Methods Used in Speech Therapy for Special Needs Children

Finding the Right Fit for Special Needs Students who Require Academic and Behavioral Support

Speech and language therapy for children with special needs encompasses a variety of methods, dependent upon each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. At Harbor School, we are dedicated to teaching students a way to functionally and socially communicate with others within the school community and later in life.

Our experienced and qualified speech language therapists continue to develop their expertise in order to utilize the latest research and therapy techniques in evidenced based practice.

The speech language therapists at Harbor School specialize in a variety of methods to address the communication needs of students exhibiting various disorders and/or syndromes which include autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, cerebral palsy, William’s Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, developmental disabilities, and other rare genetic syndromes. They have been trained to deliver services to address all areas of speech and language including receptive language, auditory processing, expressive language, pragmatic language and social communication, articulation, voice, and fluency disorders as well as dysphagia, oral motor, and feeding needs.

Since communication is an integral life skill, students are encouraged to express their wants, needs, thoughts, ideas, and feelings utilizing a total communication approach. Through a caring and supportive, yet challenging environment, therapy focuses on developing students’ relationships in order to achieve their full communication potential.

speech therapy techniques for special needs students at the harbor school

Research shows that Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) can help facilitate speech and language development. AAC is an umbrella term that encompasses methods used to supplement verbal speech. Gestures and sign language are unaided means of communication. Aided AAC can be in the form of dedicated Speech Generating Devices (SGD), Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA), and Picture Exchange Communication Systems -2- (PECS), Core Vocabulary, and static boards. Several research studies have shown that these systems may help to develop verbal language and increase socialization.

A unique feature of Harbor School’s speech department is their partnership with New Jersey Pediatric Feeding Associates which provides screening and therapeutic recommendations for students with dysphagia. This feeding clinic is offered to families 1-2 times per year for anyone interested in having their child evaluated. If further evaluations are warranted, Harbor’s therapists may accompany the student to outside facilities to ensure that the continuity of care is provided.

About RKS Associates
Since 1980, RKS Associates has been a leader in meeting the needs of special education students and helping children grow to their fullest potential. To learn more about Harbor School or our network of schools, contact us at our main office at 732.544.9394.

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Located in Eatontown, NJ Harbor School provides services for students with special needs throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, and Mercer counties. Contact us at our main office at 732.544.9394 with any questions or schedule a private tour of Harbor School today.

Our mission at Harbor School:
Provide a safe and nurturing educational environment dedicated to the vision that individuals with disabling conditions are entitled to a full and meaningful life.

As parents, it is an undeniable fact that we all want what’s best for our children, including choosing the best school. This especially rings true when finding the right educational programs and behavioral support for children with special needs.

Addressing Behavioral Support and Specialized Academic Needs

Back in 1975, when the federal special education law was passed, Congress found that most handicapped children were not receiving appropriate education. Unfortunately, millions of children were excluded from school altogether because of this. Since 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) now governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention and special education to children with disabilities.

But, unfortunately, many public school districts in New Jersey are still not equipped to provide an individualized and holistic approach for these students. To fully absorb learning objectives and succeed in building social skills, kids with special needs require a specific learning environment. Frustrated with a lack of behavioral support and specialized academics in the public schools, parents of children with special needs are taking matters into their own hands and turning to private day schools.

Private School Tuition

What some parents may not be aware of is the cost of tuition for private special education schools may be available through the sending school district. Under the federal IDEA, public school districts and charter schools have a duty to ensure that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, if your public school district is not able to offer a suitable special education program for your child, you’re entitled to have your child placed in a private school—and to have the district pay for it (20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)).

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA website which provides background about the law, as well as links to the full statute and regulations. And for more detailed information on the IDEA—including an extensive discussion of the dispute resolution process—read The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child.

Supporting Special Needs Students who Require Behavioral Support

Determining the best educational options for your special needs child can be a difficult path. It’s all about understanding your child’s specific needs and finding an appropriate program that directly meets those needs.

One such enhanced alternative program to the public school district is Harbor School in Eatontown, NJ. Harbor School operates as a private day school, approved by the N.J. Department of Education to provide enhanced education for disabled, autistic and students with behavioral and mental health issues from ages 5-21. Providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students, Harbor School also allows parents to bond with other parents from all walks of life who struggle with similar questions and concerns.

Special Education Programs at Harbor School

Since 1980, RKS Associates has been a leader in providing the needs of special education students and helping children grow to their fullest potential. Our school seeks to empower each student with skills for life, work and recreation; we believe that every individual possesses the dignity and potential to contribute to a better world.