Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Services
Outpatient speech-language pathology services for children are now available and conveniently located at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Speech-language pathologists help children with a variety of speech and language delays and disorders, voice disorders, and feeding and swallowing problems. GBMC’s team of speech-language pathologists provides identification, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services for children of all ages. A vital part of our services is family/caregiver support through education and training. Specialized diagnostic evaluation and treatment modalities including palatography, computerized speech lab, ultrasound, and nasometry are also available at GBMC.
PEDIATRIC SPEECH-LANGUAGE-VOICE DISORDERS
Ten percent of children entering first grade have moderate to severe speech delays or disorders, including missing and substituted speech sounds and stuttering. Approximately 8% to 12% of preschool children have some form of language impairment (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, N.D.). Vocal cord nodules are responsible for 38% to 78% of chronic hoarseness in children (Gray, S.D., & Smith, M.E., 1996).
Speech-language pathologists help children with speech-language-voice disorders develop their communication abilities. Speech-language delays and disorders range from simple sound substitutions while speaking to the inability to understand or use language. Some causes of speech and language disorders include frequent ear infections, hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, mental retardation, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate, and vocal abuse or misuse.
If teachers, parents, or medical professionals are concerned about a child's speech-language development or voice quality, the child should see a speech-language pathologist for a professional evaluation. The speech-language pathologist may administer tests of receptive and expressive language, analyze utterances in various situations, determine factors that may be slowing down language development, and/or educate parents regarding ways they can support their child’s speech-language development or improve their child’s vocal quality. The speech-language pathologist may give suggestions on stimulating language development, ask that the parent and child return if parental concern continues, or schedule a re-evaluation. In more severe cases, recommendations may include individual speech-language therapy or for the parent and child to become involved in an early intervention program. Early intervention programs typically consist of demonstrations of language stimulation techniques for home use and more frequent monitoring of the child's progress.
PEDIATRIC FEEDING and SWALLOWING DISORDERS
Children with feeding and swallowing disorders can present with a variety of symptoms including refusal of different textured foods, prolonged feeding times, excessive drooling or spillage of food and liquids from the mouth, wet gurgly vocal quality, coughing or gagging during meals, recurrent pneumonia and/ or respiratory infections, frequent spitting up, and failure to thrive. With younger children, other signs may include stiffening of the body, irritability, and/ or lack of alertness during feeding (American Speech Language and Hearing Association, 1997-2003).
The speech-language pathology team at GBMC provides evaluation and treatment services for feeding and swallowing disorders for children of all ages. Evaluations typically consist of a careful review of the child's medical and developmental history, analysis of symptoms, assessment of swallow structures and musculature, and clinical observation of feeding. The speech-language pathologist observes the child's posture, behavior, and oral movements during eating and drinking. Special instrumental diagnostic tests may be used to further evaluate swallowing. As treatment varies greatly depending on the cause and symptoms of the feeding and swallowing problem, an individualized plan of care is developed for each child.
REFERRAL
To make a referral for a speech-language evaluation, voice evaluation, or feeding and swallowing evaluation, please call the MJ Dance Rehabilitation Center at GBMC at (443) 849-2087.
For specific questions concerning child language and development contact Patti Bailey, M.S., CCC-SLP at (443) 849-8014.
