Speech Language Therapy Paediatrics.

Summary

Marnie Loeb, a pediatric speech-language pathologist at St. Joe's, works with children under six who have speech, language, or developmental issues like autism, learning disabilities, or stuttering. Therapy is play-based and stress-free, with sessions ranging from periodic check-ins to weekly individual or group sessions. Loeb emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in reinforcing communication techniques at home, likening speech therapy to dieting, where consistent effort leads to faster and more rewarding progress. She also collaborates with other professionals for referrals when necessary.

Takeaways

• 👩‍⚕️ Marnie Loeb is a pediatric speech language pathologist at St Joe's.
• 👶 She works with children under six who have speech, language, or developmental difficulties.
• 🗣️ Difficulties may include trouble finding words, using words, or understanding language.
• 🧠 Conditions like learning disabilities, autism, or pronunciation issues are within her scope.
• 👨‍⚕️ Pediatricians often identify the need for speech therapy during visits.
• 🏥 Parents and children visit Marnie for assessments and observations in a play-based setting.
• 🎉 The therapy is designed to be fun and stress-free for the children.
• 📅 Therapy frequency varies, from weekly sessions to periodic check-ins.
• 👥 Group therapy is common and can be more enjoyable for children.
• 🔄 Referrals are made to other community services or back to pediatricians if needed.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A key part of therapy involves teaching parents how to support their children's communication at home.

Q & A

What is Marnie Loeb's role at St. Joe's?

Marnie Loeb is a Pediatrics Speech Language Pathologist at St. Joe's, working with children under the age of six who have speech, language, or developmental difficulties.

What types of speech or developmental issues does Marnie Loeb work with?

Marnie works with children who have trouble finding or using words, understanding language, learning disabilities, developmental issues like autism, pronunciation difficulties, or stuttering.

How are children typically referred to speech therapy at St. Joe's?

Children are usually referred to speech therapy by their pediatrician during a visit where language development concerns are identified, such as a child not using as many words as expected.

What is the process for assessing a child’s speech or language issues?

Marnie meets with the child and their parents, asks about the child's behavior at home, and observes the child through play-based activities, making it a stress-free experience for the child.

What types of therapy are provided for children at St. Joe's?

Therapy at St. Joe's can include individual sessions, group therapy with other children, and periodic check-ins. Group therapy is often more fun for the children.

How does Marnie Loeb collaborate with other parts of the community?

Marnie refers children to other service providers or back to their pediatrician if more medical follow-up is needed, maintaining strong relationships with other professionals in the community.

How are parents involved in their child’s speech therapy?

A significant part of therapy involves teaching parents how to communicate better with their children and support their child’s communication development at home.

Why is parent involvement in therapy so important?

Marnie compares speech therapy to dieting, explaining that once-a-week sessions are not very effective unless parents follow up at home, which leads to quicker and more significant progress.

What is the atmosphere like during therapy sessions?

The therapy sessions are designed to be play-based, so children often see it as fun, thinking they are visiting the 'toy doctor,' which makes the process non-stressful.

What outcomes does Marnie Loeb find rewarding in her work?

Marnie finds it rewarding to see both children and parents make significant progress in communication skills, especially when parents are actively involved in their child's development.