Manhasset
Speech & Language Therapy
Services
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"
Nelson Mandela
Virtual & In-Person Services
Evaluation
An evaluation is an excellent way to begin to think about your child's communication profile in a more comprehensive way. This can either be formal, using standardized testing, or informal, based on clinical experience. An evaluation will examine all aspects of a child's communication skills, including: receptive language, expressive language, articulation/phonology, oral motor skills, voice, and pragmatic language skills. Additionally, an assessment can be specifically tailored to your child's needs, and can include an emphasis in any one area with additional measures. It is the beginning of the therapeutic process, and a way to evaluate your child's communication strengths and goals, as well as to determine if there is a need for therapy. If you are not sure if your child requires an evaluation, we can set-up a complimentary fifteen minute screening to determine the need for a further evaluation.
Therapy
Therapy is a unique opportunity to develop a relationship with your child that serves as a basis to develop their communication skills. This is a highly individualized process that first starts with either a formal or informal assessment. Once an evaluation has been completed, therapy will incorporate results from the evaluation as well as parent concerns to create a specific therapeutic plan, with obtainable goals. The type of intervention used will depend on the child and their specific goals. Therapy can include a combination of many methodologies, including symbolic play, literacy-based language intervention, multi-modal language development, direct instruction for strategies and tools, pragmatic language instruction and modeling, etc. Teletherapy is also available.
Pragmatic Language Groups
Pragmatic language groups are a fantastic way to strengthen your child's ability to engage with peers. These groups focus on developing a child's pragmatic language skills, their use of language to communicate in a social way. The groups target non-verbal language skills, conversations, group belonging, play skills, skills to develop and maintain friendships, and many more ways of using language to navigate their social world. The groups are carefully selected for age and developmental level. A variety of programs are included in intervention, such as the "Social Thinking" program developed by Michelle Garcia Winner to heighten a child's pragmatic language skills.
Classroom & Whole School Consultation
This service is a wonderful way to create a team-based approach to best support your child's development, or support children in your school.
This can be done once your child has begun therapy, and Zarah has a solid understanding of your child's goals and strengths. Zarah can then consult with your child's teacher or the entire school, during an in-person meeting to offer professional advice, visuals, techniques, etc. that are tailored to you child's speech and language goals.
Presentations & Workshops
Presentations and workshops are offered for a variety of settings, including preschools, day care centers, elementary schools, parent groups, etc. Each presentation is individualized to meet the needs of your group, considering background knowledge and experience level. Sample presentation topics include “Preschool Speech & Language Development” and “Pragmatic Language Development.” Please contact Zarah for more information and to customize a workshop that suits your needs.