The key to making progress in communication development is balancing the various needs of the whole child in order to create an individualized speech-language therapy program. I am experienced in collaborating with other professionals (e.g. OTs, PTs, Behaviorists, Teachers) in order to create a tailored, appropriate therapy program. The following are just a few of the specialized training techniques I incorporate as appropriate into speech-language therapy.
Advanced Training in Sensory Integration and Theory
Studies show that sensory activities integrated into speech therapy help promote language, especially in disorders where the sensory systems are also impacted (e.g. Autism). I have extensive training in sensory based intervention with advance training in sensory integration theory and practice. If your child has specific sensory needs, I have a variety of sensory tools available (e.g. swings, crash pads) that can be integrated into your child's session.
PROMPT
This technique develops motor control and the development of proper oral muscular movements, while eliminating unnecessary muscle movements, such as jaw sliding and inadequate lip rounding. PROMPT therapy is appropriate for a wide range of patients with communication disorders. The most common patients have motor speech disorders, articulation problems, or are non-verbal children. Many patients with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, pervasive development disorders, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders have benefitted from PROMPT therapy. An evaluation by a PROMPT-trained speech therapist is the only way to find out if a patient is appropriate for the therapy.
Hanen's More Than Words
The Hanen More Than Words program provides the speech-language pathologist with highly practical tools for helping parents understand their child’s challenges and strengths and well-defined strategies for building both social and communication skills. Participants learn how to show parents how to accommodate their child's sensory preferences, provide the structure and predictability that help their child learn, and integrate the strategies that support their child's social interaction and communication into everyday activities and routines. With this support, parents become engaged and empowered.
Beckman Oral Motor
The Beckman Oral Motor approach develops specific interventions which provide assisted movement to activate muscle contraction and to provide movement against resistance to build strength. The focus of these interventions is to increase functional response to pressure and movement, range, strength, variety, and control of movement for the lips, cheeks, jaw and tongue.
Current Trends in Feeding with Marsha Dunn Klein
Marsha Dunn Klein, MEd, OTR/L, FAOTA has created the Get Permission Approach for helping children who have difficulties with feeding. These approaches are useful in helping children with sensory needs expand their food repertoire.