Start by contacting an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) in your area. He/she will assess your child, develop goals and a treatment plan, interface with your doctor and insurance company, and administer therapy tailored to your child’s needs. See a more detailed overview of the SLP process.
You may also wish to do some background research on some of the programs or approaches that may be used by the clinicians you are considering. See an overview (and some cautions) about selecting programs and approaches. This table summarizes some examples of programs available in the DFW area, suggested by a panel of Callier clinicians. The information below was sampled from each program’s website(s).
| Program Name | What is it for? | How does it work? | Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism and Communication Deficits | |||
| ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) | Children with autism | Setting up a structured environment for children to learn | Peer-reviewed articles from 1987 on; review article and reference list available |
| DIR Floortime | Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based, Children with autism and related disorders | Teaches the family a play-based method for building communication, relationships, and thinking skills | Peer-reviewed and outcome studies; summary on web site |
| PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) | Designed for individuals with autism and/or severe communication deficits | A symbolic system based on principles of applied behavior analysis | Peer-reviewed articles from 1998-2007; summary available on web site |
| RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) | Program where parents are provided the tools to effectively teach Dynamic Intelligence skills and motivation to their child | A step by step program that focuses first on building the motivations so that skills will be used and generalized | None available on web site |
| SCERTS | An educational approach and multidisciplinary framework for children with autism spectrum and related disorders | A model based on principles of use and not a specific technique or prescribed program | Peer-reviewed with research summary listing |
| TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren) | For individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders | Uses Structured teaching intervention | Book chapters and some peer-reviewed articles listed on website |
| Literacy | |||
| Fast ForWord | Targeting students K-12 who are reading below grade level | Software based intervention program implemented in educational or clinical setting | Reviews by independent educational associations |
| Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) | Handwriting fluency program | Uses workbooks, hands-on materials, and music to inspire active learning; led by trained educators or therapists | Peer-reviewed research that supports the theory the program is based upon. No studies supporting actual program |
| Speech and Language | |||
| It Takes Two to Talk at the Hanen Centre | Children with language delays | Provides training to parents to learn to become the therapist for their child | Peer–reviewed with research summary listing, and included in language disorder textbook |
| PROMPT (The Prompt Institute) | Speech disorders; especially dysarthrias and apraxia | Therapy that provides a system of tactile, visual, and auditory cues to facilitate correct sound production | Poster presentation and unpublished empirical studies |
| If you are a service provider in the DFW area and wish to contact us or update us concerning these web materials, please email wkatz@utdallas.edu. |
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