Testimonials
Miss Kati is "a terrific speech therapist. We are really pleased with G's progress. His "r" sounds perfect!!"
- G.V., Cherry Hill, NJ
January 2009 Newletter
Grand Opening Information
Please help us celebrate the grand opening of Central Delaware Speech-Language Pathology in February 2009! We are a private outpatient speech-language pathology practice specializing in the treatment of pediatric speech and language disorders. Our services include comprehensive evaluations and treatment for speech, language, feeding, and social skills disorders. The practice is family owned, and is directed by Kathleen Capitan, M.S., CCC-SLP, an American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certified and DE and NJ licensed speech pathologist.Click here to view all of our grand opening events.
Planting Seeds of Good Communication
Spring Will Be Here Soon – Plant the Seeds of Good Communication! We offer fun and instructive social skills enhancement groups weekly, beginning in February! Please call for age group times and availability! (302) 674-3350
Who Needs to Visit a Speech Pathologist?
There are a variety of speech and language problems that may require the services of a speech pathologist. Some children have articulation disorders, or trouble saying certain sounds. For example, they may “lisp” the “s” sound or say “w” for “r,” as in “woad” for “road.” Other children may have more severe phonological disorders, in which they make many sound errors in atypical patterns, leave out sounds, and are difficult to understand. In addition, children that have Apraxia, or trouble with coordinating or “motor planning” for speech, typically require speech therapy to make voicing and to combine sounds to make understandable speech. Children that stutter or have hoarse or raspy voices may also need therapy.
For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication and social impairments often require speech-language intervention. Therapy helps children with ASD learn to listen carefully and speak more clearly, expand their language, use methods of augmentative/alternative language when applicable, and improve social skills.
Some children have specific language impairments, and require therapy to improve expressive and receptive language skills. For example, a child of 12-18 months who is not making babbling sounds or saying her first words should be evaluated by a speech pathologist. Likewise, a 3-year old child who is not combining words and making understandable sentences may need treatment. In addition, a child who seems to have trouble processing language may also benefit from therapy by learning to respond when spoken to, follow directions, and understand conversations going on around him.
Children with Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and various Genetic Syndromes often require speech therapy to target muscle weakness and coordination, cognitive language issues, and expressive and receptive language deficits.
For children with learning disabilities, speech therapy can be helpful to target language-related components, such as working memory and processing deficits. Parents’ instincts are often a great indicator of a child’s skills. If you think your child is behind his/her peers, it is time to seek help!
Finding Information
Often, the internet is a great first place to gain a general understanding of your child’s speech-language or social skill disorder. Just remember that not all websites contain accurate, quality information and that it is often overwhelming to sort through all the information on the web! Some suggestions include the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. There are also excellent resources available from local libraries, outreach organizations, and college/university websites and journals. Central Delaware Speech-Language Pathology would also be happy to provide reference materials upon request.
What is the next step?
The first step is to contact our facility at 302-674-3350 to relay your concerns and needs. Our helpful staff will walk you through the process!
If your child has had a recent speech-language evaluation and services were recommended, therapy may be scheduled immediately. If your child has not had a recent evaluation, an evaluation will be necessary to determine his/her present level of performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop goals.
Our office manager will provide you with questionnaire and history forms to give your child’s therapist relevant information prior to his evaluation or first session. If recommended, treatment will be scheduled in 30 or 60 minute blocks based on your child’s individual needs. We look forward to helping your child improve her speech and language skills!
