About Donna
* Licensed in NY and CT
* ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) certified
* PROMPT trained
PROMPT©-trained speech-language pathologists take into account, not only the physical aspects of speech production (how to physically make the sounds using the lips, tongue, etc.), but also the other areas of the child’s development, such as language development, as well as social and emotional implications. The result is a holistic approach to the child’s speech-sound delay, with an emphasis on practical activities and vocabulary.
Over 20 Years Experience
*In office
*Teletherapy
"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding."
-Robert John Meehan
Services Most Frequently Provided
Language Delays and Disorders
Children with language delays and disorders may present with the following:
- difficulty answering questions
- difficulty following directions
- difficulty telling a story
- difficulty expressing themselves
Strategies:
Repetition, use of visuals and tactile objects as well as modeling of language are used within the sessions.
Articulation and Phonological Disorders
Children with articulation and phonological difficulties may present with the following:
- difficulty saying specific individual sounds as in the "s" or "r" or "l" sounds
- difficulty saying groups of sounds as in difficulty saying consonant clusters/blends as in when a child says "poon" for "spoon", "top" for "stop, or the final sound in words as in when a child says "ca" for "cat", "pe" for "pen", etc
Different sounds are acquired at different ages. Assessing a child's sound development can help determine if articulation therapy is warranted.
Strategies:
Visual, tactile, verbal and auditory support are used within the sessions to ensure your child's success.
Early Childhood Language
Young children/toddlers with language delays may present with the following:
- difficulty in expressing wants and needs
- frustration due to the inability to express themselves
Providing speech and language therapy helps children to acquire new language by providing parents, teachers and caregivers strategies to engage toddlers to use language, build vocabulary and decrease frustration.
Strategies:
A variety of toys, books and puzzles are used within the sessions to engage the toddler, build vocabulary and make the sessions fun!
Helping children communicate effectively is the main goal.
“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child CAN do, instead of what he cannot do.”
-Temple Grandin
Quality and Individualized Treatment in the Areas of:
* Articulation & Phonological Disorder - difficulty pronouncing sounds to make words
* Apraxia - difficulty in motor planning the articulators (tongue, jaw and lips) to make sounds into words
* Executive Function - difficulty planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space
* Early Childhood Language - toddlers understanding language and communicating their wants and needs
* Stuttering - disruption of the fluency of speech
* Oral Motor - weakness of tongue, jaw and lips
* Tongue Thrust Swallowing (Myofunctional) - interdental (between the teeth) placement of the tongue when swallowing
* Social Pragmatics - appropriate understanding and use of language in social situations
* Auditory and Language Processing - ability to process and fully understand auditory information
* Receptive and Expressive Language - understanding spoken language (receptive) and the ability to communicate wants, needs and emotions (expressive)
* Autism Spectrum Disorder - difficulties in social situations, and with verbal and non-verbal communications
INTERESTED?
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION to learn how speech and language therapy can help your child.
What People Are Saying…
“Donna is a rockstar around our house. Thank you Donna for opening up a new world for my son!"
- Jennifer H (parent)
“I was her colleague when she was working with very young children, Donna now works with my son, who is a teenager; it has been invaluable. Donna gives 100% at every session!"
- Wendy G (professional & parent)
“Her dedication to her clients and wealth of knowledge is extremely admirable. Donna is one of a kind and truly helps each child to reach their highest potential.”
- Diana L (professional)