Speech & Language
The ACLD Tillotson School Speech and Language supports are provided by licensed professionals who use a variety of service delivery models (individual, small group, classroom based, collaboration, and consultation services) to meet the individualized needs of students that have been identified as having speech and/or language impairments. Services may also be provided to students with other primary disabilities, such as autism, hearing impairments, cognitive impairments, and learning disabilities. Speech-Language Pathologists support students who have communication challenges and educational needs. Speech and language services are provided throughout the school day to support each student’s educational and functional performance. Our Speech-Language Pathologists address the unique communication needs and maximize the learning potential of students so that they may become confident and self-sufficient members of society. Our mission is based upon the premise that all children have the capacity to learn and benefit from different approaches to learning. Our Speech-Language Pathologists ensure that students are treated with dignity and respect and are guaranteed a positive learning environment.
Speech and Language Support is available for students who are experiencing any of the following difficulties:
Speech and Language Support is available for students who are experiencing any of the following difficulties:
- Speech sound disorders - difficulty pronouncing sounds
- Articulation: production of specific sounds
- Phonology: the sound system of language
- Apraxia: inability to plan motor movements for speech
- Dysarthria: weakness of the articulators (tongue, lips, teeth)
- Language disorders - difficulty understanding what they hear as well as expressing themselves with words including areas of Morphology (word forms), Syntax (word order of sentence structure), and Listening Skills
- Cognitive-communication disorders - difficulty with thinking skills including perception, memory, awareness, reasoning, judgment, intellect and imagination
- Stuttering (fluency) disorders - interruption of the flow of speech that may include hesitations, repetitions, prolongations of sounds or words
- Voice disorders - quality of voice that may include hoarseness, pitch, nasality, volume (too loud or soft)
- Pragmatics - appropriate use of language within a given social context or situation
*The information above is adapted from (ASHA, 2017) and (Virginia Department of Education Speech-Language Pathology Services in the Schools: Guidelines for Best Practices, 2011)