Language

Speech/Language Pathologists treat language disorders.

We look at three main areas of language:  Form (Syntax), Content (Vocabulary) and Use (Pragmatics/Social Skills).

Children treated for language disorders include those who do not pick up on the grammatical rules of language within the usual time.  For example, it is not unusual for a child to use regular past tense instead of irregular past-tense:  "I falled down." for "I fell down."  or "The mans are leaving." for "The men are leaving."

When determining if a child has difficulty with the content area of language, we look for the child with lower vocabulary, or who does not understand figurative language (such as idioms), or has difficulty making inferences, etc.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Non-Verbal Language Disorder struggle with Social Skills and societal rules for how we relate to one another.  They may not understand the meaning of facial expressions, proper body spacing, turn-taking in conversation, etc.

Valerie served as the Speech/Language Pathologist (co-treating with Occupational and Physical Therapists)  at Primary Children's Medical Center's Outpatient Rehab facility where we successfully ran a weekly Autism Group. She also ran a successful autism group at Jordan Hills Elementary during her time there.   She has recently completed the required education to be deemed an Autism Specialist.  She loves helping patients improve their language skills and enjoys helping children and families better understand how to successfully communicate and manage behavior.