Frequently Asked Questions
How is therapy at Talk of The Town different?
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School-based speech therapy typically focuses on skill development and content knowledge that supports academic success and participation in class. The focus of Therapy at Talk of The Town is on helping your child be an effective communicator and supporting participation in life. All learning is "hands on" and experiential. That is, your child will learn through cooking activities, science experiments, crafts, and movement.
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Sessions are 45 minutes- 1 hour. How will my child work for that long?
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Therapy focuses on "teaching" as opposed to "testing." The result is that children remain in activities and interactions because they feel successful and have a clear understanding of what is expected. Competence is our best reinforcer! Additionally, we strive to make therapy fun and engaging.
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How will I know if my child is making progress?
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You should see a direct relationship between the skills targeted in therapy and what your child is doing at home. Therapy is an evolving process, and we encourage an open dialogue with parents to ensure that each child is meeting his or her full potential.
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Will I be in the therapy room?
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Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the therapy process for children of all ages. For very young children who have difficulty separating, the parents will be invited into the sessions and guided through their participation. For children who are able to separate, parents are encouraged to watch your child's session on one of the iPads provided in the waiting room.
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What is declarative language and why do you use it?
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Declarative language refers to the use of statements (as opposed to questions) that offer the opportunity to share. Declarative language is used for a variety of purposes with individuals of all ages. For young children at the beginning levels of language learning, it may be used to teach beginning problem solving, beginning conversational skills, and much more. For older children and adolescents, it may be used to reflect on past experiences, teach perspective taking, or more nuanced social interactions.
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Do you do Executive Functioning Coaching?
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Yes. We work closely with students, their families, and teachers. Executive functioning skills are systematically taught and assignments are provided to support carryover across the home and school settings.
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Do you do PROMPT?
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All of the therapists are trained in the PROMPT method, although we are not PROMPT certified. When appropriate, we will use tactile cues on your child's face and around his or her mouth to facilitate sound production. We individualize the cues as needed to ensure success. All speech is taught in meaningful contexts as soon as possible in order to help your child become a successful talker.
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