Patient Information

NJ STEPS 
Patient Information

Parent’s role in speech and language development
Parents are the key teachers for their children. Therefore, parents and/or caretakers are encouraged to sit in with their child during the treatment sessions so that therapy can be a collaboration between the speech therapist and the family. A child who is surrounded by speech and language all the time usually learns language skills faster. Talking to and reading to your child will have a big effect on how well your child is able to communicate. Talk about what you are doing, what you see, what your child is doing, and what your child sees. Take time to listen to your child. Children have a lot to share and require feedback from their caretakers. Respond to your child, children need to know that you are listening and care.
The First Steps
The first step that we take is to listen and understand. This allows for the therapist to quickly determine how to begin the diagnostic process. We will typically probe on the following:
  • Your primary concern about your child’s speech and language
  • Brief description of your child’s speech, language and feeding history
  • Information about your child’s hearing tests (if applicable)
This will help to determine if there is a need for a more comprehensive evaluation.

The Next Step: Evaluation
A speech-language evaluation is performed when there are concerns regarding the development of your child’s communication and/or speech production skills. A comprehensive evaluation examines your child’s pre-linguistic skills, speech, expressive and receptive skills. To do a proper evaluation we use industry validated diagnostic tools along with informal clinical observations to thoroughly assess your child. Based on the results of the formal and informal evaluation, a diagnosis is made and a personalized treatment plan is developed.

What’s Next?
After the evaluation process, we will work together with you, and any other parties involved in your child’s growth and learning, to create a fun and effective treatment program.

Screening

A speech-language screening comprises of assessing a child's articulation, fluency, voice, and language skills to determine if there is a need for further evaluation. The screening usually lasts from 10-20 minutes followed by a short analysis of the results. Screenings are free of charge if conducted at NJ STEPS.
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Evaluation

A speech-language evaluation is performed when there are concerns regarding the development of your child's communication and/or speech production skills. A comprehensive evaluation examines your child's pre-linguistic skills, speech, expressive and receptive skills. To do a proper evaluation we use industry validated diagnostic tools along with informal clinical observations to thoroughly assess your child. Based on the results of the formal and informal evaluation, a diagnosis is made and a personalized treatment plan is developed.
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What to Expect from a Treatment Session
Once the evaluation is completed, a plan of care is developed based on the child’s specific delays. The child will work on the specific targeted goals during each session. Caregivers can observe the sessions and will always be brought back a few minutes before the end of the treatment to discuss the session and to be provided with activities to be carried over at home. Any other therapists or educators involved with the child will be contacted (with the parents consent) to make sure everyone is working towards the same goals..

How Long Will My Child Need Speech Therapy?
A speech-language evaluation is performed when there are concerns regarding the development of your child’s communication and/or speech production skills. A comprehensive evaluation examines your child’s pre-linguistic skills, speech, expressive and receptive skills. To do a proper evaluation we use industry validated diagnostic tools along with informal clinical observations to thoroughly assess your child. Based on the results of the formal and informal evaluation, a diagnosis is made and a personalized treatment plan is developed.
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