Speech-Language & Literacy for Children

Common Pediatric Communication Disorders

• Apraxia of speech
• Articulation or phonological disorder
• Dysarthria (slurred speech)
• Language delay or disorder
• Language-learning disabilities (language-based reading and writing differences)
• Nonverbal communication needs (augmentative/alternative devices)
• Social skills impairments
• Speech, language or reading difficulties associated with deafness or hearing loss
• Voice or resonance disorders (including those common with cleft palate)
• Dyslexia

Treatment of Pediatric Communication Disorders

When therapy is recommended following an evaluation, the clinician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is based on your child's individual goals. You will participate in developing the plan and be active in the treatment process as you work to help your child develop effective communication skills.

Treatment may be conducted in individual or group sessions, depending on your child's goals and the best practices in treating the communication difficulties. We strongly encourage family involvement and enjoy working with you and the people with whom your child interacts most frequently. With parental permission, we will include training and education for family members, caregivers and others as needed.

Treatment sessions may be 30 to 60 or 90 minutes and may occur once to three times weekly, depending on the treatment program. The overall duration of treatment is estimated after the initial assessment and adjusted as your child progresses through the program.

Speech-Language Screenings

Early detection and intervention with speech and language issues has been shown to improve communication skills before reading and/or behavioral problems arise. CHSC clinicians provide screenings primarily at locations in the community, including preschools, day care centers, private schools and Head Start programs. We also can conduct screenings in our offices. Screenings are a brief assessment of speech-language and hearing abilities that help us determine whether you or your child might need a more comprehensive evaluation.

Speech-Language Evaluations

Comprehensive speech-language evaluations involve an in-depth analysis of:

• Speech production (including sound production, speech fluency/stuttering)
• Language comprehension (listening and/or reading)
• Language use (including verbal, written and social communication skills)
• Voice quality

We also provide evaluations in certain specialty areas. For individuals who are unable to communicate verbally, we can assess their abilities for various augmentative-alternative communication devices (also called speech-generating devices). Our speech-language pathologists can complete a language-learning evaluation for older children who may have language-based learning disabilities. However, some children may benefit from an even more comprehensive assessment by a neuropsychologist. 

Speech-Language Interventions

When the results of an evaluation reveal the need for speech-language intervention, we discuss all options with the family. We may offer additional information and resources that may be available through schools and other agencies in the community.

Individual treatment is provided with your input or that of the primary caregiver. An individualized treatment plan is developed to address your long-term goals and short-term objectives. This plan is reviewed frequently and modified as needed based on the client's progress. 

Group treatment is utilized to improve communication skills, provide an opportunity for peer-learning and carry over skills with other communication partners. CHSC offers therapeutic and support groups. 

Project ELLA (Early Language and Literacy for All)

Free Speech and Language Therapy For All Children Birth to Age 5.

Click here to learn more.

Ultrasound Speech Therapy

Ultrasound speech therapy is a new, noninvasive method that helps children and adults who still have trouble with certain speech sounds, most commonly “r” and “s”. This state-of-the-art speech therapy uses ultrasound to visualize tongue position and offers immediate feedback to the client. Intensive summer sessions now available.

Download Flyer

Session Info:

• Age Group: 8 years old to adult
• Session Length: 45 minutes

For more information, or to schedule a session, contact Dr. Rebecca Mental at rmental@chsc.org or call 216-231-8787.

Schedule Your 2024 Ultrasound Summer Sessions! Click here to download the flyer.

Stuttering Together

Program for Pre-Teens and Teens Who Stutter

CHSC offers a year-round therapy program called “Stuttering Together”. It is designed for older children and young teens who stutter and want to communicate more effectively and confidently.

Children and teens in the Stuttering Together program participate in three individualized therapy sessions per month targeting their individual goals. At the end of the month, they attend one group session with everyone enrolled in the program. The group session allows participants the opportunity to get to know other children/teens who stutter, talk about how stuttering impacts their lives and practice talking in real-life situations. The group will take outings to restaurants and Cleveland area attractions as a way to practice communication skills and build confidence in talking to strangers in real-life situations.

