INDIVIDUAL THERAPY PROGRAMS
For the past 21 years, Dimensions Speech, Language, and Learning Services has been proud to offer individual speech, language, and auditory processing therapy. Language therapy sessions focus on development of vocabulary as well as establishing correct grammar and sentence construction. Speech remediation involves learning to produce correct speech sounds and improve pronunciation within conversational speech. Auditory processing treatment concentrates on increasing the ability to utilize spoken information.
After an initial evaluation is conducted, days and times for treatment are established. Each session runs for 1/2 hour, 45 minute, or one hour.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides innovative methodologies including computer-based instruction. In order to accelerate progress, we are able to develop a home program to be used in conjunction with direct speech therapy services.
Fees are based on a $150 per hour rate structure. We accept Medicaid for services.
PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS
Mrs. Herskowitz is available for private consultations regarding speech and language issues, augmentative communication assessments, home program recommendations, and community resource information. Consultations are usually scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10:00AM and 12:00PM, though alternate times may be arranged if necessary. Appointments may be scheduled for one or two hours. The fees for a private consultation with Mrs. Herskowitz are assessed at a rate of $150 per hour. Please feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions that you may have regarding this service.
THE INSTITUTE FOR LOW-VERBAL CHILDREN
Dimensions Speech, Language, and Learning Services North offers specialized services for children who are low or non-verbal. For non-verbal individuals, therapy goals emphasize the development of multi-system communication designed to augment verbal communication . Examples of augmentative systems include picture communication, sign language, and voice output devices. We custom design picture systems using colorful and realistic pictures from our library containing over one million pictures. We also offer a highly successful approach to increase verbal speech skills. This method involves combining two innovative techniques: shaping word approximations in a structured manner and applying cueing techniques. Children who have some verbal skills are encouraged to increase their verbalizations utilizing the SENTENCE DEVELOPER program. For more information regarding THE INSTITUTE FOR LOW-VERBAL CHILDREN, please feel free to contact us.
AUDITORY INTEGRATION TRAINING
Auditory Integration Training (AIT) was designed by an otolarngologist named Dr. Guy Berard in France in the late 1960's. He used this therapeutic procedure to treat hearing abnormalities associated with learning disabilities, depression, attention deficit disorders, tinnitis, and autism spectrum disorders. His nearly 30 years of experience utilizing this treatment has been described in his book, Hearing Equals Behavior (1993). AIT was introduced in this country in 1990 when Annabel Stehli's book, The Sound of a Miracle was published. Her book chronicled her daughter Georgie's recovery from autism following AIT. Since that time, practitioners trained in the Berard methodology in association with the Georgiana Organization have been achieving successful results when performing this procedure on other individuals. At this time approximately 10,000 children and adults have received AIT in this country since 1990. Scientific research projects conducted by Dr. Bernard Rimland and Dr. Stephen M. Edelson of the Autism Research Institute have been underway since 1991. AIT is a safe procedure that is directed at improving or normalizing the function of the ear and auditory processing system . Once the system has been improved, educational and therapeutic programs may become more effective.
TREATMENT PROCEDURES
Pre-determined AIT candidates receive 2 half-hour treatments a day for 10 days. The appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday for a period of two weeks. Individuals listen through earphones to pre-selected music that randomly modulates the bass and treble musical output. The daily sessions occur at a minimum of 3 hours apart.
WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM AIT
AIT may benefit children and adults with: *Learning Disabilities *Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) *Hearing Sensitivities *Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) *Phonological Processing Disorder *Language Disabilities *Central Auditory Processing Disorder
RESULTS OF AIT
Results of AIT have been encouraging to date. Improvements have been noted up to 3 months post treatment in the following areas: *Reduction in hypersensitivity to sound *Quality and quantity of receptive and expressive language *Auditory processing abilities *Ability to follow directions *Clarity of speech *Social awareness and interactive behaviors *Initiating interactions *Attention to task *Independence and self-help skills *Auditory short term memory *Self-esteem and perception of self *Reduction in various behavior difficulties such as tantrums and impulsivity
WHAT IS THE COST OF AIT?
The fee for all 20 listening sessions is $750. A non-refundable deposit of $375 is required to hold your selected training dates. Another $375 is then paid at the initiation of treatment. We accept VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover.
HOW TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ON AIT
Please contact our office to either speak to us directly or we will be happy answer any other questions that you may have or to set up an appointment.
SOCIAL/PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE INTERVENTION
It is very important that children with developmental disabilities learn how to use language socially to communicate. Even low verbal children are able to develop social skills utilizing augmentative forms of communication. At Dimensions, we offer social skills training on both an individual and group basis. If appropriate, we utilize typical developing children to act as role models for our clients. Structured activities designed to teach social skills within an interactive approach are incorporated into the pragmatic program. Examples of social/pragmatic skills include turn taking, topic maintenance, initiating conversation, listening, scripts, changing topic, ending the conversation, etc. |
