Language is our most human characteristic. It is essential to learning, working, and enjoying family life and friendships. There are many ways to express language. Speaking, using sign language, writing, and using computerized communication devices are some of the most common ones. The professionals who are educated to assess speech and language development and to treat language and speech disorders are Speech Language Pathologists (sometimes informally referred to as speech therapists).
Early intervention is key for treating speech and/or language disorders. Speech language pathologists help students identified with difficulties in communication by providing individual or group therapy, consulting with the classroom teacher, and working with the family to incorporate effective techniques at home.
This year we are pleased to have a team of three Speech Language Pathologists at River Eves Elementary School. We strive to help all students obtain the skills necessary to perform to their potential both academically and socially.
Speech language therapy helps students with developmental or acquired problems with language and articulation of words in speech. Therapy can target many different need areas, such as vocabulary, semantics, comprehension, language processing, motor speech disorders, phonological disorders, phonemic awareness and functional communication, to name a few. Therapy focuses on remediation in four different areas:
1. Articulation - difficulties with the production of speech sounds (i.e. saying "thun" for ‘sun’, "wabbit" for "rabbit").
2. Language - involves the inability to communicate effectively with peers or adults; weaknesses in vocabulary, grammar, social skills, listening comprehension (understanding what they hear), following directions, and verbal expression (putting thoughts into words clearly).
3. Fluency - the ability to speak smoothly or fluently; disruption in the rhythm of speech also referred to as stuttering.
4. Voice - students referred by their doctors because of vocal hoarseness or harshness in voice quality.
The River Eves Elementary Speech Language Pathology Team welcomes any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's communication skills. Please feel free to email or call us at 770-552-4550 if you have questions.
School-age SLPs:
Lee Tanenbaum, CCC-SLP Tanenbaum@fultonschools.org
Mary Jo Olthoff, CCC-SLP Olthoff@fultonschools.org
Preschool SLP:
Susan Grossman, CCC-SLP GrossmanS@fultonschools.org
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