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Evaluation & Therapy Services

Language Delays - Echolalia - Gestalt Language Processing - Speech Sound Disorders - Childhood Apraxia of Speech - Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders - AAC - Literacy Intervention

We provide neurodiversity-affirming speech and language therapy services to children and their families within the Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Area. We take a child-centered approach and recognize that autism, ADD/ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions aren't problems to be cured or solved—they are neurotypes that present with unique strengths, needs, and challenges. We are dedicated to treating children holistically and building on what they can do to help them joyfully engage with the world around them. Additionally, as of Spring 2025 we are excited to add literacy intervention services to our practice offerings

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Image by Taylor Heery

Evaluations

At Unity Speech Therapy, we combine input from caregivers with our advanced clinical knowledge to characterize each child’s communication skills. A typical communication evaluation includes a review of developmental history, caregiver interviews, questionnaires and observations, as well as standardized assessment and/or play-based assessment

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Following the evaluation, we will share the results and discuss areas for growth. In partnership with caregivers, we will then form a treatment plan that encourages, excites, and supports the whole family.

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Therapy

Our therapy approach is child-led and play-based! We incorporate each child's interests into our sessions and support their sensory and motor needs so they are in their optimal learning state. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in our sessions through observation and interactive coaching. 

 

Since therapy is most impactful when everyone is on the same page, we also teach caregivers how to weave therapy into their daily lives! We provide activities and strategies that can be integrated into normal routines like getting dressed, eating, reading, or playing.

Our Specialties

autism and neurodivergent communication

Gestalt language processing and NLA speech therapy for autistic children

We affirm autistic identity and support neurodivergent communication differences. Since over 80% of these children communicate through echolalia, scripting, or gestalts, we are trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) to help them on their journey to original language. We work with caregivers to do the "detective work," determining where a child’s gestalt or script comes from and what they may be intending to communicate when they use it. Our commitment is to honor each child’s communication style, acknowledge all means of expression, and build on their strengths to help them:

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  • Use more flexible, self-generated, independent language

  • Broaden their expressive and receptive language skills

  • Improve their functional communication abilities

  • Foster intrinsic motivation for communication

  • Grow confidence and self-advocacy skills

  • Understand neurotypical and neurodivergent communication styles

articulation, phonological disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech

childhood apraxia of speech therapy

We embed speech sound practice into play so that learning is motivating, meaningful, and fun! Based on the findings of our comprehensive speech sound assessment, we can determine whether a child’s speech sound errors are due to articulation, phonological, or motor coordination challenges. Our advanced training in PROMPT, DTTC, and a variety of phonological approaches allows us to support each child’s speech sound development by addressing the root of the problem. We combine direct instruction, modeling, and helpful strategies to help children:

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  • Increase their speech sound accuracy

  • Produce new sounds and grow their sound inventory

  • Apply speech strategies to help them be understood

  • Coordinate speech muscles as they move between sounds

  • Communicate with less frustration and more confidence

  • Identify and correct their own sound errors

Language Delays and disorders

Speech therapy for late talkers and AAC therapy

Our play-based approach to language therapy means that therapy goals are addressed during fun, imaginative, and language-rich activities. We know that most children learn best when they are actively engaged, so we support gestures, imitation skills, vocabulary, signs, and social opportunities during their favorite games and activities. Our expertise in applying visual supports, like high and low-tech AAC options, also allows us to foster communication in children who have difficulty with their speech or who do not communicate orally. Language-focused therapy sessions can help children of all abilities:

 

  • Independently communicate wants, needs, thoughts, dislikes, and ideas

  • Use a growing vocabulary and understand new words

  • Improve their use of grammar and sentence structure

  • Tell stories, share personal events, and answer questions 

  • Understand and follow directions from others

  • Comprehend stories that they are told

Neurodiversity affirming speech-language therapy services in WI
We are accepting new clients!

Contact us today to discuss your concerns, have your questions answered, and learn more about how Unity Speech Therapy can help. We would love to support your child's communication journey!

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