NOW EXCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Speech Therapy
We are located in Mesa Arizona.
Dr. Teri Baldwin
I have had the pleasure of working as a Speech Language Pathologist in the state of Arizona for over 30 years. I specialize in Autism, communication, AAC devices, and feeding therapy.
I have a Bachelor's degree from West Chester University in eduction and communication disorders, a Master's degree in communication disorders from Northern Arizona University, and an Education Doctorate from Univeristy of St. Augustine in Education.
I have written two books on Autism: A textbook for college students and a book for teachers.
Does my child need speech therapy?
If your child is 2 or 3 years of age and not talking or not clearly understood, yes they need speech therapy.
Speech and Language Therapy
AAC Device Training
Augmentative Alternative communication devices can be overwhelming. Having the device set up for easy use and using the device during fun activities is key for communciaiton.
Speech and Language Therapy
For younger children, we increase speech and language skills through play therapy.
Feeding Therapy
What is Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy is a specialized treatment designed to assist children and their families in managing challenges related to eating habits and dietary intake. It’s a valuable resource for children who may struggle with various aspects of feeding, whether it’s difficulty in consuming adequate nutrition, managing certain food textures or coping with medical conditions affecting their ability to eat.
Why Feeding Therapy is Needed
Children may require feeding therapy for a variety of reasons, including being born prematurely or having developmental disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, neuro-developmental disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, autism), gastrointestinal difficulties, sensory processing issues or complex medical diagnoses. These conditions can impact a child’s ability to eat, leading to challenges in nutrition intake and mealtime behaviors.
Social Skills
Social skills are the rules, customs, and abilities that guide our interactions with other people and the world around us. In general, people tend to “pick up” social skills in the same way they learn language skills: naturally and easily. Over time they build a social “map” of how to in act in situations and with others.
For people with autism it can be harder to learn and build up these skills, forcing them to guess what the social "map" should look like.
Social skills development for people with autism involves:
- Direct instruction and "teachable moments" with practice in realistic settings
- Focus on timing and attention
- Support for enhancing communication and sensory integration
- Learning behaviors that predict important social outcomes like friendship and happiness
- A way to build up cognitive and language skills
