Why speech therapy?
Speech and language therapy is all about strengthening communication skills, including understanding and being understood. It addresses such challenges as auditory/language processing, language-based learning disabilities, apraxia, and other disorders and difficulties.
Our developmental therapeutic model – which always takes cultural and linguistic diversity into account – can encompass both non-speaking and speaking communication. While engaged in meaningful play and daily routines, your child will experience language through their own ideas, while expanding meaning, strengthening their intentions, and creating back-and-forth exchanges.
At Positive Development
Speech and language therapy is a dynamic collaboration between our therapy team, your autistic child, and your family. Working together as a team with your family, we strive to empower your child to experience the joy of communicating.
“It's not just answering questions, it's not just avoiding a behavior that we don't like but it's understanding where the behavior is coming from.”
Speech and language therapy goals
Our clients may have varying needs for speech and language therapy. Under the guidance of our Speech Language Pathologists, we offer therapy for:
What is speech therapy like?
First and foremost, we presume competence. We know that just because an autistic child may not speak, it doesn't mean they do not understand or have language. Therefore, we meet your child where they are, whether that means identifying alternative communication methods or strengthening their speaking speech. Our Masters-level Speech Language Pathologists assess each client as an individual and develop a therapy program that fits in holistically with their occupational and mental health therapies.
Every therapy session looks different as every family looks different. A few examples of our play-based approach include:
Playing with toys and art activities
Music and singing
Reading and playing games together
Teaching alternative communication techniques like sign language or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), along with strengthening motor skills so they may flourish with these methods
How It Works
After you contact us and complete your intake form, you will be assigned a care coordinator who will reach out, answer questions about the program, and help with insurance verification.
One of our lead clinicians will conduct a parent/caregiver interview with you to understand the background of your child’s diagnosis, past therapeutic experiences, and goals for your child.
Next, a masters-level clinician will conduct several sessions to really get to know your child to evaluate their unique strengths, processing abilities, and needs.
Our holistic clinician team will meet with you to discuss the evaluation and review the recommended treatment plan.
This is the fun part. A Developmental Client Coach (DCC) will work directly with your child in a child-led, play-based practice. A Parent Educator will also provide training and support for your family’s ongoing learning process.
Let's Meet!
Contact us today for a free initial developmental screening evaluation to learn how we can help your family.