|
Testimonials |
|
When seeking a speech pathologist for my son with Down syndrome, I want someone who is loving, kind, and extremely patient; someone who is creative and unafraid to build a relationship and look beyond the disability; someone who sees unlimited potential and who isn’t afraid to make themselves look silly in order to get a verbal reaction from a little boy who may not want to participate; someone with the ability to control and be firm with toddler tantrums yet still gain the trust of a little boy; and most of all, someone who cares about my son beyond the one hour of contracted pay. These are just a few of the outstanding characteristics the pathologists at First Words Speech and Language Clinic have exhibited on a daily basis for almost four years while working with my son two times a week. Emily, Corrine, and Adan are amazing pathologists who have all had an opportunity to work my son. Their similar demeanor and approach to working with children make it easy to have one or all of them work alongside my son. They are unafraid to offer suggestion, coach the parents in how to accommodate more speaking opportunities into daily living situations, and offer advice for communication that goes beyond the home and into the school and public realm. They educate us on how to get a response from our children so that we can begin and explore the communication journey that often comes natural to other children. First Words Speech and Language Clinic not only specializes in communication but they also specialize in eating therapy. Through tactile play the pathologists got my picky, scared, sons to put various foods and textures into their mouths. No longer is a plate shoved away in fear. Eating is no longer the most dreaded part of our entire family’s day but is now looked at as almost enjoyable. My son who is four and has never self fed is now picking up a spoon and attempting to feed himself without throwing a fit. Utilizing tools to increase sensory awareness and relax the jaw has taken away the fear that it once imposed. We still have a long journey, but in about one months time we have made huge leaps and bounds beyond anything we could accomplish on our own.
Hailey S.
My three and a half year old son has been a client of First Words Speech and Language Clinic for two years and we both absolutely love it! Not only has my son made great strides in his speech and language concepts, but I always feel like we are a priority. The clinic has grown and changed so much throughout the last couple of years because of the personal care and effort put into each client by the entire staff. My son would not be as fluent or expressive in language if we were not clients of First Words Speech and Language!
Kristie K.
Hailey S.
My three and a half year old son has been a client of First Words Speech and Language Clinic for two years and we both absolutely love it! Not only has my son made great strides in his speech and language concepts, but I always feel like we are a priority. The clinic has grown and changed so much throughout the last couple of years because of the personal care and effort put into each client by the entire staff. My son would not be as fluent or expressive in language if we were not clients of First Words Speech and Language!
Kristie K.
My son started working with Emily in 2014. We were new to the Helena area and were referred to First Words Speech and Language Clinic by a current client. From the very first time we met Emily, I knew we had made the right choice. My son has Down Syndrome and speech is an extremely challenging task for him. First Words Speech and Language Clinic’s approach is different than other clinics we’ve worked with in the past, in that the Clinicians sincerely care about the needs of their clients. This is reflected in their willingness to learn about and understand the client and their diagnosis. They are familiar with the latest research and apply new techniques whenever possible to ensure the best quality of service for their clients.
As a parent, I especially value the expertise of the Clinicians. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to design a plan of care specifically tailored to my son. Because of this, their services have dramatically improved my child’s life by giving him the confidence to communicate and the desire to talk, and by guiding me on different concepts that I can use at home to help him improve and overcome his speech challenges. The Clinicians make language and communication fun while engaging and encouraging my son in such a way that he doesn’t realize he is “working.” It is absolutely amazing to watch the way they interact with him and to witness his response. The Clinicians are dedicated to working with the families to reach their goals. They have taught me how to apply the methods they are using to our everyday routine to help foster language and communication at all times. The outcome has been phenomenal.
I would recommend First Words Speech and Language Clinic to anyone who needs speech and language services. These Clinicians are truly amazing and my son would not be communicating the way he is today, if it weren’t for all their amazing efforts, caring personalities, and drive, to help their clients and the family members work towards their goals.
J. W
As a parent, I especially value the expertise of the Clinicians. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to design a plan of care specifically tailored to my son. Because of this, their services have dramatically improved my child’s life by giving him the confidence to communicate and the desire to talk, and by guiding me on different concepts that I can use at home to help him improve and overcome his speech challenges. The Clinicians make language and communication fun while engaging and encouraging my son in such a way that he doesn’t realize he is “working.” It is absolutely amazing to watch the way they interact with him and to witness his response. The Clinicians are dedicated to working with the families to reach their goals. They have taught me how to apply the methods they are using to our everyday routine to help foster language and communication at all times. The outcome has been phenomenal.
I would recommend First Words Speech and Language Clinic to anyone who needs speech and language services. These Clinicians are truly amazing and my son would not be communicating the way he is today, if it weren’t for all their amazing efforts, caring personalities, and drive, to help their clients and the family members work towards their goals.
J. W