Speech Language Pathology – Miraculum Center

(SLP)

Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

At Miraculum Center, we offer comprehensive evaluations, assessments, diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment for speech and language challenges. Our services address key areas such as articulation and phonology, fluency and stuttering, voice disorders, expressive and receptive language, social communication, feeding difficulties, and other communication needs specific to each child. Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) follow guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association to ensure the highest quality of care. Additionally, we provide specialized support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including early intervention programs designed to enhance verbal, nonverbal, and social communication skills.

Signs & Symptoms

symptoms

Pragmatic Language

Pragmatic language refers to the social side of communication, including both verbal and nonverbal interactions. Challenges in this area may include:

Inconsistent eye contact
Not responding when their name is called
Not using gestures like waving hello or goodbye
Preferring to play or interact alone rather than with peers
Making comments automatically without considering context
Taking jokes, idioms, or abstract concepts too literally

Receptive and Expressive Language

Expressive and receptive language refers to the ability to communicate and understand words. Difficulties in these areas may be an early sign that a child could benefit from an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with your child’s pediatrician.

Language challenges may include:

Delayed development of play skills
Limited use of facial expressions
Difficulty recalling words
Rarely shares interests with others.
Reduced ability to produce speech sounds
Minimal babbling in infancy
Trouble understanding simple directions or commands
Using only a few words to communicate
Incorrectly naming objects
Struggling to answer “wh” questions (who, what, where, why) or yes/no questions
Repeating words or phrases immediately or later in the day (echolalia)

Voice

Voice refers to how our speech sounds and is perceived by others. Difficulties in this area may include a hoarse, breathy, or scratchy voice. Additionally, the voice may have a nasal quality, where sound resonates through the nose.

Only the sounds /m/, /n/, and /ing/ should naturally come from the nose during speech.

Fluency

Fluency, commonly known as “stuttering,” refers to the smoothness and flow of speech. While some disfluencies are normal, significant disruptions can affect communication.

If your child’s speech fluency is interfering with their ability to communicate or causing frustration or negative feelings about speaking, it may be beneficial to seek an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist.

Procedural Skills

Speech therapy procedures are tailored to each child’s unique needs, considering their diagnosis, age, and individual factors for success. The clinician may adjust the treatment as needed to ensure progress. Additional treatment methods and resources are referenced from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and other reliable sources. Evidence-based practices guide the approach, helping determine the most effective strategies while adjusting the difficulty level to support the child’s growth and development.

Language

Enhanced Milieu Approach: This naturalistic method uses a child’s communication attempts as opportunities for caregivers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to model words and language during daily routines and play.
Child-Led/Directed Play: Allowing the child to take the lead in play activities creates a natural environment that encourages language development.
Dialogic Reading: This approach engages the child in a conversation about a story while reading together. By asking questions and expanding on responses, this method helps build vocabulary, introduce story structure, enhance verbal fluency, and strengthen storytelling skills.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC includes gestures, sign language, picture-based communication boards (low-tech), and speech-generating devices (high-tech) to support communication. It is used to enhance verbal speech, not replace it.

Articulation

The Cycles Approach, Minimal Pairs, Maximal Oppositions, Melodic Intonation Approach, and Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST) are evidence-based methods used to improve a child’s speech clarity and articulation. These approaches also help enhance the distinction between sounds and syllables, making speech more understandable.

A speech-language pathologist will assess your child’s needs and determine the most suitable approach for their therapy.