Annie Said:

speech therapy, ABA, Lovaas, Mariposa?

We Answered:

It takes a very long, long time to establish a relationship with children on the spectrum. They have to welcome you into their world and you have to adapt to being on their level. Their bodies and minds do not function like ours do. It takes awhile for them to learn a new skill and fully understand it. It is possible that the connection just isn't there for your child. After a couple of sessions you will start to see the connection if there is one. Try sitting in on your child's speech session. Get involved, don't be afraid to ask questions. However before deciding to go with a new speech therapist try the therapist methods in your own home, apply it to your everyday life at home. Get your child's teachers involved get them on the same page. The big thing with these kids is consistency. However, sometimes by switching therapist it's like taking a giant step backwards and starting all over again. You will know what is best for you child when the time comes. As their parent you will know instinctively if this is the right therapist for your child or not. Then talk to the principal/case manager tell them your concerns and again don't be afraid to ask questions, you are your child's voice. We started out with object exchange then went to pictures (of favorite toys favorite foods and so on) and onto the PECS system and added sign language and now he is communication verbally. (Signing time was a great communication system for the children I work with. It's fun and musical which again children on the spectrum crave music. Your local PBS station airs signing time early Saturday mornings check your local listings or visit Singingtime.com ) I have created my own therapy method so to say. I use ABA and Floortime. ABA helps with performance and Floortime allows them to let into their world thus resulting in lots and lots of engagement. As for the behavior issues avoid the toys/activities that set off these behaviors, although your child is getting input from these self stem behaviors, it completely shuts them down and you won't get the engagement, so set aside several times a day and allow you child this time with those toys/activities it will greatly reduce his frustration and tantruming. If your child is edging on walls or counter tops make it functional, go to noggin.com on the computer and play the simple games their. You'll get the engagement and it is a great opportunity for communication because they need your assistance to make it work but at the same time they are still getting their sensory needs met. I don't know what kind of stimulation your child is seeking but f you email with the behaviors I would be happy to think of some ideas for your child. Hope this info was helpful if you have other questions or want more ideas email me.

Duane Said:

can speech therapy helps to improve my english?

We Answered:

Speech therapy is normally for children and adults who have difficulty with speaking, thinking, understanding, swallowing, or voice. We treat kids with developmental problems, and teens/adults with illness or injury.
The only time a foreign speaker would be treated is for "accent reduction", which is usually for a very short period of time. Working with a speech pathologist to improve your English would be prohibitively expensive (USD $90-$150 per hour).
I suggest you find an ESL (English as a Second Language) class or group. Many high schools and community colleges have adult education classes to learn English, and they are relatively inexpensive.

Eduardo Said:

Speech therapy cd's?

We Answered:

It really depends on what you're looking to accomplish. Are you looking to strengthen vocabulary skills and facilitate language development? Or are you looking to improve listening and articulation skills? There's a lot of stuff out there...but it's specific to what you need. If you want to email me privately, I will respond.

Lillie Said:

occupational therapy vs speech pathology. which route to go?

We Answered:

Both are fantastic, rewarding jobs.

From the O.T. side you can expect to make about $20-$40/hr depending if you are an assistant or a therapist (difference is in degrees... either 2 years or 5 years) and which setting you work in; hospital, schools, rehab, nursing homes, etc.

You will work on a variety of things: self care skills (dressing, bathing, cooking), feeding, exercise, safety, cognition. In many aspects occupational and speech can overlap. Again, depending what setting you go in will dictate your specific duties. In school you will get the chance to work in all the aspects of OT.

As far as hours go if you work with Peds in the schools you will work school hours and can have summers off. If you work in a skilled nursing setting (rehab) you will more than likely choose your hours (this is my setting and I set my own scedule). If you work in the hospital or outpatient you can expect more of a 8am-4pm kind of day.

I hope this helps some! Do some observations with both speech and OT and get an idea of what it's really like. Either way you'll love it!

Margie Said:

Is there any way to get rid of a lisp BY MYSELF without going to speech therapy?

We Answered:

Get a little hand mirror, sit alone in your bedroom or closet, and say words that would activate your lisp. Notice the formations your mouth makes and practice saying it the right way into the mirror. Take videos of yourself doing it, if that helps. If you do this enough, you'll train yourself to speak correctly.