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How does this speech therapy work?
To start off, The Speech Lane prefers parents to call in and ask questions.
If the parent chooses, the first step is either a Speech Evaluation or a Feeding Evaluation (or both).
Within a week, The Speech Lane will call you to discuss result of the evaluation. The parents will also receive an official evaluation report.
If the child would benefit from therapy, the parent and therapist will coordinate the best day/time/ place for therapy.
The parent will be updated on progress on a weekly basis.
Re-Evaluations will be conducted after 1 year of therapy. Re-evaluations will show growth and whether or not therapy should be continued.
What is a Speech Sound Disorder?
From the American Speech-Hearing Association: "Your child may substitute one sound for another, leaves sounds out, add sounds, or change a sound. It can be hard for others to understand them." This can also be referred to as an 'articulation disorder' or 'phonological disorder'.
By age 3, children should be developing these sounds: /p, b, t, d, k, g, m, n, h, w, y, -ng/.
By age 4, children should be developing theses sounds: /l, v, s, z, sh, ch, j/.
By age 5, children should b e developing these sounds: voiced 'th', /r/ and 'zh'.
By age 6, children should be developing this sound: voiceless 'th'.
What are Language Learning Classes?
Language Learning Classes are for children ages 2-5 who need extra exposure to language. Classes are with kids of similar ages. TSL will not have a 5 year old with a 2 year old and so on. Kids learn best with their peers. Classes are no larger than 4 and last 30-45 minutes. Classes are designed to be fun, keep your child's attention all while learning. Classes give your child exposure to new vocabulary, new concepts, and grammar!
This is different than 1:1 therapy. One-on-One therapy requires an evaluation so that sessions are directed to your child's specific needs. Goals are created and tailored to your child. Parents are updated on goals and progress on a weekly basis.
Speech Evaluation
A Speech Evaluation looks at multiple aspects of the child. The evaluation includes the child's history, parent information, parent concerns, speech sound assessment, receptive/expressive language assessment, fluency assessment, voice assessment, and pragmatic assessment. Assessments include but not limited to parent interview, standardized test, and informal observations.
Speech Evaluations take about an hour to an hour a half. Evaluations should be scheduled during a time where your child is alert. It is best to not schedule during a nap time or meal time.
Once the evaluation is over, the parent and therapist will discuss any concerns. The evaluation report will be written and sent to the parents in about a week. The therapist will also call to explain the results described in the report. During that call, the parent and therapist will schedule a reoccurring therapy time. Parents will be updated on therapy progress at the end of each session.