to articulate different speech sounds as well as clarity, vocal quality, and the fluency of spoken words.

Language involves the areas of speaking, understanding, writing and reading. Receptive language involves the understanding of spoken language (understand directions, spoken sentences). Expressive language involves the expression of grammatically correct sentences and use of vocabulary.

Hearing involves intact structure and function of the auditory pathway (ear structures, nerves, brain) to adequately hear speech.

Cognition involves attention, memory, problem-solving/reasoning, thought organization and executive functioning (organizational, planning, self-monitoring skills).

Speech and language intervention begins with the diagnosis of a communication (or feeding) disorder followed by research-proven and/or clinically-based treatment on carefully selected therapy goals. The child's individual needs and differences becomes the focus when developing an appropriate intervention program.

A speech language pathologist treats a variety of communication disorders. Clinical evaluation/treatment is available in the following areas: oral motor, articulation, apraxia of speech, receptive and expressive language, cognition (memory, problem-solving/reasoning, executive functioning), fluency, voice, feeding, auditory processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pre-literacy and literacy (reading/writing), and aural rehabilitation.

Speech and language evaluation and intervention services are provided here at A Total Approach by an ASHA (American Speech, Language and Hearing Association) certified and Pennsylvania licensed speech language pathologist who is currently pursuing certification in Dr. Stanley Greenspan's DIR/floor time therapeutic approach. Speech and language services are provided for children birth to adulthood with the focus on family teaching and family involvement throughout the entire evaluation and intervention process.

Speech and Language Services at A Total Approach

We provide comprehensive speech and language evaluations that would include a parent interview, clinical assessment (standardized testing, informal/formal analysis of speech and language in play and conversation, home or school observations when applicable), an evaluation report including initial therapy goals and recommendations, and parent consultation to review the evaluation report and therapy goals. The evaluation process takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on the child's individual needs and differences (not including the written report and parent consultation).
We provide brief speech and language screenings (2 hours) for those families who do not desire a lengthy report and want to transition or commence services with us. This screening will include thorough clinical observations, though will not include the extensive testing that the above evaluation would require. Results of the screening and therapy options (if recommended) will be discussed during the time of the screening.
We provide ongoing intervention services for children of all ages with speech, language, feeding, and hearing disorders. Re-evaluations are done during therapy sessions every 3-6 months to evaluate progress and update goals. Progress reports could be provided every 3 months upon request of the family.
We are providers of Fast ForWord, an intense computer-based program which is noted for showing improvement with regards to the auditory processing of language. An evaluation will be completed to determine a child's needs; and, if appropriate, a program will be implemented. Please visit Fast ForWord on our website or contact A Total Approach, if you are interested in learning more about this program.
We visit educational and home settings to do clinical observations of communication and interaction with peers (and family members) in the child's natural setting(s) and follow this up with an observation report and recommendations. Monthly home visits and participation in team meetings may be available to our clients based on the child's needs.
We provide consultation services to schools and families based on individual need.
Speech Language pathology partakes in the development and progress of our sensory motor social groups.
Speech Language Pathology is directly involved in our summer camps held each year at our center.
We will also assist you in your child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) via consultation.