Children's Speech and Language Pathology Offers New Reading and Language Program

Children who are behind in developing language and reading skills can get help through a new children's literacy and language program offered at the Center for Children's Rehabilitation in the Beaumont Medical Center, West Bloomfield and the Beaumont Health Center in Royal Oak (both Mich.).

"Children who have language delays often experience reading delays," says Kris Rutkowski, manager of Children's Speech and Language Pathology."Early intervention is key. Our program helps children ages 4-1/2 to 14 develop skill sets that include learning the alphabet and the sounds associated with the letters."

To enroll in the program, parents need a prescription from their child's physician. All children who participate are given a standardized literacy test. The test helps identify those who are behind in reading skills. After testing, a diagnostic report and individualized treatment plan are developed and shared with parents and the child's school staff.

Children meet with a speech/language pathologist in Royal Oak or West Bloomfield once a week for 30 minutes and with a small group of their peers. Parents are taught how to help their child learn pre-literacy skills.

"I recently spoke with three kindergarten teachers who are very thankful for the information we've provided," explains Rutkowski,"I'm pleased that in the short time this program has been offered, we've had such a positive response from parents, physicians and teachers. It demonstrates we're meeting a real need in the communities we serve."

For more information, call 248-855-4480.

Since 1992, Beaumont's Speech and Language Pathology department, Center for Childhood Speech and Language Disorders has helped children with speech and language impairments learn to achieve their maximum communicative, functional and social potential.

In addition to speech and language services, the Center for Children's Rehabilitation also offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and social work all in one setting.