Speech therapy is designed to improve communication skills. This therapy may involve the establishment of first words, the construction of early sentences, or the improvement of listening and speech skills. At times, the speech/language pathologist may use techniques such as sign language or assistive communication strategies to begin the learning processes.
Speech therapist working with children who are visual learners will use gesture-like movements of sign that can attract their attention to the opportunities for word usage.
Picture exchange systems or speaking devices may be an option for other children with motor learning problems.
Special needs children often exhibit feeding/swallowing problems, and speech/language pathologists are trained in the assessment and remediation of such difficulties.
Good Shepherd Center’s Speech / Language Pathologists all hold Master’s Degrees and are licensed in the State of Illinois.