Our speech-language therapists exceeded the national average in 2011 by helping 72.1 percent of patients improve at least one functional level in expressive language, also known as spoken-language production.
What does this data mean?
Expressive language is the child’s ability to put words together and communicate a thought. We measure patients on a seven-level scale with Level 7 being the highest functioning.
Why is it important?
The importance of expressive language is getting meaning out of the words a child produces. The better their expressive language, the better their ability to communicate becomes. This can have a profound impact on a child’s social skills and can affect them as they grow older.
How does Children’s make sure we are giving high-quality care?
- Our therapists engage patients and speak one level ahead of them to encourage progress.
- We have bilingual speech-language therapists available and can work with families through an interpreter, if needed.
- Our therapists stay in close communication with a patient’s physician to make sure that therapy adjusts to particular treatment plans.
- The specific needs of each patient determine the therapist’s treatment plan and how often the patient needs to have an appointment. As a patient makes progress, providers adjust his goals and treatment accordingly.
The
National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS) monitors speech-language therapy patients’ progress. We measure patients by NOMS between their third birthday and when they register for kindergarten.