Communication Disorders
We Treat

is a range of conditions characterized by challenges with speech and nonverbal communication, social skills, repetitive behaviors with unique strengths and differences. Autism expresses itself differently and in individualized ways depending on each persons combination of genetics and environmental influences. It is estimated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 1 in 68 children in the US are diagnosed with ASD. Typical signs and symptoms can express themselves between the age of 2 and 3 however Autism Spectrum Disorder can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.

If your child has a diagnosis of ASD and you feel they are not making adequate progress in their communication skills, social interactions, fine or gross motor skills, etc., give Foundation Therapy Services, Inc. a call today.

involves supplementing or replacing natural speech or writing with unaided symbols such as signs and gestures, aided symbols such as picture communication symbols (PCS) or mid to high tech speech generating devices (SGD). It is important to have an individualized assessment to determine a functional communication system for an individual that is motivating for them to use for communication. AAC systems do progress and change over time to meet the individuals growing communication needs.

If your child’s AAC system is not expanding and growing Foundation Therapy Services is here to help with a strong background in assessment and development of individualized communication systems. We stay current on evidence based practices that will best meet the individuals needs. Using low to high tech AAC in a total communication approach, we work with your child to identify and create a communication system that is motivating and individualized to them.

allows a person with a disability to compensate for an impairment. With a low or high incidents populations AT doesn’t cure the physical, learning or attention issues however it does increase the success of a student in the classroom or an individual in the work or home setting gain increased independence in challenging areas. A general description of AT is any device low to high tech including but not limited to equipment, systems, software or combination of tools that allows a person with a disability to better work through their physical, learning or attention challenges.

There are a wide range of low to high tech tools to meet individualized needs for improved access for physical impairment, reading, writing and speaking.

 impact overall communication. Individualized assessments that identify strengths, weaknesses and behaviors impacting speech and language as well as overall functional communication are completed. Identification of communication impairments and possible co-occurring conditions such as feeding and swallowing disorders are identified. Goals are determined to meet individual needs using strengths and preferences to reinforce and build up areas of weakness and positive outcomes for functional communication.

 is errors in navigating social communication rules that include when and how we should talk with people. Social communication skills include the use of language i.e. greetings, informing, demanding, promising and requesting. A persons ability to navigate changes in language use for the listener and situation may also be impaired. An example might be the difference in talking to a baby vs an adult or when to share more information with one listener who does not have a background in the topic vs another listener who does etc. A person can be impacted in their ability to follow rules in a conversation or a narrative story retell i.e. taking turns talking, staying on topic and how to change the topic and learning new ways to say things. They may also experience impairments in understanding and using gestures, body language, facial expression and eye contact.