Speech Language Evaluations:

After the initial screening, an individual suspected to have a communication disorder is seen for an evaluation to further assess and confirm a communication disorder. The evaluation includes collecting background history (statement of the problem, referral source, reason for referral, birth history, developmental history, medical history and academic/work history), behavioral observations, oral-speech mechanism examination and specific testing (determined by JISH protocols for each disorder area) in one or more areas of speech and language. When testing is completed, a diagnosis with prognosis and appropriate recommendations are provided.

Treatment:

Individual Treatment Plan: Once an individual has been diagnosed with a speech-language disorder and recommended for treatment at JISH, the speech-language pathologist will develop an individual treatment plan. This contains long-term and short-term goals, which are targeted to achieve the desired outcome of improved speech and language skills/remediation of the problem.

Treatment Schedule: The individual in treatment at JISH will receive a treatment schedule, which is clinically based on many variables, including: the type of disorder, severity of the disorder, age of patient and other issues. The individual may be scheduled to attend one, two, or three times per week for 30 minute or one-hour sessions. The individual may be seen for individual or group therapy. In some cases, intensive daily treatment is recommended (i.e. JISH Summer Program).

Progress Reports: The speech-language pathologist continuously assesses the progress of the individual in treatment. Every four months, a formal progress report will be provided to the individual/family and the level of progress and need for continued treatment will be discussed. If continued treatment is recommended, goals will be modified, as needed.

Family Involvement: The family plays an important role in the treatment process. The best results are achieved in treatment when the family attends/observes all treatment sessions and is very involved in the treatment process.

Carryover: The clinician will assign activities for carryover in the home, school or work environment. Activities for carryover ensure that the individual is using newly learned or emerging skills outside of the clinic setting and with other people.

Counseling: Counseling is also a vital part of the treatment process. The clinician will provide counseling during the treatment time to give important information to the individual/family about the disorder, treatment, associated problems, appropriate educational settings, referrals, etc.