Fast Forward at Tri State Speech Center L.L.C.
By Gail Del Grosso, M.S. CCC-SLP
TRI STATE SPEECH CENTER L.L.C. is a distinctive center in that it offers parental educational training and a wide variety of therapy strategies to enhance all aspects of hearing and speech related problems. In order to further complement our full range of assistance, we are offering Fast ForWord. It is a revolutionary method for rapidly building skills necessary for language competence in children. It is a CD-ROM and Internet based training program which uses the principle that the brain continues to learn as it is stimulated by the environment. This program is the culmination of years of research into brain plasticity.
CERTIFICATION
The Fast ForWord training program is only available through qualified professionals who have completed a Scientific Learning Corporation certification seminar. Gail Del Grosso, M.S. CCC/SLP, President of Tri State Speech Center L.L.C. is a certified practitioner of Fast ForWord. Gail Del Grosso has been practicing speech pathology for 20 years. She has specialized in educational and rehabilitational speech pathology. She also holds certifications in speech language specialist and is licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania as well as ASHA certified. She is a lecturer in the field of speech pathology and education.
TRAINING
The Fast ForWord Program involves an initial evaluation, 6-8 week training sessions on the average and a post evaluation.
The initial evaluation may take place over 1-2 sessions. The child will receive testing in the areas of receptive phonolgy, auditory perceptual tasks and comprehensive language measures. Eligibility for training will be determined from these tests, from recommendations of therapists and school personnel and from the evaluator's clinical impressions. An initial audiogram and/or tympanometry may be required.
The extensive training sessions last for one hour and 45 minutes daily for an average of 6 to 8 weeks. Treatment is scheduled Monday to Friday. Saturdays are left open for evaluation purposes. A Home Program is available for those who cannot come to the center daily. However, the family is responsible for all computer connections that are needed for the initial set-up. Basic information is provided in the Home Program Packet. The training involves the use of specific interactive computer games which teach rapid acoustic processing, phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar. The program is uniquely adaptive and automatically adjusts to each child's improving level of competence.
PARTICIPATION
Children must be between the ages of 5 to adult. They must be able to sit, attend and focus on a computer task for a minimum of 15 minutes. They must be able to tolerate the use of headphones during training. Parental assistance during training is not allowed.
The child's participation in the treatment requires a total family commitment. The most successful results have been found when there is active participation with the patient's families. Therefore, the child's success depends on the family's commitment and participation.
BENEFITS
Virtually EVERY child that uses the games in the rigorous and compliant regimen outlined will receive measurable benefits from them. The benefits are usually in a wide variety of perceptual and cognitive skills.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES
Children with the following classifications are potential candidates: communication handicap, dyslexia, language learning disabled, sensory integration deficit, attention deficit disorder and pervasive development disability (autism). The candidates whose length of training may vary due to compliance issues are children who may have attention deficit disorder and pervasive developmental disability.
For further information or to set up and Initial Evaluation please email the Tri State Speech Center L.L.C. at tristatespeechcenter@embarqmail.com .
Gail Del Grosso, M.S. CCC/SLP
Vernon, New Jersey
973-875-0533
Email:
tristatespeechcenter@embarqmail.com