Speech & Language Resources for Families
All of us at Manner of Speaking understand the importance of providing families with the resources they need to help their children succeed at school, at home, and in the community.
On this page, you can find answers to common questions about Speech and Language Disorders and FAQs about working with us.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone, email or the form on our contact page.
More About Dyslexia
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Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that affects the way a person processes and interprets written words, letters and symbols. It is often accompanied by difficulties with reading, writing, spelling and sometimes math skills. Dyslexia can present itself differently from person to person - some may have mild difficulties while others may have more pronounced challenges. Dyslexia is not caused by lack of intelligence, rather it is a neurological disorder that affects the ability to process language related information.
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In the early years, indicators of dyslexia can be subtle. Often difficulties aren’t pronounced until a child enters into elementary school and is falling behind his or her peers in reading. The Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552 ) highlights a number of early indicators:
Problems forming words correctly, such as reversing sounds in words or confusing words that sound alike (malapropisms).
Problems remembering the names of letters, numbers and/or colors.
Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games
If your child is showing any or all of the early signs it does not necessarily mean your child will have dyslexia. It is important to talk with your physician and get an evaluation with a qualified professional to determine if your child needs help
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Dyslexia is often diagnosed after taking tests that assess academic, cognitive and language skills. When all areas, with the exception of phonological processing, decoding and spelling are found to be within normal limits, a diagnosis of dyslexia may be given.
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Over the years many programs have been developed to teach those with dyslexia how to read. Evidenced based treatments typically involve a multi-sensory approach such as Orton-Gillengham and Wilson Reading System. These structured programs teach how sounds and syllables are combined to make words, in a clear and systematic way. Multi-sensory programs use a variety of senses (auditory/visual/tactile) to increasing phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, and reading fluency abilities.
It is important to note that dyslexia cannot be cured but can be effectively treated and its effects mitigated. With the right support and resources in place, those with dyslexia are able to improve their reading and writing skills and achieve academic success.
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Despite its prevalence, many educational professionals still don't know how to identify, work with and support students with dyslexia. In fact, the New York City Department of Education does not consider dyslexia its own classification on the Individualized Education Plan. Reading deficits at school are typically treated by the learning or reading specialist and/or the school-based speech language pathologist. You can encourage your child’s teacher to work with the team to help your child manage in-class and homework assignments. Your school’s special education support team will be able to help you put the right strategies and tools in place.
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At home, parents can provide support to their children by fostering an environment of positive reinforcement and consistently encourage your child even when progress is slow. Set small goals and celebrate successes along the way. People with dyslexia process information differently and may require alternative approaches to traditional learning. Reading aloud to your child or having your child listen to age appropriate audio books is just as effective in building complex and sophisticated language as reading text. Parents should acknowledge to their children that reading is hard. Kids with dyslexia know reading is hard and by not speaking about it may bring feelings of shame. Openly speaking about dyslexia can give your child the support and confidence necessary to overcome dyslexia.
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At Manner of Speaking, Jennifer can help assesses, diagnosis and treat dyslexia. With over 15 years of experience, Jennifer is able to provide a customized treatment plan that will support your child’s reading acquisition. As a speech language pathologist that is also certified in Wilson Reading System, Jennifer is in a unique position to support both the underlying language weaknesses present in dyslexia as well as provide a systematic, multi-sensory approach to reading remediation. To find out more information or schedule an appointment, please fill out the inquiry form on our contact page.
More About Stuttering
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Stuttering occurs when the normal flow of speech is interrupted. This may occur in the form of:
*Repetitions of sounds
*Blocks (no sound comes out) or
*Prolongations (stretching of a sound)
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Stuttering is caused by a number of factors including genetics, the presence of a developmental disorder, and/or a neurological difference. Stuttering is not caused by stress or other psychological problems as was once believed; however, stress may exacerbate stuttering.
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It’s important to note that not all people who stutter want or need speech therapy. Therapy should only be initiated if a child has expressed interest in learning techniques for more fluent speech or feels negatively about the impact of stuttering on his or her life.
For younger children seeking therapy, a less direct approach is most often taken. The Speech Pathologist teaches the child fluency enhancing strategies through play. As children get older, a child is taught specific strategies that will facilitate smoother speech.
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When a child is between the ages of 2 and 4, they will sometimes begin to repeat words or phrases. During these ages, it could be ‘developmental stuttering’. This is a time of rapid neurological development when a child’s thoughts are sometimes moving faster than their muscles can keep up with, leading to what sounds like stuttering.
However, if you notice that your child is exhibiting repetitions of sounds, prolongations, and/or blocks, you should consult with a speech pathologist. You may also notice your child becoming frustrated with, or shying away from speaking. In these cases, a speech pathologist can evaluate both speech and language skills to determine how best to address any dysfluencies.
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*Reduce time pressure. Life moves fast. When speaking with your child, be sure to give them plenty of time to respond.
*Take turns speaking. Minimize interruptions and speaking over each other by encouraging one person speaking at a time.
*Set the example. Model a relaxed and easy way to speak.
More About Language Disorders
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A language disorder is any difficulty in learning, understanding, or producing language. A language disorder can be either receptive or expressive.
Receptive Language refers to the ability to listen and understand spoken language.
Expressive Language refers to the ability to express yourself through verbal and non-verbal communication.
