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Palos
West currently has two full time speech-language pathologists to service
students with communication disorders.
We would like to share information with you regarding communication
disorders and how we can work with you if your child needs help in this area. Speech
and language services are provided for students 3-5 years old and for
students in Kindergarten through 5th grade in the West building
who have been found eligible based on state criteria. Based on eligibility criteria, preschool
students may receive speech and language services through one of the
following programs: as a resource
student with services in the speech room, Early Childhood Program or our At
Risk Preschool program. Students in
Kindergarten through 5th grade who are enrolled in the speech and
language program may receive their speech and language services within the
classroom, the speech-language resource room or as a combination of
both. Therapy
is provided to improve a student’s articulation, language, fluency and/or
voice quality. Following is a brief
explanation of each communication disorder. Articulation: Articulation is the accuracy and
precision of speech sound ·
By 3 years:
/m, p, b, w, n, h/ ·
3 years, 6 months to 4 years, 0 months: /f/
/s/** /j(y)/ /k,g/ /y/(ing) /t,d/ ·
4 years, 6 months to 5 years: /l/
/s/(sh)
/ch/
/j/ /z/** ·
By 6 years: /v/ ·
By 7 years:
/r/ /th/ ** Lateral production of /s/ and /z/ is not a
typically developing normal pattern. Frontal production is a typical error
pattern of development and for this the student is given time to get correct
production with development (until 6 or 7 years of age). Phonological Development:* This refers to the development of the
different patterns of speech sound production. Young children (preschool age) are usually
unintelligible when having a phonological disorder. Omission of sounds
is rare even in consonant clusters (blends) in “typically developing children.” Syllable reduction
is also rare in “typically developing children.” Language: Language encompasses these areas: vocabulary/ semantics- the understanding and use of words and
their syntax - correct use of
grammatical forms pragmatics -
functional use of language for social and academic verbal expression– ability to
express ideas in a sequential and logical Voice - the ability to use appropriate
pitch, resonance, Fluency
(stuttering)
– the flow of speech; it covers
breaks or interruptions,
repetitions, or prolongations in that flow. The number and The
ability to be an effective communicator has a direct impact on your child’s
academic and social experiences. Strong communication skills allow your child
to make sense of his world, to express himself and to learn. Because these skills are essential to
learning, early identification of a problem is crucial. Our responsibilities include diagnosing a
communication disorder and evaluating its nature and extent. Treatment is provided as necessary. If a
communication disorder is suspected, a student may be referred either by a
parent and/or classroom teacher. Our
district also offers preschool screenings for children between the ages of 3
and 5. These are held three times a
year. Parents are informed of the
specific dates and times through the school newsletter, local newspaper
announcements and posted on community marquis. TEN REASONS TO REFER FOR
SPEECH-LANGUAGE SERVICES 1.
Shows difficulty saying specific sounds or pronouncing words. 2.
Repeats sounds or words (stuttering) 3.
Voice consistently sounds abnormally scratchy and rough. 4.
Doesn’t adequately express himself or herself 5.
Shows difficulty following verbal directions 6.
Doesn’t ask questions to clarify 7.
Doesn’t participate in class discussions 8.
Uses incorrect sentence structure or very basic sentence structure for
age 9.
Shows difficulty using language socially with peers 10.
Doesn’t understand the subtleties of language, such as jokes, idioms,
and If you have any
concerns about your child’s communication skills, please contact us at Palos
West, 708-448-6888. |