Teens who have been involved in Stuttering Together said: “It is so much fun… I have learned a lot from the group and love meeting other kids who stutter… I feel more confident when I talk and I’m not afraid to stutter anymore.”

For more information, please contact CHSC at 216-231-8787.

Free Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp

During the summer, there is an opportunity to attend a weeklong day camp for older children and young teens who stutter. It is a great way for kids who stutter to meet other kids who stutter as well as gain knowledge about stuttering, have a safe space to talk about stuttering and how it impacts their lives, learn advocacy skills, and build resilience. The Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp has fun activities for the kids to participate in as well as various therapy activities (individual and group therapy) and opportunities to practice communication skills with various people in the surrounding community. The camp is free to attend but space is limited. Reservations are required.

Download the Free Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp flyer here. 

Reading, Writing & Dyslexia Services

CHSC provides assessments, therapy, and enrichment services to children with delays or disabilities with reading and writing skills. This includes therapy services for children with dyslexia, as well as enrichment services for children who may not have a diagnosed disorder but who need extra help with reading and writing.  Reading and writing services may be covered by insurance.

We provide multisensory, structured language support. This means that we use a child’s relative strengths to help them learn to read and write, and that our methods are evidence-based. Our team includes a Certified Wilson Practitioner.

A child will start by completing an assessment with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). After the assessment, the SLP will recommend services based on the results.  If your child has had a reading, writing, or language assessment completed in the past year, he/she may qualify for therapy or enrichment services without need for an assessment at our office.

Some children qualify for intensive services, which may include several sessions each week.  We offer our services in individual (one-on-one) and group settings, depending on what will work best for you and your family.  We offer pre-literacy services for preschool-age children and we offer structured reading and writing services for children starting in Kindergarten, through adulthood.

Currently, CHSC offers both in-person and remote services.  For more information or to schedule an appointment call 216-231-8787.

2024 Summer Literacy Camp – Tuesdays, June 4th – July 30th

Rising 3rd & 4th grade students with documented learning differences in reading (from school evaluations, psychological evaluations, etc.) within the past two years will receive multisensory instruction in phonics, reading (encoding), spelling (decoding), reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing mechanics in a small group setting. Facilitated by CHSC Speech-Language Pathologist and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, Veronica Perison, M.S., CCC-SLP.

For more information, download the Summer Literacy Camp flyer here.

Preschool Language and Literacy Classrooms (PLLC) Remote Edition

PLLC Research

PLLC Videos for Parents & Children

A child’s first five years are critical for language and literacy development. Yet during the pandemic, so many parents find themselves juggling both work and preschool for their little ones from home. CHSC’s Speech-Language Pathology team has you covered with engaging video lessons. Our Preschool Language and Literacy Classroom “Remote Edition” builds on our popular program at local preschools and Head Start sites. 

Through a fun shared book-reading activity, our team will introduce your child to  early language and literacy skills—all while helping your kiddo develop a love of books!
Our PPLC Remote Edition videos will introduce early literacy skills, such as:

• Print Knowledge
• Alphabet Sound (Phonological) Awareness
• Rhyming
• Vocabulary
• Reading Comprehension
• …and many more!

Early exposure to a variety of language concepts and literacy themes can prepare your child for success in preschool and ensure they have adequate time to master skills that will help them to thrive in kindergarten.

For Teachers: We know remote teaching is a challenge, especially with preschoolers. At CHSC, we want to support you as you use these videos with your class. Click below for our special teacher’s strategy videos to help you engage you students with the Lesson Videos. 

PLLC Videos for Teachers

This program is generously funded by The Thomas H. White Foundation and The Stocker Foundation. For more information on the Preschool Language and Literacy Classrooms (PLLC) program, or other resources for your preschooler, please call 216-231-8787 or email svondra@chsc.org.