Mari Gonzales, Speech Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Summary

The video script discusses the diverse needs of students with disabilities in speech therapy, highlighting the range of conditions like ADHD, autism, and Down syndrome. It delves into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, from referrals to goal setting, and emphasizes collaboration between special education teachers, speech therapists, and general education teachers. The script also addresses behavioral issues as a form of communication, advocating for understanding and positive reinforcement to support students effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Speech therapy serves a wide range of students with various disabilities, including ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, and other health impairments.
• 🤔 There is no strict eligibility for speech therapy; it can be tailored to the individual needs of students, including those with savant skills.
• 🔍 The difference between speech and language goals in an IEP is that articulation focuses on sound production, while language goals address syntax, vocabulary, and social language skills.
• 🏫 Schools provide a multidisciplinary approach to support students, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and specialized services like hearing specialists and behavior coaches.
• 📋 The IEP process involves team suggestions, data collection, testing, eligibility determination, and goal setting, with a focus on collaboration and clear communication.
• 🤝 Collaboration between special education teachers, speech therapists, and general education teachers is crucial for reinforcing goals and supporting students effectively.
• 📚 Mrs. Gonzalez used poetry to work on articulation, incorporating classroom material to reinforce learning and build student confidence.
• 📝 Communication with classroom teachers about poetry assignments was often done through phone calls or face-to-face meetings, with students becoming responsible for bringing materials as they became familiar with the routine.
• 🔧 Addressing behavioral issues involves understanding behavior as a form of communication, setting clear expectations, and using positive reinforcement.
• 📊 Mrs. Gonzalez utilized visual aids like voice level charts to establish expectations for appropriate behavior in different settings.
• 👂 Providing clear beginnings and endings in sessions is particularly important for students with autism, helping them feel secure and understand what is expected of them.

Q & A

What is the range of students that a speech therapist might work with?

Speech therapists work with a wide range of students, including those with ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, other health impairments like hearing impairments, and even savants with advanced skills in specific areas but who may need help with social language.

What is the difference between a speech impairment and a language skill in the context of speech therapy?

A speech impairment primarily involves the articulation of sounds, where a student may mispronounce certain sounds. Language skills, on the other hand, can involve syntax, word order, vocabulary, understanding of concepts like days of the week, months, or seasons, and social language.

Can you describe the services available to students at schools where speech therapists work?

Services available include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling services, support from the special education department, hearing specialists, and behavior coaches, highlighting the importance of a team approach.

What is the general process for the Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

The IEP process starts with a referral, followed by data collection and a meeting to determine necessary testing. After testing, there's a meeting to discuss results and determine eligibility for services. If eligible, goals for the IEP year are established, and accommodations are implemented.

How do special education teachers and related service staff collaborate to support a student with special needs?

They collaborate by communicating and coordinating their efforts, ensuring that the goals and materials used in one setting reinforce what is being taught in another. This collaboration helps provide consistent support and avoids counterintuitive teaching methods.

How did Mrs. Gonzalez use poetry to work on articulation in her speech therapy sessions?

Mrs. Gonzalez would select poetry assigned in the classroom and identify words with the sounds the student was working on for articulation practice. This approach also allowed for the exploration of non-literal language concepts like metaphors and similes.

What is the significance of using voice levels in speech therapy sessions?

Voice levels provide clear expectations for students regarding appropriate volume in different scenarios, which can help manage behavior and create a conducive learning environment.

How did Mrs. Gonzalez collaborate with classroom teachers regarding poetry assignments?

She would communicate with teachers, often over the phone or in person, to align speech therapy goals with classroom assignments. Students were also encouraged to bring their poetry assignments to therapy sessions.

What is the importance of addressing behavioral issues in speech therapy?

Behavior is a form of communication, and understanding it can provide insights into a student's needs or challenges. Addressing behavioral issues can help create a more supportive and effective learning environment.

How can positive reinforcement be used to manage behavioral issues in speech therapy sessions?

Positive reinforcement involves setting clear expectations and encouraging students to meet them, rather than focusing solely on what they should not do. This approach helps students feel valued and understood, which can improve behavior.

Why is it important to consider the 'whole student' when addressing behavioral issues in speech therapy?

Considering the 'whole student' allows therapists to understand the context behind behaviors, which may be influenced by factors at home or school. This holistic approach helps in meeting the student's needs more effectively.