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.