· Articulation or sound production errors (slurred or mumbled speech)
· Ability to formulate sentences or questions (including verb tenses and pronouns)
· Ability to follow written or verbal directions
· Ability to answer a variety of questions
· Independent use of questions to gain or clarify information
· Vocal quality, pitch, tone or inflection is abnormal
· Fluency (stuttering)
· Repeating what they hear rather than responding
· Social interaction- eye contact, turn taking, appropriate loudness level for environment and rate of speech
· Swallowing- coughing, choking during meals, runny nose during or following oral intake, a change in vocal quality, and/or fever following oral intake
· Liquids or food escaping from the mouth during oral intake
· Drooling or evident facial weakness
· Diminished vocabulary
· Comprehension- auditory and reading
· Memory-short and long term
· Identify colors and count items
· Ability to read
· Ability to put thoughts into writing
· Ability to describe an event or tell a story including details
· Exhibit behaviors due to an inability to express themselves or frustration with communication
ST's Mission Statement
The Speech-Language Pathology Department at Unified Therapy Services believes in a collaborative approach with the other disciplines provided within our facility, as well as, the patients, their family, and outside providers to assist all of our patients in achieving their highest level of functional independence related to their communication, cognitive skills and oral intake of nutrition.