SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, ACADEMIC TESTING/ TUTORING & ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY REHABILITATION SINCE 1987

Another year, another newsletter! We are gearing up for an exciting spring and summer season with our first- ever March Break camp, and our sixth annual "Talk about Fun" Summer camp (more below). Sue Ciphery and Jamie Sutherland, our newest staff members, are helping manage this flurry of activity!

As Director of Educational Services, Sue can answer any of your programming questions, e.g. educational testing and tutoring, and our new Fast Forword and Jump Start Learning programs. Our Outreach Coordinator, Jamie, will call (if he hasn’t already) to "pick your brain" on ways to improve communication linkages with you, and services for clients and their families! Your input is greatly appreciated!

Hope you enjoy this newsletter, which features upcoming programs, research highlights and tips on improving communication and learning skills.

Kerry Erle

Talk about Fun camp bolsters 3-10 year olds’ speech, language, literacy and/or academic skills. Assessment, and daily one-on-one teaching/ therapy make this a unique and valuable day camp opportunity for any child. Kids with special speech, language or learning needs are welcome! Now registering for July & August. Top 5 reasons to enroll?

1. Strengthen Learning basics, e.g. attention, following directions
2. Improve Academic performance, e.g. reading, writing, math
3. Enhance Communication skills, e.g. speech, oral descriptions
4. Build Social Confidence, e.g. conversation skills, social problem-solving
5. Have Fun and make new friends!

The following educational sessions are held at our Fanshawe Pk Rd office (east of Highbury), and are open to all parents, educators and other professionals. We can also arrange a group presentation at your facility. Pre-registration is required.

Learn how Speech-Language Pathologists differentiate between normal and abnormal stuttering and promote fluent speech in preschool children.

At least half of students with ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorders have associated language and learning impairments that must be considered in school. Learn strategies for modifying the learning environment to maximize success and social-emotional adjustment.

About ten percent of children have speech and language delays that place them in the high- risk category for literacy and learning problems. Learn "red flags" for speech-language delay, and how to prevent educational failure.

Thinking and communication (i.e. cognitive-communication) deficits are the most common consequence of acquired brain injury. Speaking, listening, reading, writing, attention, memory and higher- level thinking may be affected to varying degrees, and in subtle ways. Deficits often lead to failed attempts at family, community, work and school reintegration. Speech-Language Pathologists play a vital role in identifying and treating cognitive-communication disorders early and preventing long- term adjustment problems.

We travel to all parts of southwestern Ontario to provide:

• Detailed cognitive-communication assessments and medical-legal consultation
• Treatment services from Speech-Language Pathologist or communication disorders assistant
• Education and Support for family, teachers and employers

In Chatham-Kent, we now offer local communication disorders assistant services to reduce treatment costs. Fees are often covered through auto insurance.

A new Ontario-wide study found 1 in 4 Kindergarten students did not have the skills required for success in school (The Kitchener Record, Dec. 27/2002). Coupled with the fast-paced demands of the new curriculum, this portends diminishing academic returns for a lot of our kids! The preschool years can make or break a child’s ability to cope with the demands of school.

Our new Jump Start Learning program offers communication and academic enrichment or therapy to 3-6 year olds. Well suited for all children, but ideal for kids with special learning needs. Now accepting registrations!

Question: What is the Speech-Language Pathologist’s role in helping students with learning disabilities?

Answer: The vast majority of learning disorders are language based. Speech-Language Pathologists have unique expertise in the assessment and treatment of language- based

learning disorders. What are student warning signs that indicate the need for speech-language pathology assessment?

1. Difficulty following verbal directions.
2. Brief verbalizations/limited interaction with others or excessive talkativeness.
3. Slow development of basic concepts (e.g. numbers. letters, categories, time).
4. Poor peer interaction skills
5. Reading difficulties.
6. Weak spelling.
7. Trouble analyzing and relating auditory or written information.
8. Difficulties sequencing ideas or generating questions that are organized and appropriate to situations.
9. Frequent use of nonspecific vocabulary, e.g. saying "stuff on tree" instead of "ornaments"
10. Trouble understanding figurative language, e.g. "Get off the pot!"
11. Difficulty comprehending or recalling vocabulary in schoolwork.
12. Reduced ability to identify main ideas in class lessons, written stories or TV shows.
13. Trouble using questions to identify specific information or clarify previous information.
14. Weak ability to reference pronouns, e.g. "Dad and John came over. He brought my bike."
15. Sloppy, incomplete or disorderly written work.
16. Disorganized, impulsive, rigid, immature or easily frustrated.

If a child demonstrates one or more of these difficulties a speech-language pathology assessment can be requested through the school principal. Alternatively families can check their benefits plan for private speech-language pathology coverage.