The SpeechKids Vision
SpeechKids was founded in 1995 by Crisler Lovendahl, M.A., Speech Language Pathologist and Child Development Specialist to provide holistic treatment to children ages birth to twenty-one.
Principles and methods are selected to match each child's individual profile and drawn from: relationship-based models; oral-sensory, oral-motor, and apraxia therapies; auditory processing and listening programs,
sensory integration principles, metacognitive and metapragmatic approaches, as well as traditional speech and language methods.
Core issues addressed include: feeding, praxis, social-emotional development, sensory processing, cognition and ideation, as well as articulation, auditory processing, language organization, and expressive communication. At SpeechKids, we specialize in treating children with Sensory Processing and Related Disorders Spectrum by encouraging a collaborative approach. Family participation during therapy sessions and home programming activities become important pieces to the child’s progress. SpeechKids works closely with OT Kids, Play Partners, the Classroom Connection, North Shore Teen Center, and other leading pediatric practices.
Recommendations from all disciplines (e.g. occupational and physical therapy, psychology and behavior therapy, optometry and audiology, developmental and play therapy) are integrated into our treatment plans. Collaboration among parents, the educational team, and clinic based therapists is a priority to creating a comprehensive program supporting success.
"Fostering engagement, communication, motor, and imagination"
Services
- Detailed Diagnostic Assessment and Reports
- Individual or Group Speech, Language, and Social Interaction Therapy
- Relationship-based principles from DIR-Floortime®, Theraplay®, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
- Oral-Motor, Oral-Sensory, Apraxia and Feeding Therapy (e.g. Wilbarger, PROMPT, Beckman, Kaufman, Evans-Morris)
- A variety of language learning programs: AAC (e.g., Touchchat and Unity), Verbal Behavior/ABA, PECS/Sign, Teach Me Language, and Linguisystems
- Early Childhood Instructional Focus including Highscope, Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia
- Computer-based Auditory Programs: Fast Forward; Earobics I and II; Seesaw
- Sensory Processing Support, including tactile and auditory desensitization, Therapeutic Listening /Samonas Sound Therapy
- Visual Support, Work Systems, and TEACCH
- Academic Language Support: organization, self-advocacy, written language, IEP Support/School Visits
Additional Opportunities
Custom-designed, aesthetic, and imaginative environments with quality materials
A comfortable waiting area for families equipped with games/toys, homework supplies, and refreshments
Convenient scheduling with a variety of onsite therapies allowing 2-3 hour blocks
Intensive programming (daily, half-day, full-day) available for some programs, especially during seasonal breaks
Resource library with information on diagnosis, intervention and methodologies
An extensive children’s library
Free guest speaker nights with professionals in the field.
Custom-designed, aesthetic, and imaginative environments with quality materials
A comfortable waiting area for families equipped with games/toys, homework supplies, and refreshments
Convenient scheduling with a variety of onsite therapies allowing 2-3 hour blocks
Intensive programming (daily, half-day, full-day) available for some programs, especially during seasonal breaks
Resource library with information on diagnosis, intervention and methodologies
An extensive children’s library
Free guest speaker nights with professionals in the field.
