Speech Language Pathology

Communication is a basic human right. Despite this, many children do not possess the speech and language skills that are required to meet their daily needs.

What you should know about Speech Language Pathology at ADMI:

We specialize in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to improve language outcomes. We offer the following services:

• AAC assessments
  
• Direct speech/language therapy for AAC users (available only in Forty Fort)
  
• Family training in device use
  
• Individualized consultative services
  
• Evaluations for other speech/language concerns, including language delay or impairment, childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering, voice and resonance disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, and social/pragmatic communication difficulties.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

AAC refers to any compensatory strategy that improves an individual’s ability to communicate with others in his or her environment when verbal speech is not sufficient. AAC ranges from unaided communication (e.g., signs, gestures) to low-tech systems (e.g., picture cards, paper communication boards) to high-tech computers and iPad-based systems.

Who is a candidate for AAC?

Any individual for whom speech and language skills are not sufficient to meet his or her daily communication needs. This difficulty may be the result of a diagnosed condition, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, developmental delay, genetic or metabolic disorders, or apraxia of speech. If you and your child are feeling frustrated by difficulties with verbal communication, your child may be an appropriate candidate for AAC.

Will AAC discourage my child from speaking?

No. Research consistently shows that utilizing AAC does not discourage children from speaking; in fact, it may accelerate verbal speech acquisition. Furthermore, AAC tools and techniques may decrease frustration that occurs when a child has difficulty communicating effectively.

What to expect from an AAC assessment:

During a typical AAC assessment, the speech-language pathologist will interview caregivers extensively about the child’s strengths, needs, daily routines, current communication strategies, and any behavioral concerns. A combination of standardized and/or dynamic assessments may be completed with your child to gather information about his or her language skills, visual discrimination abilities, and fine motor skills. Your child may also have the opportunity to trial various AAC strategies, such as picture communication or speech-generating devices.

After the visit, you will receive an evaluation report with individualized recommendations for appropriate AAC strategies, as well as guidance for obtaining and implementing the recommended AAC tools. This report can be shared with your child’s school team and private therapists. Follow-up appointments for additional device trials, family training, and device programming are offered at our Forty Fort location on an as-needed basis.

Please bring with you to the visit any current AAC strategies that your child is using at school or home, such as picture cards, communication boards, or tablets. Also bring your child’s most recent school ER/IEP, any private therapy records, results of previous AAC assessments, and preferred snacks or toys that are motivating for your child.

The length of the appointment varies depending on the unique needs of your child and family, but please plan on spending up to 3 hours in the clinic with your child.

Does your child, student, or client have difficulty using verbal speech to communicate effectively? ADMI offers hourly, half day, and full day consultations on-site or at our clinics in Lewisburg and Forty Fort, PA.

Services can be customized to meet your needs and include:

• Comprehensive AAC assessment
• Speech/language testing
• Technical support
• IEP development
• Team training and professional inservices

For more information about speech-language pathology services, please contact Marissa Mitchel, MS, CCC-SLP at 570-522-9420.