THERAPY SERVICES
Olivia is a PROMPT trained therapist. PROMPT stands for PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets. PROMPT Therapy is a unique philosophy and approach to assessment and treatment of speech delays or disorders. PROMPT may be used to facilitate production, revise or change production or to integrate motor production. This multidimensional approach to speech production disorders incorporates physical-sensory, cognitive-linguistic and social-emotional aspects.
Olivia is an NLA (Natural Language Acquisition) Trained therapist. Gestalt language processors (GLP) are "whole to part" thinkers and acquire language in chunks. These chunks of language, sometimes called "echolalia", "scripts" or "gestalts,"are a vital component of gestalt language development. With the right language environment and support, these gestalts will become more flexible over time. The child will be able to mix and match portions of the gestalts (mitigating) and later free single words from these gestalts. These single words will allow the child to generate original, self-generated language. We need to embrace the child's echolalia (gestalts) in order to support the child through the Stages of Natural Language Acquisition (NLA).
RECEPTIVE / EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE THERAPY
Language is how we use and understand words to communicate with others. A child with a language disorder might struggle with things like understanding questions or directions, naming objects, asking for help, or forming sentences. This can make it challenging for them to express their wants, needs, or ideas clearly.
SOCIAL COMMUNICATION OR PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE THERAPY
Social communication, or pragmatics, is how we use language in different social situations. It includes adjusting our language depending on who we're talking to and knowing how to take turns in a conversation. A child with a pragmatic language disorder may struggle with things like staying on topic, taking turns during conversations, and understanding facial expressions or body language.
SPEECH SOUND DISORDER THERAPY
When speech sounds are substituted, modified or omitted past a certain age, therapy can aid in appropriate articulation and reduction of speech sound errors and phonological processes. A child with a speech sound disorder may be difficult to understand by others.
MOTOR SPEECH THERAPY
Motor speech disorders include two primary conditions: dysarthria and apraxia of speech. In these conditions, the connection between the brain and the speech mechanism is damaged or interrupted. This makes it difficult to control and/or coordinate the muscles of the face, tongue, or larynx for the purposes of speaking. Olivia is a PROMPT Trained therapist.
EARLY INTERVENTION
Early intervention therapy focuses on supporting young children who are showing signs of speech, language, or developmental delays. The goal is to provide timely support to help them develop important skills, such as communication, motor skills, and social interactions. Early intervention can make a big difference in a child’s long-term development, giving them the best start possible to reach their full potential.
AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC)
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) therapy helps individuals communicate when speaking is challenging. This can include using tools like picture boards, communication books, or electronic devices such as tablets and speech-generating devices. AAC gives individuals who have difficulty with speech the ability to express themselves and interact with others, promoting more independence and connection with the world around them.