Every May is nationally recognized as Better Hearing and Speech Month by ASHA, the national Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Maryville University is home to the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, addressing the needs of children who are at risk of school failure because of communication impairments.
Many young children have speech development challenges. Often, parents notice that their child struggles with language even though he or she is clearly eager to talk. Often, these problems are mild and can be effectively “nipped in the bud” when parents know exactly how to help.
“We involve parents in an early intervention process to ensure the best possible outcomes for a child who appears to be struggling with speech,” said Jacob Gutshall, Director of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic. “With early identification and long-term therapy and techniques taught to parents for use in the home, children have a better chance of achieving success in school and throughout life.”
Each child is served by a Masters-level speech and language pathologist, certified by ASHA, licensed by the Missouri State Board of Healing Arts and trained in the Hanen Centre’s “It Takes Two to Talk.” Therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s special needs. Services include screenings, evaluations, individual and group therapy, audiological evaluations and parent training. To have a child screened at one of the seven Walker clinics, call 314-529-9200 to set up an appointment. All clinic services are free.
Currently during the COVID-19 crisis, Walker Clinic therapists are reading to children online and modeling techniques for parents. The 2020 KidTalk Celebration, a popular annual fundraiser to support clinic services, will be rescheduled.
