Speech Language and Learning Services of Marin-Sonoma

SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

VISUALIZING AND VERBALIZING

The Visualizing and Verbalizing® (V/V®) program develops concept imagery—the ability to create an imagined from language—as a basis for comprehension and higher order thinking. The development of concept imagery improves reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing.

CHILDHOOD APRAXIA

Our therapists are well versed in the state-of-the-art evaluation and therapy techniques for apraxia. These include but are not limited to the Kaufman method and the use of specific “tools” to facilitate kinesthetic feedback and the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) program. Frequent and intensive practice is emphasized to facilitate appropriate motor planning along with enhanced sensory input (auditory, visual, tactile and cognitive cues for speech production) and timely/appropriate feedback.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is surgically placed behind the ear on the mastoid bone and into the cochlea itself. It is designed to provide useful hearing and increased communication ability to individuals who are profoundly hearing impaired. Adults and children 12 months of age and older with profound sensor-neural hearing loss may be candidates.

Our therapists have worked with both children and adults in auditory rehabilitation following implantation. Therapy for adults follows a structured hierarchy of auditory skills from recognition of environmental sounds, pattern perception, segmental perception and speech discrimination in closed sets with gradual introduction of discrimination in open sets. Carryover activities, including the ability to understand speech over the phone are introduced as appropriate. Therapy for young children with cochlear implants follows the same basic guidelines as those for adults, but with the addition of both language goals (vocabulary/concept development, appropriate grammatical structures) and articulation, as needed, depending on the individual child.

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC)

Children and adults with severe speech or language problems may need to find other ways to communicate.  There are two main types of AAC—unaided systems and aided systems. You do not need anything but your own body to use unaided systems. These include gestures, body language, facial expressions, and sign language.  An aided system uses some sort of tool or device. There are two types of aided systems—basic and high-tech. A pen and paper is a basic aided system. Pointing to letters, words, or pictures on a board is a basic aided system. Touching letters or pictures on a computer screen that speaks for you is a high-tech aided system.  You may use one or both types. Most people who use AAC use a combination of AAC types to communicate. Our staff has experience with a variety of AAC unaided and aided systems, including, PECS, GoTalk, ProloQuo2Go, TouchChat, and LAMP.

CLIENT FAMILY COUNSELING

Parents, family and patient education and counseling are provided by our speech pathology staff as an integral part of the therapeutic process.  Providing education and counseling to our families and caregivers allows therapeutic techniques to carryover and generalize into activities for daily living.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

We work with community agencies providing consultative service and in-service training. We consult with schools, hospitals and community agencies to provide comprehensive programs to better serve our clients. We welcome the opportunity to provide consultation and referrals, as well as educational training sessions for parent groups, medical practitioners, educators and businesses in regard to speech and language disabilities.

REFERRAL SERVICES

We coordinate with agencies and resources throughout Marin and Sonoma counties in an effort to be familiar with personnel and services to facilitate effective and applicable referrals.