Speech and Language Therapy Systems
The following are brief descriptions of speech therapy systems and courses we implement at SCT. Our extensive training helps us to find the ideal therapy for each child.
Every SCT therapist is certified by ASHA, the nationwide credentialing organization for speech-language pathologists.
PROMPT
Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets, or PROMPT, is a therapy technique that uses physical cues to teach a child proper oral muscle movements and guide them through the production of proper speech.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS is a therapy system that uses picture symbols to give children a quick and very functional way to express themselves. Many times, this “augmentative communication system” is a bridge to verbal communication.
Sign language
Sign language is used in speech therapy both as a primary form of communication and as a bridge for kids working on developing their verbal skills. Research and our own experience show that children can learn sign-language at an earlier age than verbal language. Sign language also helps the development of verbal language.
Hanen
Our therapists are certified in Hanen, a family-focused early-intervention program for children birth to three years of age. Because of our training in programs like this, we can specifically target developing language skills in preschool children. When we can begin working with a child early, it is easier to develop language skills.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC provides a means of communication for children who can't use verbal language as their primary means of communication. Kids use everything from paper and pencil and gestures or sign-language to tablet computers and other devices that can be used to speak for the child. For some children this type of speech therapy enhancement is crucial to their ability to accurately express their desires.
Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking
We actively seek out advanced training courses and seminars like this program from Nanci Bell of Lindamood-Bell, an organization committed to helping people develop language and comprehension skills to reach their full potential.
Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking focuses on the ability to interpret both oral and written language and use that information to recall facts, make inferences, draw conclusions, predict, and evaluate what is heard and read.
LiPS - Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing
Another program from Nanci Bell of Lindamood-Bell.
The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® (LiPS®) program helps children and adults develop the sensory-cognitive function of phonemic awareness. Unlike most reading, spelling, and phonics programs, LiPS instruction directly applies phonemic awareness to the identification and sequencing of sounds in words. Students in the LiPS program move through a series of steps to learn how their mouths produce the sounds of language. This kinesthetic feedback enables them to verify the identity and sequence of sounds within words, and to become self-correcting in reading, spelling, and speech.
Using the Apple iPad as a communication device
With advances in technology come advances in the way we are able to interact and provide treatment. For clients who do not have verbal language, we use the Apple iPad as an alternative communication device. Technology and techniques such as this ensure we are always able to provide the best speech therapy possible for all of our clients.