Learn about the treatment services offered by speech-language pathologists at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
What are Speech Disorders?
Speech disorders refer to problems producing speech sounds or issues with voice quality. They can be characterized by problems with the way sounds are formed, called articulation or phonological disorders. They can also include difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice.
People with speech disorders have trouble using some speech sounds, which can also be a symptom of a delay.
Examples, subsets and synonyms for speech disorders:
- Language Disorders (developmental language disorders)
- Expressive Language Disorders
- Receptive-Expressive Language Disorders
- Phonologic Disorders (speech disorders)
- Stuttering
- Dysarthria
How We Can Help:
Our speech-language pathologists will work with patients on everything from literacy and social language proficiency to feeding, swallowing and oral motor skills. They look at all factors—including medical diagnoses and mental health—to fully understand each patient and how they can benefit from speech-language therapy.
Along with treatment services, speech-language pathologists conduct comprehensive evaluations that support treatment planning and assist parents, referring clinicians and interdisciplinary teams in understanding a child’s communication method and/or feeding profile. Our team offers evaluations to gauge a child’s use of functional language, such as whether they can ask for what they need.
What to expect when you book an appointment:
Appointments at the Speech and Language Outpatient Clinic
The Speech and Language Outpatient Clinicl offers specialized intervention to support children and their parents in learning strategies for improving functional communication and oral motor or feeding/swallowing skills. Individual, small group and /or parent training service delivery options are available via in-person or telepractice, when appropriate. Duration of treatment varies from short-term (4-12 weeks) up to 6-month bouts of care. We strive to provide therapy in areas not fully addressed in the child’s current intervention plan (e.g., tutoring, Individualized Education Program, Individualized Family Service Plan, etc.) with the goal of transitioning to community and/or school-based services. Treatment sessions may be offered jointly with other departments, as appropriate.
Locations:
Request an Appointment
Speech-Language Pathology Services at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™)
The speech-language pathologists at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute are trained in providing specialized evaluations and interventions to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Treatment
As part of our comprehensive center’s offerings, our speech language pathologists provide a variety of treatment options for toddlers, school-age children, adolescents and parents.
- Individual therapy: Children participate in weekly therapy sessions with a speech-language pathologist who develops individual goals and objectives to improve identified areas of need.
- Group therapy: Group therapy services range from small group therapy (two children) to larger group therapy (up to five or six children). Children are grouped based on age and communication needs to ensure that those in the same group are working on similar goals. Group sessions may meet one or two times per week.
- Parent-child training: Our center offers many shortterm parent-child training programs, which are typically conducted over a series of six to 12 treatment sessions. At each session, a speech-language pathologist works with a child and the child’s parent or caregiver to teach skills that parents and caregivers can use at home to foster play, language and communication skills.
- JumpStart: This short-term intervention program is designed for newly diagnosed toddlers and their parents and caregivers. A speech-language pathologist coaches parents and caregivers in using evidence-based strategies that capitalize on learning opportunities occurring during daily routines and favorite activities to promote the development of
Request an Appointment
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 443-923-7630, or call toll-free at 888-554-2080. TTY users, please contact us at 443-923-2645, or dial 711 to make a Maryland Relay call. You may also request an appointment online by clicking the button below.