HSS Pediatric Speech Therapy

Helping children and teens achieve optimal communication and participation

Pediatric speech and language pathology services at the CA Technologies Rehabilitation Center at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion include the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of children with language, articulation, feeding and oral motor delays. Clinicians emphasize early identification of speech/language impairments and individualized treatment. Our speech language pathologists provide the keys to communication, so children can be an active participant in their lives, wherever they may go.

Language disorders and delays

A child’s ability to comprehend and use language appropriately is vital to be able to communicate across a variety of environments. Impairments in speech sound production and language may have a negative impact on the child and his or her participation within academic and social environments.

Receptive language refers to the child’s ability to understand spoken and written language.

Expressive language refers to the form, content and use of a child’s language.

Speech sound production disorders and delays

The ability to produce speech sounds and form them into syllables, syllables into words, and words into sentences is necessary for social and academic participation. Deficits in articulation, motor planning, motor speech control, and phonological processes may impact a child’s ability to be understood at the word, phrase or sentence level.

Motor speech planning and control refers to a child’s ability to plan, organize, sequence and execute oral motor movements to produce speech sounds to form words, phrases and sentences.

Phonological processes refer to sound error patterns that children use to simplify speech. An example is when a child says “baba” instead of the more complicated “bottle.” If these patterns persist longer than is developmentally appropriate, they can interfere with a child’s ability to be understood by others.

Feeding disorders and delays

A child’s ability to accept age-appropriate diet/foods is integral to a child’s nutritional and medical well-being. Sensory and oral motor deficits may impact feeding, caloric intake and mealtimes.

Sensory-based feeding deficits refers to difficulties in interaction with and acceptance of foods across a variety of textures and consistencies.

Oral motor feeding deficits refers to difficulties using the lips, tongue, teeth and cheeks appropriately to chew and swallow efficiently and safely.

Common reasons your child may benefit from seeing a speech and language pathologist

Specialized treatments and services

Back to HSS Pediatric Rehabilitation