Speech & Language
Pals
Family Resources
Below are some useful resources to help families learn more about speech and language development. If you have further, or more specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Speech/Articulation
The ability to verbally produce speech sounds correctly using our mouth, lips, and tongue. Difficulties pronouncing words could indicate a speech disorder. Articulation disorders, fluency (i.e. Stuttering), and voicing can each be addressed at S&L Pals.
To learn more, click on the link to view an estimated guideline of SPEECH SOUND DEVELOPMENT CHART.
Language
Language refers to the words we use and how we use them to share ideas and get what we want. Difficulties understanding what others say can result in a receptive language disorder. Trouble expressing our thoughts, ideas, and feelings are examples of an expressive language disorder. If you have concerns in any of these areas, allow S&L Pals to help you determine if speech therapy is right for you.
Ages
Learning More Than One Language
Some people grow up speaking more than one language. It is important to remember that speaking another language is NOT a language problem. In fact, many studies have shown numerous benefits to speaking more than one language. A true language disorder will show up in both languages. If you feel that this applies to your child, please contact S&L Pals to schedule your evaluation today.
Fluency
Stuttering occurs when there is an interruption in the flow of speech. Disfluencies are noted by repetitions of words (“More-more-more cookie.”) or parts of words (“I w-w-want milk.”), blocks (pause “Let’s go”), and/or prolongations (“Mmmmy ball.”) It may also be accompanied by tension in the face or body. If your child has any of these symptoms, don't hesitate and contact S&L Pals to schedule an evaluation today.
For more information, check out: The Stuttering Foundation.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is described as a deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behavior. Your child may be expressing behaviors, such as: hitting, biting, or shutting down, as a result of over stimulation and an inability to communicate. Allow S&L Pals to work with you and your child to develop an appropriate and functional means of communication.
To learn more, click on the link: Autism Speaks.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood apraxia of speech is characterized as having inconsistent movements and production of speech. Difficulties are more noticeable with sentences of increased length and complexity. There is typically a gap between what the child understands and what they are able to express in a clear manner. If you feel your child is displaying signs and symptoms of CAS, let's not waste another minute, contact S&L Pals to find out what we can do for you.
For more information, check out: CASANA.
Oral-Motor Disorders
Oral-motor involves how the mouth muscles move, how strong they are, and how well those structures coordinate with one another. Some of the more common symptoms include: excessive drooling, gagging, food/liquids falling out of the mouth, or the jaw slanting to one side. If your child exhibits these symptoms, contact S&L Pals today to see how we can help you.
For more information, check out: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
Orton-Gillingham
Orton-Gillingham is an individualized, structured, multisensory, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive approach to teach reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills. If your child is struggling with reading, contact S&L Pals today and we will be glad to assist you.
To learn more, check out: IDA New Jersey.
Auditory Processing Disorder
Children with APD have a disconnect with the ability to process spoken messages from the ear to the brain. Children typically experience difficulty with maintaining conversations or following directions; especially in environments with loud background noise. If your child has any of these symptoms, contact S&L Pals today to see how we can address your concerns.
For more information, check out: Kids Health.
Hearing Screenings
