Adult Services

• Accent Reduction Clarity of speech is focused on in both group and individual instruction.
• Lecture/Public Speaking Skills
• Argumentation/Litigation coaching  Skills of arguing using appropriate reasoning in presentation.
• Organization  Efficiency in organization when speaking.

Voice disorders refer to abnormal pitch, loudness, or vocal quality for the speaker's sex, age, and status. Voice becomes a problem when these aspects are attended to more than to what the speaker is saying. The cause of the disorder may be organic or functional. The fact that it may have an organic origin requires a medical examination and referral prior to initiating therapy. Any medical condition must be considered before therapy is implemented. We strive to reduce the physical symptoms in response to therapy. Therapeutic intervention also may avoid future surgical involvement 

In addressing stuttering, immediate results are the primary focus of the therapy provided. In most instances stutter free speech is demonstrated in the first session. A fluency disorder is characterized by disruptions in smoothness, rhythm, and continuity of sounds, syllables, words or language during speaking. Prolongations (a drawn out sound or syllable), repetitions (repeating a sound, syllable, word or phrase), and/or blocks (unable to produce the desired sound) are the most common errors. The rate, frequency, and the length of these disfluencies are noted during the assessment. Secondary characteristics are also common when a person is experiencing these difficulties. These characteristics may include, reduced eye contact, hand or arm movements, facial grimaces, lip tension, and other facial movements. Prolonged experience with disfluent behavior may leave a person feeling anxious and emotionally challenged during a communication exchange.

All aspects of the disorder are carefully addressed in the evaluation process and throughout therapeutic intervention. Therapy focuses on reduction and control of these disruptions. Each individual has attitudes toward their own speech disfluencies that are discussed and evaluated as part of the therapy process. Immediate results can be seen when addressed properly. Continued therapy helps the individual manage and control speech to gain fluency. 

Hearing loss can be categorized by where or what part of the auditory system is damaged. Extensive experience with the hearing impaired populations and our multi-sensory approach allows us to address the communication and social needs of both children and adults. 

A traumatic brain injury (TBI), including closed head trauma, is a result of an injury to the head which may cause interference with normal brain function. Individuals with a brain injury often have cognitive and communication deficits that significantly impact their ability to function. These deficits vary depend based on the severity of the trauma and location of the head injury. A very specific program must be delineated with a high level of sensitivity to address the needs of the individual to maximize retraining of language and overall recovery.

TBI may cause difficulty with expressive communication. There may be word-finding difficulties, an inability to express an idea appropriately, or difficulty providing explanations. There can also be inconsistencies with receptive language within either the written and/or the spoken word.

Deficits in social communication skills may alter the individual's ability to take turns in conversation, maintain a topic of conversation, use an appropriate tone of voice, interpret the subtleties of conversation (e.g., the difference between sarcasm and a serious statement), respond to facial expressions and body language, or keep up with others in a fast-paced conversation. Most frustrating to families and friends is that a person may have little to no awareness of just how inappropriate he or she is acting. In general, communication can be very frustrating and unsuccessful.

In addition to all of the above, functioning of the speech musculature may also be affected as in a dysarthic condition. Muscles of the lips and tongue may be weaker or less coordinated affecting the ability to speak clearly. Weak muscles may also limit the ability to chew and swallow effectively. 

EEG Biofeedback is a teaching tool that enables individuals to alter their brain waves. It is used for many conditions and disabilities in which the brain is not working as well as it might. These conditions include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specific learning disabilities, conduct disorders and chronic pain such as frequent headaches, pediatric migraines or stomach pain. The training is also helpful in the control of certain psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

EEG Biofeedback is a teaching tool that enables individuals to alter their brain waves. It is used for many conditions and disabilities in which the brain is not working as well as it might. These conditions include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specific learning disabilities, conduct disorders and chronic pain such as frequent headaches, pediatric migraines or stomach pain. The training is also helpful in the control of certain psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.

EEG Biofeedback training is a painless, non-invasive procedure. One or more sensors are placed on the scalp and one to each ear. The brain waves are measured by a computer-based instrument that translates the brain wave signal and provides the client with "feedback". The feedback consists of video rewards (usually a video game) along with an auditory tone. The client is instructed to "play" the video game with his brain. As activity in the desired brain wave frequency band increases, the video game moves ahead to the next frame. If brain wave activity in an undesirable brainwave frequency increases, the video game "freezes" or moves slowly ahead. Gradually, the brain responds to the cues that are being given, and a healthy brain wave pattern is established. The new pattern is one that is closer to what is normally observed in individuals without such disabilities.