Child-Led, Strengths-Based Care for Real Communication Growth
Joy, play, and connection are at the heart of meaningful communication growth. At Speech Therapy Wheelhouse, therapy is child-led and strengths-based. Miss Tiffany follows your child’s passions and interests to create engaging, motivating moments for real communication success.
Gestalt Language Processing
What is it?
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a way some individuals, especially autistic children, learn language by first acquiring chunks or “gestalts” (e.g., “Let’s go!”) rather than single words. Over time, these chunks break down into smaller parts that can be recombined into original speech.
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), developed by Marge Blanc, provides a framework for supporting this process through six stages:
Echolalia – scripted phrases from media or caregivers.
Mitigated Gestalts – modified chunks (e.g., “Let’s go home” → “Let’s go park”).
Single Words – breaking gestalts into individual words.
Two-Word Combinations – original short phrases.
Complex Grammar – longer, flexible sentences.
Conversational Language – self-generated, natural communication.
Treatment Principles:
Value echolalia as meaningful.
Model natural, “chunkable” phrases.
Encourage natural breakdown of gestalts.
Follow the child’s interests.
Introduce grammar at the right stage.
With NLA, therapists guide gestalt processors toward flexible, self-generated communication in a supportive, natural way.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
What is it?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor planning disorder where the brain struggles to send accurate instructions for speech, making it hard for children to say sounds, syllables, and words—even though they know what they want to say. It’s not due to muscle weakness.
Key Features of CAS:
Words may sound different each time.
Longer words/sentences are harder.
Speech rhythm (prosody) may sound off.
Progress improves with structured practice.
Therapy Approach:
CAS treatment builds strong brain–speech connections through repetitive, motor-based practice.
Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC): Therapist models words, moving from simultaneous speech to independent production, with cues fading over time.
Multisensory Cues: Visual (watching mouth), tactile (touch cues), auditory (slowed speech), and kinesthetic (feeling movements) help reinforce accuracy.
Principles of Motor Learning (PML):
Frequent, repetitive practice.
Varied practice in different contexts.
Feedback that decreases over time.
Focus on accurate movement patterns, not just sounds.
With consistent, structured support, children with CAS can build clearer, more natural speech.
Speech Sound Disorder
What is it?
Speech Sound Disorders (SSD) occur when a child has trouble saying sounds clearly. They fall into two main types:
1. Phonological Disorders (Patterns of Errors)
Child struggles with sound rules, not specific sounds.
Uses simplified patterns, e.g.:
“tat” for “cat” (fronting)
“wabbit” for “rabbit” (gliding)
“bo” for “boat” (final consonant deletion)
Patterns affect many sounds, reducing clarity.
2. Articulation Disorders (Sound Production Errors)
Difficulty physically producing certain sounds.
Errors affect specific sounds, e.g.:
“thun” for “sun” (lisp)
“pway” for “play” (blend errors)
Child knows what to say but can’t form the sounds correctly.
Therapy Approaches
Minimal Pairs (phonological): Use word pairs (e.g., “key” vs. “tea”) to show how sounds change meaning.
Cycles Approach (phonological): Target one error pattern at a time, cycling through until corrected.
Articulation Therapy (articulation): Teach correct mouth placement, moving from sounds → syllables → words → conversation.
Multisensory Cues: Use visual (watch mouth), tactile (feel airflow), and auditory cues for learning.
Play-Based Learning: Games, toys, and movement make practice engaging.
Parent Coaching: Daily, short home practice helps progress stick.
Language Delay
What is it?
Language Delay is when a child learns to understand or use words later than expected. It can affect:
Receptive language (understanding)
Expressive language (speaking)
Signs may include:
Small vocabulary
Short or no sentences
Trouble following directions
Reliance on gestures or sounds
Early intervention is key since language supports learning, friendships, and self-expression.
Treatment Strategies:
Play-Based Therapy: Teach words through toys, games, and pretend play.
Expand & Model: Build on what your child says (“Dog!” → “Yes, a big dog is running!”).
Visual Supports: Use pictures, gestures, and signs to reinforce words.
Daily Routines: Add language during meals, bath, or walks (“Do you want apple or banana?”).
Songs & Books: Repetition and rhymes grow vocabulary.
Wait & Encourage: Pause and give your child time to respond.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
What is it?
AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) includes tools that help a child communicate when speech is hard. It may be temporary or long-term and can involve:
Gestures & sign language
Speech-generating devices (e.g., iPad apps)
Typing or writing
AAC does not stop speech—it reduces frustration and supports language growth.
AAC Strategies:
Modeling: Use the AAC system while talking (tap “eat” and say “eat”).
Core Vocabulary: Focus on flexible words like go, want, help.
Wait & Encourage: Pause, give choices, and let your child respond.
Make It Fun: Use AAC during play, meals, and routines.
Celebrate All Communication: Respond positively to gestures, words, or AAC use.
Accepting New Clients for In-Home, Online or In-Daycare Speech Therapy
Don’t leave your child’s speech and language development to chance. Early, specialized support can make a powerful difference in their progress and confidence.