What is Language Therapy?

 

Language is an agreed upon symbolic code, and this type of therapy works to increase meaningful participation and communication in one's life. It focuses on any of the following areas:

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Receptive Language (comprehension)

Expressive Language (usage)

Morphosyntax (units of meaning and grammar)

Phonology (sound combination rules)

Pragmatics (neurotypical and neurodivergent social interaction)

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What does a language therapy session look like?

 

The answer is different for every client! Our clinicians are skilled at incorporating language goals into any activity or setting. This flexibility allows us to respond to our clients in a positive manner, rather than trying to redirect them to fit an adult driven lesson plan or activity.

 

Some sessions may...

• incorporate more movement, energy and flow;

• focus heavily on playing with a favorite toy brought in with the client;

• find us exploring books and stories;

• use arts and crafts to create something wonderful;

• involve talking about a hobby or interest;

• be on the floor or under the table;

• require using short video clips or other technology

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Should I schedule a consultation or evaluation?

 

The short answer is likely "yes" especially if you or your family member's pediatrician or doctor, teachers, caregivers, or other related professionals have noted a difference in development. 

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Are milestones important?

 

Oftentimes our clients may have slower milestones, "inchstones" or entirely different journeys. Milestones can be very misleading because they are not the only way someone can develop. They assume an extremely narrow view of human development, and may set adults and children alike up for disappointment, anxiety, fear or shame. 

 

We do not focus on what your family member cannot do. Our team is here to listen to you, share our resources and colleagues, empower you to be active participants in therapy, highlight your family member's strengths, and provide lots of opportunities for success and growth.

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What is parent coaching?

 

Parent coaching is an equal partnership in a safe environment. It requires connection and responsiveness. It is not when the clinician consults and tells the caregiver(s) what to do.

 

It involves active involvement during a session, where the adult is responding to the child and implementing strategies to facilitate and foster communication, and the clinician is supporting the adult. There may be ongoing dialogue about the child's responses, the caregiver(s) observations and responses, what went well, what they would do differently, as well as overarching feelings about parent-child interactions or personal experiences from childhood.

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How long does language therapy last?

 

The trillion dollar question! 

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We assess progress quarterly, and formally re-evaluate skills annually. This opens up a conversation with you about continuing services. We would not keep a client in therapy just because of a diagnosis that traditionally or automatically qualifies for therapy, or in an attempt to achieve certain academic grades. We will work with you or your family member as long as there is a need, which we define as meaningful involvement across environments (i.e., home, social circles, school and/or work). When making the decision to discharge, we examine informal observations, motivation, client and family feedback, as well as formal assessments.