WHAT I DO -
As a speech-language pathologist (S-LP), I may provide clinical, home-based, and preschool services in speech, language, voice, swallowing, and non-speech communication (e.g. picture communication, sign language, computer devices).
- Some of the skills that I evaluate and treat include the ability to produce speech sounds, voice quality, vocabulary development, sentence structure, and the social use of language. I will also work on other skills that are related to communication, such as sharing attention, imitation, and turn taking.
- When a child is not able to use speech effectively to communicate, I can help him/her learn other methods of communicating. This might include using gestures, sign language, exchanging pictures, or using low and high tech devices. For some children, these other methods of communication help to get speech going, while for others they become the child's main way of communicating.
- Once a child is communicating with words, pictures, and/or or sign, I will help promote his/her spontaneous use of language, as well as the ability to use language to communicate with others in socially appropriate ways (e.g., greeting people, asking questions, labeling objects, and commenting on people and events).
WHAT I DON'T DO -
The inability to communicate effectively will affect many aspects of your child's life. However, there are certain aspects of development, or behaviours, that will require the assistance of other professionals. Examples include attention difficulties, hurting of self or others, tantrums, toilet training, or refusal to eat.
SOME TERMS I USE -
Joint Attention: This is the ability to use eye contact and pointing for the social purpose of sharing experiences with others. Joint attention occurs when you and your child are focused on the same person or object at the same time and are responding to each other. One sign of joint attention is when your child looks or points at something he/she wants and then looks back at you.
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Receptive Language: This refers to your child's ability to understand what someone else is saying/communicating.
Expressive Language: This refers to your child's ability to use language to communicate wants, needs and feelings.
Functional Communication: Communication that serves a purpose for the child, such as requesting, or protesting. The child may use vocalizations, words, gestures, pictures, or behavior to let another person know what he/she needs or wants.
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU -
- As the primary caregiver, you are the most important member of your child's team. In providing S-LP services to your child I will need you to attend all assessment and treatment sessions with your child. You know your child best and you can help me to get a good picture of your child's strengths and needs.
- I will ask that you work with your child at home and in a variety of situations and settings to help him/her learn new communication skills.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME -
As an S-LP, I will assess your child's level of language ability by observing and interacting with your child, asking you questions about your child's communication, and occasionally using tests to assess your child's communication skills. I will use the information that I have collected to make a diagnosis related to your child's speech and language abilities. These findings will be reviewed with you and documented in a written report.
After the assessment process, I will work with you to determine communication goals for your child. We may decide that direct, one-on-one service with your child at home, daycare, or in the clinic is required. I will also provide you with strategies to help your child develop more effective communication. Occasionally, I may act as a "consultant", rather than seeing your child directly.
The type of treatment that your child receives and the frequency of sessions will depend on your child's ability to communicate, your family's needs, and the size and demand of my current caseload.
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