The Reading Clinic is much more than a tutorial service; they can also provide the support necessary to overcome speech disorders using proven effective speech therapy techniques. Simply put, speech therapy is designed to help a learner with the proper pronunciation of speech making them a more clear and effective communicator. Speech disorders are very common in children and can often be treated early and effectively.
The professionals at The Reading Clinic have extensive knowledge and training in assisting with Speech disorders.
The Reading Clinic offers a variety of services related to speech therapy:
SCREENINGS: Screenings typically last between 45 minutes to an hour to begin to understand the challenges facing the learner. At the end of the screening, the clinician will discuss the findings and any further recommendations to support the learner on their path to success. This is the first step in the process and does not result in a full diagnosis. Based upon the findings of the clinician a full evaluation may be recommended that would result in a diagnosis of the underlying problems.
If a full evaluation is recommended, 50% of the screening fee will be applied to the total evaluation rate. Often times a phone conversation can determine which service, a screening or full evaluation, is best for the learner.
EVALUATIONS: The Reading Clinic offers a variety of evaluations depending on the individual needs of the learner. Some examples of the types of evaluations are:
Speech (standardized articulation test and report – approximately 2 ½ hours of total time spent);
Language Only (includes a few standardized tests along with a language sample and report – approximately 4 ½ hours of total time spent);
Speech and Language (a combination of each individual evaluation – approximately 5 hours of total time spent);
Apraxia of Speech (standardized test along with a language sample – approximately 3 hours of total time spent).
In addition, The Reading Clinic offers what is known as a Dynamic Assessment. This is an assessment designed for learners who are unable to take standardized tests. Some examples of learners who may struggle with the standard tests would be children with Down Syndrome or with Autism. A Dynamic Assessment is also referred to as “diagnostic therapy” and includes observations of the child’s spontaneous communication as well as interactions with the parents and clinician.
Because of the specialized nature of the Dynamic Assessment it may take up to 6 one-hour sessions to complete.
THERAPY: The Reading Clinic offers therapy to learners in need both individually and as part of a small group (Social Communication).
Individual sessions vary according to the needs of the learner and family. Individual sessions are offered as 30 minute sessions, 45 minute sessions, and 1 hour sessions. Each individual session concludes with a short wrap up designed to allow discussion about how the session went. Each wrap-up is 10 minutes with the exception of the 30 minute session (that wrap-up is 5 minutes due to the short duration of the session).
Group therapy sessions that are offered are never more than 2 learners per group. This encourages interaction while allowing each participant the time they need to address their unique needs. The group pairings are created based on the language level of the learner as well as the individual’s ability to work within the group setting. If group therapy feels like the right option, please talk to a clinician.
Weekly homework is assigned to learners to support the work they do during their sessions. Parents are welcome to attend the therapy session as long as the learner is able to attend to the activities at hand.
SPECIALITIES: There are many factors that can contribute to speech disorder. The professionals at The Reading Clinic pride themselves on the diversity of knowledge on the subject. Some of the areas of professional expertise are:
Apraxia/Dyspraxia
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Articulation (Speech Delays)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Bilingual/Bicultural Delays
Central Auditory Processing Disorders
Down Syndrome
Expressive and Receptive Language Delays
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Fluency (Stuttering)
Oral Motor Disorders
Phonological Disorders
Pragmatics/Social Language
Selective Mutism
THE SPEECH THERAPISTS:
LAURA REEDY M.A., SLP-CCC
Laura holds a Master’s Degree from San Jose State University in Speech Pathology and a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Laura has worked in a variety of settings including the public school system, county system, and home-based therapy services. She has taught both group and individual therapy and has worked with all levels of delay ranging from non-intense to severely delayed populations. While in the school district she taught both a non-intense speech and language class to preschool children and provided therapy to children in the special day classes on-site. She also gained additional experience with children from kindergarten to middle school providing small group therapy services.
SARAH PAULSON, M.A., SLP-CCC
Sarah graduated from San Jose State University in 2002 with her master’s degree in Speech Pathology and has been working full time as a speech therapist for the past 7 years. She was on the board for the Santa Clara County Speech and Hearing Association for 3 years (2004-2006) and was very involved in the organization. Sarah is also certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She also participates in on-going continuing education in order to keep up with the most current research and techniques. During the summer of 2006, she attended Michelle Garcia Winner’s Center for Social Thinking Mentor Program and has attended many seminars focusing on “Social Thinking.” Sarah has worked with the Early Intervention population (0-3) for the past 6 years and is a vendor through San Andreas Regional Center (SARC). .
SHARON SPIELER, M.S., CF-SLP
Sharon received her master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from San Francisco State University. She holds a Rehabilitative Services Credential which allows her to practice speech language pathology in the school setting. Sharon has a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, and a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching and Learning. Sharon is trained in the SCERTS model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support) for treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to joining The Reading Clinic, Sharon worked in The San Jose clinic of The Center for Speech, Language, and Occupational Therapy (CSLOT), where she provided assessment and individual treatment services as well as treatment in the Early Intervention Clinic (EIC).
LOCATIONS:
BRENTWOOD SPEECH THERAPY
1340 Learning Oak Dr.
Brentwood, CA 94513
WALNUT CREEK SPEECH THERAPY
1250 Pine Street
Suite 106
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Servicing Antioch, Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, Brentwood, Cambell, Concord, Cupertino, Discovery Bay, Foster City, Hillsborough, Lafayette, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Milbrae, Mountain View, Oakley, Pittsburg, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Jose, San Mateo, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Walnut Creek,
