Speech-Language Therapy

Supporting skills development

Speech-language therapists work with our students to support the development of both functional and academic language skills. During the first weeks of the school year, the speech-language team administers hearing screenings and language testing to all students. Based on the results of this testing and information provided by parents, students are placed in appropriate speech-language groups.

Intervention in these groups focuses on many areas of language development, including:

• Receptive Language: listening and understanding words and concepts
  • Following directions
  • Working memory
  • Executive functioning
• Expressive Language: being able to communicate effectively
  • Semantics (vocabulary)
  • Syntax (grammar)
  • Word retrieval
• Social Pragmatic Language: Practical communication skills as applied to social situations
  • Social thinking skills
  • Perspective taking
• Speech Articulation and Phonology: Pronouncing sounds in words and phonemic awareness
• Application of language skills to reading and writing

Speech-language therapists collaborate with occupational therapists and classroom teachers to provide a weekly combined speech/OT group, which reinforces application of language and motor skills, and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as social cooperation and teamwork.