Kids Relate

Speech Therapy

Careful assessment is the foundation of effective treatment design.  During the assessment process, the speech and language pathologist (SLP) will want to gather as much information about your child's communication abilities, needs, strengths and learning style as possible so she can develop the most appropriate treatment plan. 

While our communication skills assessment process is individualized according to the needs of each client,  assessments will touch on each of these 4 stages.  

Stage 1: Gathering background information

• Parent completion of initial paperwork providing background information for the SLP.
• Initial interview with SLP for mutual exchange of information

Stage 2: Observation and assessment

• SLP observation of child spontaneously interacting with caregivers
• Administration of standardized tests 
• SLP contact with school or daycare settings to understand child communication abilities in a variety of contexts

Stage 3: Learning styles assessment

• SLP trial of therapeutic techniques to determine your child's learning style.

Stage 4:  Review 

• A review of the results of the assessment
• Discussion of recommendations
• Planning 

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

RDI is a parent driven program.  We want to make sure you thoroughly understand the program so you can implement it with confidence.    Because of that, we engage you in education about the program right from the start, at the same time we are beginning to assess your child's dynamic abilities, needs and strengths.  

The first stages of RDI include the following:

Stage 1: Mutual exchange of information

• Parent completion of initial paperwork providing background information.
• Initial interview with RDI consultant
  

Stage 2: Baseline observation

• Observation of your child's dynamic skills as they interact with you in a variety of semi-structured activities. 
  
• Assessment of child foundations for dynamic thinking
  

  
  

• Careful education of primary caregivers about the principles of RDI
• Logistical preparation for RDI home program implementation
• Development of short, medium and long-term family goals
• Continued assessment of the foundations for dynamic assessment as needed
• Beginning work on foundational child objectives
• Regularly scheduled child observations to ensure efficacy of treatment plan

By the end of stage 3, you will have developed a good working knowledge of the philosophy of RDI.  We will understand your child's current level of dynamic abilities and together we will be in the process of teaching your child how to be a more dynamic, flexible thinker.  

* Many people have a lot of questions before they start the RDI program.  We are happy to set up a free consultation to discuss the program before you start.