Step By Step, a Highly Regarded Autism Treatment Center in Central Ohio, Announces Addition of Speech Pathology Program to Its Treatment Offerings

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Columbus, OH (PRWEB) June 14, 2012

Step By Step, a highly regarded nonprofit autism treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, today announced the addition of speech language pathology services as part of the organization’s growing continuum of treatment programs. The program -- headed by Step By Step’s Lynn Dudek, a speech language pathologist -- includes evaluation and development of customized treatment plans to address communication disorders in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Dudek brings more than 20 years experience specializing in the treatment of ASD and a wealth of information, experience and education to Step By Step. Her focus is communication disorders, and she is passionate about serving the autism community.

“One of the hallmark characteristics and greatest struggles for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder is difficulties with communication. A significant portion of individuals with autism need speech and language intervention to address issues with verbal speech, alternative communication and social skills,” said Michele LaMarche, BCBA executive director of Step By Step.

The program serves individuals with a broad array of communication needs and is available at Step By Step’s main campus Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Services begin with an initial speech and language evaluation completed by a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, which is typically completed in about one hour. If the individual has undergone a speech-language evaluation in the previous year, the results will be reviewed and may be used in lieu of a new evaluation.

Following the evaluation, a plan is developed which identifies duration, intensity and location of the child’s speech therapy intervention. Each plan includes long- and short-term goals, as well as a prognosis statement explaining how likely the child is to meet these goals and why.

Step By Step speech therapy may include: sign language, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), photos, verbal speech, computer-based devices, oral-motor exercises, social skill instruction, natural environment teaching, voice exercises, feeding procedures, and fluency techniques.

Speech-language services may be covered by private insurance, private pay, and/or county funding sources. Prior authorization may be required. Fees are determined based upon identified service needs.

Referrals to speech-language services may be made directly by a physician, service coordinator, school, family, other licensed professionals, therapist, psychologist, hospital and other professionals. A physician’s prescription is required before services can begin.

Step By Step is at 445 E. Dublin Granville Road, Building G in Worthington, Ohio.

For more information about the program or Step By Step, call 614-436-7837 or visit http://www.stepbystepacademy.org.

About Step By Step
Founded in 2002 by Michele LaMarche, Step By Step (SBS) is a private, nonprofit treatment center for children, teenagers and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition to center-based treatment, SBSA provides several services designed to support the ongoing needs of our community including assessment services by a psychologist or licensed social workers, center-based intensive behavioral intervention treatment services, parent advocacy services and case management, parent and professional trainings, workshops and case management services. SBSA is based in Columbus, Ohio.

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