SPARC provides a range of therapy services to children and adults. Each therapy program is based on liaising and shared goal setting with the client’s family in order to fit in with an individual clients needs thereby ensuring functional goal setting. Common services we provide include:
We offer assessment and therapy services for children and adults with speech, language, swallowing and/or communication difficulties that may be due to various causes.
A speech & Language Assessment & Evaluation includes a detailed study and diagnosis comprising of informal clinical observations, with the use of special therapeutic instruments; formal/standardized tests (if necessary) to identify receptive language (understanding of language) and expressive language (the ability to express thoughts)skills, as well as, social and pragmatic language. It includes an evaluation of articulation or speech production and fluency, in order to analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of speech, language or communication disorder. The Evaluation also comprises a detailed parent/caregiver interview. Such assessments usually take from one to three visits and may be followed by a detailed report outlining the diagnosis and recommendations for subsequent therapy.
Thereafter, our therapist develops an individualized treatment plan with defined goals, tailored to each patient’s needs. The type and duration of therapy is formulated by the therapist subsequent to this initial assessment.
SPARC also provides review appointments for clients who do not require regular therapy as well as feedback and counseling sessions for caregivers, educators and family members.
Children who are born preterm, picky eaters, those who have weak facial muscles, hyper/hypo sensitivity or those who simply have trouble eating, chewing or swallowing are seen by an SLT. Adults who have had a neurological condition such as a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injury etc. may have difficulty swallowing or managing a diet of varied textures and consistencies.
A Dysphagia assessment can include instrumental or informal measures to evaluate a child or adult’s swallowing/feeding mechanism. However, it begins with an informal or bedside swallow examination.
Individuals post stroke, radiation or chemo-therapy, may require a Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) Study which is an instrumental/formal test to assess their swallow function. This is supervised by the patient’s doctor or a Radiologist and is carried out by the Speech-Language Therapist.
Children who have feeding issues are also evaluated in the clinic through information from parents, a doctor’s referral and an informal assessment. A diagnosis is then made based on this evaluation. Thereafter, recommendations for behavior modifications, changes in diet consistency and swallowing exercises are provided to the parents and /or children. Regular follow up sessions are scheduled for optimal results.
Once an assessment and evaluation is completed, regular therapy sessions are planned for which each patient is provided an appointment day and time. Each session typically lasts either 30 minutes or 60 minutes, 1-3 times per week. The frequency of sessions is based on each individual’sneeds.
Goals for the individual are formed based on careful examination and evaluation, and are suitably modified during the tenure of treatment. Data from all sessions are recorded to evaluate progress and to amend any set goals.
Individual therapy is recommended when the individual has a particular speech & language impairment unique to him/her and needs undivided attention for maximum progress.
Group therapy sessions are recommended for those whose goals include turn taking, eye contact, social skills, topic maintenance, pragmatic skills or generalizing skills which have already been learnt; such as articulation or fluency skills.
Group sessions are held 1-2 times per week and usually last 60 minutes. Groups are created based on similar developmental or functioning age, similar goals and only when there is a good match between individuals so that each person in the group can benefit. A group can comprise between 2 -5 people.
AAC includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts and ideas. It can include writing, drawing, gestures, sign language or electronic devices. Individuals with severe speech or language difficulties can be taught to use AAC to aid existing speech or to replace limited or deficient speech.
Aids such as pictures and symbol communication devices (e.g. Picture Exchange Communication System; PECS, GoTalk, Talk Blocks etc) are used in our sessions to help individuals express themselves.
Subsequent to an assessment (both formal and informal) a specific need based AAC protocol is formulated as the line of treatment. Communication methods can be either high tech (Eye gaze systems, Voice output communication aids, various applications on an Ipad or computer) or low tech (PECS, communication boards, pictures, communication passport, TalkBlocks)
It is integral to keep in mind that AAC users do not stop using their existing speech. The AAC aids and devices are used to enhance communication. For those who are non-verbal, using an AAC device does NOT prevent the development of speech. It facilitates progression of speech and simultaneously provides an individual the means to communicate in the absence of a verbal output.
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