• (815) 304-5548
  • office@yakostherapy.com

Service Tag: Speech

Bilingual Services - Spanish/English

Many variables make each bilingual experience its very own. Speakers with bilingual speech disorders require specific care from a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Bilingual SLPs must be able to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders using the client’s/patient’s language. They must also have the linguistic proficiency to:

  • describe the process of normal speech and language acquisition—for both bilingual and monolingual speakers of that language, including how those processes are manifested in oral and written language;
  • select administer, and interpret formal and informal assessment procedures to distinguish between communication differences and communication disorders;
  • apply intervention strategies for treatment of communication disorders in the language or mode of communication most appropriate for the needs of the individual.   

Our Executive Director, Maria Yakos, is recognized by the Illinois Speech Hearing Association (ISHA) as a Bilingual and Bidalectical Service Provider. She is fluent in both Spanish and English with native proficiency in both and has taken advanced coursework in Spanish language grammar, literature, and writing, as well as, advanced coursework in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of bilingual language learners.  Maria has completed coursework and language proficiency testing and has applied to be certified as a bilingual service provider by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). 

speech therapist practice therapy for child with motor speech disorders.
speech therapist practice therapy for child with motor speech disorders.

Developing skills for life

Some children lack the innate skills to understand how their verbal and non-verbal communication is interpreted by others. Likewise, they have difficulty interpreting the actions and words of their peers.

For them, these skills have to be taught. Our speech-language pathologists use a variety of tools to teach skills such as perspective taking, body language cues, and using critical thinking to respond mindfully. Our groups help students hone these skills with their peers to make and maintain friendships.

There are rules and guidelines for how we utilize language in various situations and with different people (e.g., informally with friends and family versus formally in a professional work environment). 

Examples of Social Interaction

  • Speech style and context
  • Conflict resolution
  • Social Tasks like cooperative play
  • Social Reasoning
  • Politeness
students learn through a variety of methods with augmentative communication
Skills like nonverbal communication are given a chance to develop.

Your Role as Parent

Parents will help provide insight to what their main concerns are regarding social language and together with their therapist determine what the child is doing successfully and what they struggle with in regards to social interactions.  Your therapist will develop a plan to develop skills so your child can reach the next steps in learning how to establish friendships and learn about social interactions.  

 

Stay connected with us on Facebook

Be sure to like us on Facebook to receive notifications regarding upcoming social language groups. We provide opportunities for families to enroll children during summers in our Yakiddy Friends Groups.