Speech Praxis Experience at Kaufman (SPEAK)
Intensive speech and language program at the KCC
The Speech Praxis Experience at Kaufman (SPEAK) is an intensive speech and language program with Nancy R. Kaufman, MA, CCC-SLP, featuring her Kaufman Speech to Language (K-SLP) methods. It is generally for children who live out of Michigan or in-state but too far to come for regular sessions.
The purpose of SPEAK is for Nancy to evaluate children face-to-face, determine goals, and demonstrate K-SLP techniques. Children generally make progress during the visit, but the main intention is to introduce and explain the methods, coach parents through play, and collaborate with the child's home speech and language team.
VISIT DETAILS
SPEAK visits are available year-round and are generally 2-3 days in length. They include:
- Full speech and language evaluation
- 3-5 therapy sessions (30 minutes each)
- A parent conference to review goals and techniques and address questions and concerns
REQUIREMENTS
Traveling to Michigan with kids is not an easy operation and Nancy takes that very seriously. She will only recommend an intensive visit if she feels that it will be beneficial for the child and if the child’s team is open to the K-SLP methods and her collaboration. If Nancy does not feel that the child is ready for the intensive program, she will make other helpful recommendations.
To qualify for an intensive visit, children must:
- Have the ability to imitate consonants, vowels, and syllables
- Be able to sit and attend for 30-minute sessions, motivated by highly preferred toys and activities
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Children with autism spectrum disorder who are minimally vocal are generally not appropriate for the SPEAK program. We have found that these children require much more of a time commitment than half-hour sessions over four days and do best when both speech-language pathologists and behavior analysts work together for their benefit.
Our team approach is implemented through our applied behavior analysis (ABA) program, where we have the opportunity to work with the children for full or half days, four days a week, over many weeks. Click HERE for more information on those programs.
Parents of children with ASD are still encouraged to submit a video for consultation. Nancy can can provide some suggestions and recommendations for techniques and webinars/e-courses that may be helpful.
ADDITIONAL SESSIONS
Once Nancy has evaluated the child in person, she may schedule additional half-hour SPEAK sessions, if appropriate.
While at the KCC, many families choose for their children to receive occupational therapy services. Kids with apraxia of speech or other speech-sound disorders often benefit from oral-motor, fine-motor, and even sensory integration therapy. We will arrange an individualized schedule for each child during the time that you are here. OT sessions are an extra fee, charged at a rate of $70 per half hour.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Family members who travel to the KCC with the child are able to watch all sessions through an observation window, and will have the opportunity to participate in parent coaching within some of the sessions.
Each SPEAK therapy session is recorded so families can review and share techniques with the child’s home speech-language pathologist.
FIRST STEP: VIDEO CONSULTATION
If you are interested in having your child participate in a SPEAK visit, your first step is to submit a video to determine if she or he is appropriate for the program. Click HERE for information on how to record and submit a video. Once Nancy reviews the video, she will contact you to get the ball rolling.
