Speech Therapy Matrix

Guideline for Speech-Language Eligibility Criteria/Matrix for Schools In addition to a diagnosis such as apraxia, dysarthria, phonological impairment etc. it’s important to know the severity level of your child’s diagnosis when seeking appropriate therapy.  This matrix which was first developed for school based SLPs. In the following chart Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound refers to the severity of the child’s speech disorder. Know the severity of your child’s... Read More

We Are the Parents (Poem) by Kay Kronquist

We Are the Parents (Poem) by Kay Kronquist We are the parents of children with special needs. Our lives are filled with many things, some good, some not. We have our own alphabet: M-team, OT, PT, SLP, EEG, EKG, IEP, CDC, AFO, MRI. We have our own language: cryptogenic, intractable, disorder, syndrome, early intervention, special education, inclusion, developmental delay. We have lots of doctors: neurologists, developmental pediatricians, neurosurgeons, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists,... Read More

Information From Our Group To Help Those With Apraxia, Autism And Other Special Needs

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world. In fact it’s the only way it ever has.” ~Margaret Mead   The following information is pulled from our groups for Cherab  at one of our private or public support groups, and also shared on our document page. New member what to do for a child that isn’t talking or talking well yet. Apraxia, autism, delay?   The Late Talker book by Lisa Geng, Malcolm Nicholl  and Dr. Agin   Tanner... Read More

IEP Goals, Objectives, and Sample Letters to Teachers

Dr. Seuss quote “Do you like these IEPs?” ~Dr. Seuss poem Some people have asked for examples of IEP goals for a child with a communication impairment such as apraxia or autism. The following information may provide both examples as well as insight on appropriate independent goals specific for your child!  One goal for example may be “out of district placement” at a private school.   From the book The Late Talker St Martin’s Press written by... Read More

Dealing with IEPs for a Speech Impaired Child

The following is a clip from the advocacy chapter of The Late Talker book which is highly recommended  Chapter 6.   GETTING THE ANSWERS THAT YOU NEED As a parent of a non-speaking child it is up to you to be their voice. —KAREN D. ROTHWEILER Mother of three-year-old Justin   Know your rights. Know your child’s rights. One of the greatest challenges faced by parents of children with speech delays is making sure that their kids get the assistance they deserve.... Read More

The Pediatrician’s Role in Development and Implementation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and/or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)

Several roles for the pediatrician exist under IDEA We Are the Parents (Poem) by Kay Kronquist If you have already gone through the IEP process, and signed off, it isn’t too late! At any time you can “request and IEP meeting to reopen your child’s IEP.”  One reason for this could be due to “change in diagnosis.”  Another may be new information that has come to light. We have an entire chapter in The Late Talker book with a wealth of valuable... Read More