What is SLP/OT/PT

Speech-Language Therapy   |     Occupational Therapy   |     Physical Therapy

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech-language therapy is the treatment for most children with speech and/or language disorders. A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds, whereas a language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.
  • Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said.
  • Fluency disorders include problems such as stuttering, the condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ssssstuttering).
  • Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of a child's voice that distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking. Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive. Receptive disorders refer to difficulties understanding or processing language. Expressive disorders include difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
Specialists in Speech-Language Therapy

According to ASHA, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), who are often informally known as speech therapists, are professionals educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. They hold at least a master's degree and state certification/licensure in the field.

By assessing the speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing skills of children and adults, speech-language pathologists can determine what types of communication problems exist and the best way to treat these challenges.

Speech-language pathologists typically treat problems in the areas of articulation; dysfluency; oral-motor, speech, and voice; and receptive and expressive language disorders.

Speech-language therapy involves having a speech-language specialist work with a child on a one-to-one basis, in a small group or directly in a classroom, to overcome difficulties involved with a specific disorder. Speech-language therapy uses a variety of therapeutic strategies, including:
  • language intervention activities - These exercises involve having a speech-language specialist interact with a child by playing and talking to him. The therapist may use pictures, books, objects, or ongoing events to stimulate language development. The therapist may also model correct pronunciation and use repetition exercises to build speech and language skills.
  • articulation therapy - Articulation, or sound production, exercises involve having the therapist model correct sounds and syllables for a child, often during play activities. The level of play is age-appropriate and related to the child's specific needs. Articulation therapy involves physically showing a child how to make certain sounds, such as the "r" sound. A speech-language therapist may demonstrate how a child should move his tongue to produce specific sounds.
Parental involvement is crucial to the success of a child's progress in speech or language therapy. Parents are an extremely important part of their child's therapy program. Parents help determine whether their child's experience in speech-language therapy is a success. Ask your child's therapist for suggestions on how you can help your child, such as performing speech-language exercises with him at home. The process of overcoming a speech or language disorder may take some time and effort, so it's important that all family members be patient and understanding with the child.

If you are a PARENT seeking services for your child, contact us today!"


Occupational Therapy

Chesapeake Children's Therapy Center's occupational therapists help children achieve independence everyday activities including play, self-care skills, attention to task, school activities, and social skills. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, our occupational therapists work with a child's family, teachers, daycare providers, and other medical professionals.

Our occupational therapists help children with sensory integration dysfunction organize all the information they receive from the world around them.

Occupational therapist utilize a variety of treatment approaches including sensory integration, strengthening, stretching, massage, splinting, and NDT.

Our occupational therapists provide evaluation, consultation, and treatment related to:
  • Sensory Integration
  • Fine motor skills
  • Prewriting and writing skills
  • Self dressing
  • Hand eye coordination
  • Motor planning
  • Play
  • Oral motor skills
  • Self feeding and hygiene
  • Attention
If you are a PARENT seeking services for your child, contact us today!"



Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists work to develop gross motor skills to improve a child's functioning in their home, school, and community. Our therapists work closely with the child's family, teachers, daycare providers, and other medical professionals to optimize a team approach. Our therapists encourage children to safely explore their environment by providing interactive ideas that focus on helping your child reach his or her developmental milestones including sitting, creeping, walking, participating in play, and in sports.

We service children with all levels of ability. For children with more involved needs, our therapists also educate families about various assistive technology devices such as wheelchairs, gait trainers, braces, and splints.

Chesapeake Children's Therapy Center's physical therapist utilize a variety of treatment approaches including stretching, strengthening, massage, mobilizations, taping, NDT, and most importantly play.

We provide evaluation, consultation, and intervention in :
  • Recommending and utilizing assistive technology
  • Mobility skills
  • Posture and positioning
  • Balance and coordination
  • Gait
  • Strengthening
  • Muscle tone
  • Joint mobilization
  • Motor Planning
If you are a PARENT seeking services for your child, contact us today!"


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