The primary responsibility of speech therapists within CCDE Therapies is to address the communication needs of the students who are on the autism spectrum, their typically developing peers, as well as their families. Services are offered to children ranging in age from early intervention through middle school. Therapists address a variety of communication disorders or delays, including pragmatics (social language), articulation, oral-motor function, language development, voice, fluency, and literacy.
A variety of approaches are utilized to achieve progress for our students. At the therapist’s discretion, a student may receive therapy individually or in a small group in a therapy room, or within the classroom, depending on individual goals. Co-treatments with other disciplines, such as the occupational therapist, may also take place. A variety of communication methods may be utilized to achieve individual goals. These may include verbal, visual (sign language or picture symbols), and augmentative communication systems (low-tech picture boards, to high-tech verbal output devices). Each approach carefully considers the student’s individual needs within the natural environment.
Speech therapists at CCDE Therapies maintain a high standard of professionalism. Each therapist holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from an accredited college or university, the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and licensure from the State of Ohio Licensing Board.In the past six years since CCDE was established, the department has grown from one part-time consultant in the first year, to four full-time therapists at the present time.