OUR VISION:

At Coltsville, speech, language, and communication services are delivered according to principles of applied behavior analysis to enhance the overall effectiveness of the intervention program.  This cohesive approach allows for both structured and naturalistic language learning throughout the student’s day.  The emphasis on providing every student effective and efficient functional communication skills in a language rich environment is a school-wide goal.

Our staff:

• The Speech, Language and Communication Department at Coltsville is lead by or Clinical Director, Dr. Kathleen Dyer, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, who holds a doctoral degree in Speech and Hearing Science and is a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist.
• The certified and licensed speech-language clinicians have had extensive post-graduate training in Applied Behavior Analysis as well as years of experience working with children with severe communication disabilities.
• The Speech-Language Assistants have years of experience as Associate Instructors at Coltsville, and have received extensive postgraduate training in applied behavior analytic treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Our role:
The Speech, Language, and Communication Department at Coltsville is an integral part of student programming. Some activities of the SLP staff include:

• Development of speech, language, and communication goals in conjunction with the entire team.
• Assessment and training in augmentative/alternative communication, including the Picture Exchange Communication System, the iPad and other dedicated voice output devices or sign language.
• Parent training for carry over mastered skills to the home and community
• In classroom (versus pull out) student instruction.  This model allows the SLP to demonstrate how to incorporate specific communication goals into daily activities, to model developmentally appropriate language forms and to help trouble shoot specific communication related problems.
• Planning and delivery of lessons in the Early Learning Center typical preschool to support student generalization of language use and pragmatic skills.