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
February 2009 Newletter
Off to a Great Start
Opening Activities a Huge Success!
Thank you to all the family, friends, clients, and community members who made the Grand Opening of Central Delaware Speech-Language Pathology, Inc. on February 2nd a wonderful success.
The ribbon cutting ceremony had a fantastic turnout, and was attended by many local VIPs. A special thank you to Executive Chef Jason Blaski (of Brio Tuscan Grille), for providing the delicious food, to the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event, to Mary Alice Spiegel and Jason Goodnight for help catering the event, to Dave Skocik (of PR Delaware) for helping to get the word out about our new practice, and to Reggie and Ellen Capitan, for making the event a possibility.
Also, a HUGE thank you to Miss Kathleen Nicosia, MT-BC, NMT, board certified music therapist, for leading a fantastic Language Melodies Group on Saturday February 7th. We received VERY POSITIVE feedback from parents and children who attended, and have scheduled future groups.
WHATS COMING SOON?
FREE Speech-Language Screenings are being offered throughout the month of February. Find out if your son or daughter is on the right track with speech and language skills! Pre-registration required, call today to schedule (302-674-3350).
Language Melodies Group – back by popular demand! Our introductory Language Melodies group was such a hit, we are offering it again on Saturday March 28th at $15 per child. Children will be placed based on age and ability for the following groups:
Love is in the Air this Valentine’s Day – Let’s Share Our Hearts…and Our Therapists!
TWe appreciate referrals! Refer friends and acquaintances to Central Delaware Speech-Language Pathology, Inc… if they sign up for an evaluation or a session, you will receive a Free Session!
What Should You Look for in a Speech Pathologist for Your Child?
Finding the right professional for your child’s needs can be a daunting task, especially when there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the area. Such is the case with speech-language pathologists in Delaware. So what should you be looking for when seeking speech-language services for your child?
First and foremost, you need to make sure the speech pathologist is properly licensed. By ensuring proper licensure, you are also ensuring that he/she complies with code of ethics practices, engages in continuing education to provide the latest research supported services, and is being overseen and guided by state and national governing bodies. Look for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a current state license. In Delaware, a business license is also required to see clients privately.
Do not be afraid to ask a prospective speech pathologist questions about his/her background. Particularly, you may want to ask about the level of experience in treating the specific problem your child has (articulation, processing, stuttering), his or her philosophy on behavior management, and how progress will be measured. Also, it is a good idea to ask about the speech pathologist’s discharge criteria.
You may want to ask about any specialization, training, and certifications the speech pathologist may have. For example, if your child is non-verbal, does the speech pathologist have training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS, Sign Language, or other augmentative or alternative communication modes?
Ask your family, friends, school staff, doctor’s office staff, and other trusted individuals for suggestions. A good therapist will always have word-of-mouth referrals. Also, you may want to ask for references or testimonials from other parents.
Finally, trust yourself. You are the expert on your child, and can best tell if a particular therapist will be a good match for you and your family!
February Highlight: Phonological Process Disorder
Some of the most frequent calls we get are about young children (ages 2-6 years) with “speech problems.” Parents report that it is difficult to understand their child, that he says his sounds wrong, and that they have to translate for him when around others. Sometimes, an Articulation Disorder is the cause, but there is another possibility – a Phonological Process Disorder.
An Articulation Disorder is diagnosed when a child has difficulty making certain sound(s). For example, she might say “The wabbit wuns up the woad” for “The rabbit runs up the road.” In this case, she has trouble with the “r” sound, and therapy would target learning and practicing to say the “r” sound correctly.
A Phonological Process Disorder is diagnosed when there is a pattern of sound errors. For example, instead of having difficulty with a particular sound, the child might have trouble saying groups of sounds produced in a certain manner. Instead of saying sounds made in the back of the mouth (like “k” and “g”), the child would say them in the front of the mouth – so “cow” would become “tow” and “go” would become “doe.” Or sometimes a child stops the airflow, so a windy sound like “f” would become a “p” – “fish” would become “pish.” Therapy for Phonological Processing Disorders differs from traditional articulation therapy. Instead of learning only to say a certain sound correctly, the rules for correct placing of the groups of sounds are taught and practiced. Phonological Process Disorders tend to present as more severe and require more intensive therapy, however with appropriate treatment, the progress can be amazing!
For more information, or if you are concerned your child might have an articulation or phonological process disorder, please contact out office at 302-674-3350. We look forward to helping your child improve her speech and language skills!
