Speech and Language Services
We Specialize in Apraxia, Dyslexia & Social Skills
Our Services Go Well Beyond Traditional Therapy
![homeschool child drawing](https://cheerfulchatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/child-drawing-picture-1-scaled.jpeg)
A Variety of Evaluation Options
No two children are the same. That is why we offer a variety of evaluation services. Are you only interested in one skill set and want to keep things simple? We can do that! Are you interested in learning everything there is to know about their speech, oral language, written langauge, and social skills? We can do that, too!
We offer targeted, extended, and comprehensive evaluations. No matter which you choose, we will provide you with a very detailed, written report that will clearly explain how they are doing in each area assessed and the difficulties that were found, if any.
From there, you will have all of the information you desire to help you make an informed decision about what to do next.
For parents who don’t agree with their school district and are interested in a second opinion, our comprehensive evaluations are a wonderful option… We will test everything! It is a pricey option, but one which will leave you with every question answered. In addition, we may be able to observe your child at school and will sit down with you when everything is complete to review what we learned and what we recommend.
For all those considering testing, it is worthwhile to have their hearing tested by an audiologist and their vision tested by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or an orthoptist prior to speech, language, and/or literacy testing.
![](https://cheerfulchatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/phonological-disorder.jpg)
Individual Speech Therapy
After 20 years in the field, she knows her stuff! Her training and experience set her apart from other therapists in the areas of:
Childhood apraxia of speech & other issues affecting speech clarity
Late talkers & early langauge development
Dyslexia & other difficulties with early reading and spelling
What? She works on reading?! She sure does! At their core, dyslexia and most other difficulties with reading and spelling are rooted in the language system (especially phonological awareness & processing). Miss Ellen excels in widening and deepening these critical skills.
At the end of the day, reading is simply another way of using language to communicate… you can listen or read to gain information and you can speak or write to send it. Reading and spelling fall squarely in the field of speech-language pathology… but it’s hard to find someone who specializes in it.
What She’ll Do
Miss Ellen’s first goal is to find the problem… not just test them. If a child is struggling to speak clearly, she’ll figure out why. If they are a little too quiet for their age, she’ll find out what is holding them back. If they are struggling to learn to read, she’ll determine where the system is breaking down.
Once the problem is identified, she will work to build a strong foundation, teach the missing skills, and fill in all the gaps. Before you know it, family and friends you don’t see too often will be commenting on how well they’re doing!
![](https://cheerfulchatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/what-should-i-do.png)
How to Get Started
Let us know you’re interested by sending us an email, completing a contact form at the bottom of any page, or scheduling a free phone consultation or optional Meet & Greet here.
Social Skills Groups & Programs
While we have a serious crush on our PEERS® Social Skills Classes, we know that they’re not for everyone. Some need more one-on-one time, so we offer individual therapy through our reservation system. Whatever your needs are, we are probably working on something that meets them! Groups may include:
PEERS® Social Skills Classes for:
Elementary schoolers
Middle & high schoolers
Young adults (18-30 years, post high school)
Our social skills services are designed for those who have been left out of other groups… either because they are too verbal or too old. Our programs are perfect for children, teens, and young adults (18-30 years, post high school) who are talking and seem to be doing fine with academics, but are struggling with friendships and other interactions.
Click below to learn more about our social skills groups and programs.