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Children struggling with Receptive Language may have difficulty:
*Understanding and following directions
*Answering questions correctly
*Comprehending information without needing it repeated
*Pointing to objects and actions in books (younger children)
Children struggling with Expressive Language may have difficulty:
*Using correct syntax (grammar rules)
*Thinking of a specific word
*Telling a story in a logical order
*Giving explanations
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If you suspect that your child’s language is not like that of same aged peers, a speech language pathologist can evaluate all areas of language to get a comprehensive view of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
If there is a disorder found, a comprehensive treatment plan will be created and speech therapy may be recommended.
For young and school-aged children, caregivers are able to request an evaluation of their child through their school district.
If your child meets the criteria to receive services at the school, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be generated. The IEP will outline the services your child is entitled to in order to treat the language disorder.
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Note that a child may have a language delay instead of a disorder. A language delay is when children are following the expected trajectory of language development, but at a slower rate than same aged peers. In a language disorder, there are weaknesses that do not typically occur as a child is learning to understand and use language.
More About Speech Sound Disorders
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Difficulty pronouncing sounds is broadly referred to as Speech Sound Disorders. These can fall into two categories: Phonological and Articulation.
A phonological disorder is when your child does not have difficulty saying a variety of sounds, but is not saying the sounds in the correct order.
An articulation disorder is when your child knows what sounds need to be made, but cannot figure out the muscle movements needed in order to make the sound happen.
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It can be difficult and often impossible to determine the cause of a speech sound disorder. However, they are often seen with a variety of developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and autism. Chronic ear infections can also result in articulation disorders.
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Since speech sound disorders can vary significantly in children, treatment first requires an in-depth evaluation with a speech language pathologist (SLP) that looks at the:
*Structure and function of the mouth
*Number of sound errors at the word level
*Number of sound errors during connected speech
Once your child’s speech has been thoroughly assessed, the SLP will develop a treatment plan that reflects their specific sound errors.
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Apraxia is a type of articulation disorder that results from the brain having difficulty figuring out how to make a plan to coordinate muscles.
Symptoms of Apraxia:
*Difficulty getting jaw, lips, or tongue into the correct position to make a sound, and/or difficulty moving smoothly to another sound.
*Groping movements as the speech muscles are attempting to get into the right position.
*Distortion of vowel sounds
*Incorrect stress or emphasis for words with more than one syllable
*Inconsistent errors while trying to say the same sound
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We encourage caregivers to seek help if your child is becoming frustrated that they cannot be understood.
While some amount of errors are common during speech development, you may want to consult with a SLP if your child’s speech is not becoming clearer as they mature.
Would You Like to Learn More?
Four Proven Ways to Help Your Child with Dyslexia
Five Ways to Support Your Child who Stutters
FAQs
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Speech and language therapy is a service provided by certified speech language pathologists (SLP). SLPs assess, diagnose, and treat people with communication disorders that affect their ability to speak, understand others, and/or process information. SLPs may also focus on literacy instruction for individuals with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Through individualized treatment plans, SLPs can help individuals of all ages improve their communication skills, whether it’s in a school or clinic setting. Treatment usually consists of strategies to increase understanding and use of language, while incorporating activities that involve spoken and/or written communication.
We love to work as a team with:
-Pediatricians
-Teachers
-Occupational Therapists
-Physical Specialists
-Learning Specialists
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Evaluations are highly individualized depending on the child’s needs. We ask that you fill out a detailed case history prior to the date of the evaluation so we can create an evaluation plan. Depending on the age of the child, evaluations can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half hours. Comprehensive evaluations include:
-A Review of Case History
-Play Skills (if age appropriate)
-Motor Speech Production
-Articulation
-Receptive and Expressive Language
-Social Skills
-Reading/Writing Skills (in context and through standardized testing)
At the end of the evaluation meeting, you will receive a written report with results, recommendations for treatment, educational recommendations, classroom strategies and activities for home. A phone or in person meeting can be set up to discuss the results in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
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Speech-language therapy can help children of all ages with communication and language development in a variety of areas. Some examples include:
-Teaching a child how to articulate sounds
-Helping late talking children develop language skills
-Helping a child comprehend what they hear and read
-Helping a child organize their thoughts for clear and efficient spoken and written language
-And much more!
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Once your child has been evaluated and the results have been discussed, you may decide to initiate therapy sessions. Typically, children come for therapy sessions one to two times a week. The duration of a therapy session depends on the age, attention span, and treatment needs of the child. Most sessions are 45 minutes. A treatment plan delineating therapy goals is derived from the evaluation and activities are created based on therapy targets. We believe in positive therapy experiences and design sessions to meet the individual needs of the child. Depending on your child's assessment, different types of therapy may be recommended. Play and movement are essential components of therapy sessions. We strive to create an enjoyable experience for the child while incorporating activities that target their speech-language goals. In order to ensure successful outcomes, we encourage you (the parent) to become involved in your child’s therapy plan.
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We work with children of all ages and adolescents. Therapy for younger children is play, movement and sensory based. Therapy for older school children and adolescents incorporates literacy and academic based skills.
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We are a private pay clinic and do not accept insurance. However, we will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. We will also provide you with any additional documentation you may need. We try our best to help our families get reimbursement whenever possible.
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All therapy sessions are conducted at our office, located within Speak, Learn, and Play at 540 President St, Suite 2D in the Park Slope/Gowanus area of Brooklyn.
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At this time, we do not accept contracts with the Department of Education for in-office visits.
Questions? Let’s Chat
It’s normal to have questions and concerns when considering our services. We would love to help.
