Carousel School : Therapeutic Services : Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Stacey Bryden, MS, CCC-SLP
Elizabeth Meier, MA, CCC-SLP
Charlene Martens, MS CCC-SLP

Our speech therapy team supports children’s communication skills development through one-to-one and group activities. Our initial work with our students begins with our speech and language team providing an evaluation of auditory comprehension and visual receptiveness. Then, together with the other members of the transdisciplinary team, our speech therapists tailor treatment plans to the child’s behavior and communication goals. These treatment plans include de-escalation techniques for those behaviors that can interfere with the development of communication skills.

The beginning stages of communication occur in the first few days of life when an infant learns that a cry will bring food and comfort. As the speech mechanism (jaw, lips, tongue and throat) and voice mature, an infant is able to make controlled sounds. While the actual cause of speech and language problems is unknown, many experts contend that some brain development conditions interfere with children’s ability to interpret and interact with their world.

Carousel School provides clinic and classroom based speech and language services to children birth to 3 years old (Early Intervention), and 3 years old to high school age (Special Education). Our team works with the children through both structured (table top) and play based (floor) therapies. The speech therapists also work with our families to explore how to facilitate language at home.