All posts by Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP

About Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP

Ms.Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP is a principal Speech-Language Pathologist at Total Speech Therapy View all posts by Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP →

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the pervasive developmental disorders that may appear at an early age of approximately 3 years old in children. It is a kind of neurological disorder that affects the communication, behavioral, and social interaction skills of a child. Autism proliferates a wide range of problems such as:

Communication impairment
Unusual sensitivity
Repeated behaviors
Stubbornness
Social interaction difficulties

Sometimes by look, it might be difficult to point out a person with ASD but when it comes to speech and activity, they may face a lot of difficulties. They seldom socially interact well. That is why speech therapy is the core part of the treatment of autism. Because it improves the communication skill of people with autism.

Here it is important to understand the most common speech and communication impairments of autism. It may affect an individual in many ways, such as speech, language, social interaction skills, etc.

Speech problems may include some or all of the following:

Unable to talk
Makes unusual harsh sound
Talks in an unpredictable way
Makes robotic sounds or speaks unrecognizable words
Speaks in an inexpressive tone

Normally, 33% of people with autism have difficulties producing sounds effectively to communicate. Even if the person has the language, it is very hard to understand.

Communication challenges a person with autism may include:

Lack of eye contact and gesture
Difficulties with understanding the words they have learned
Using expressive language in a functional manner
Remembering words
Understanding the meaning of words
No creative language

Because of these issues, it is helpful for a person with autism to do plenty of speech and language exercises to increase communication and social interaction skills. The person has to be imparted with intensive training to communicate with the use of appropriate and/or functional speech and language. Speech therapy includes learning skills to be able to answer questions and participate in a conversation and to understand both verbal and nonverbal communication such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, etc.

Communication in the right way plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Speaking without any pause not only helps people understand you clearly but also boosts your confidence both in your personal and professional life. The more accurate you sound while delivering a message, the greater the impact of you leaving in your surroundings.

But, it is also a sad fact that not all of us are gifted with a loud and clear voice to narrate our emotions. Some people do find it difficult to speak and take a pause while speaking their hearts out. Especially children! Sometimes, children have difficulty understanding the uses of various parts of speech. They do get confused over nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs, and many other forms of speech and language while speaking.

Which is completely okay, and can be cured at an early stage by implying proper speech, and language therapy. For the past several years, we at Total Speech Therapy committed to providing the most advanced and effective speech and language therapies for the people of Baltimore, Maryland. Our expertise & unique approach to address a variety of causes that contribute to difficulties with speech, language, swallowing, or cognition, makes us highly effective.

While approaching, we first discuss and analyze the exact problems your children are facing. Whether it’s speech disorder or language barrier or both speech and language disorders, we prepared our treatment method accordingly. Depending on the patient’s condition, our therapy can vary into many forms, including sign language, voice/communication devices for the basic understanding of speech and voices, and many more.

Our therapy is not limited to clinics only. As per your comfort, we can bring the treatment to your house also. So, you and your child can get a friendly and comfortable environment.

Some of the key benefits of Speech and Language Therapy:

Improve Swallowing
Reduce stuttering
Boost Confidence
Improve Accent and make it more understandable

Comprehensive treatment methods have made us one of the best speech and language therapy providers in Baltimore, Maryland. We ensure to give our best and work towards the betterment of your child’s speech and language barrier until he/she comes with a normal, loud, and clear accent. Feel free to consult our principal Speech-Language Pathologist Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP at 410-696-3301.

Speech therapists are professionally trained on how to treat language problems and any kind of speech disorder. They play an important role in an autism treatment team. After a proper screening and detection of the issue, a speech therapist helps to treat it or often refers to other specialists.

If autism is confirmed, speech therapists plan the best possible ways to enhance communication skills and thereby improve the quality of life of the person with autism. As speech therapy is not confined to only within the speech laboratory or office, he/she has to work with the family, educators, caregivers, friends, and other specialists involved in the treatment process.

There is a bounty of techniques used in speech therapy which might include the following:

Electronic speech devices
Picture exchange communication system that uses pictures instead of words
Finding and using specific techniques to fine-tune speech sounds to increase speech clarity (articulation of speech)
Carrying out regular exercises of lips and/or other facial muscles to improve articulation of speech
Composing personalized songs to improve the rhythm and sentence flow

Most of the above-mentioned techniques are unique as per the individual needs of the person. Therefore, it is advised to thoroughly discuss the plan of care with your speech therapist to get the best out of the treatment.

Benefits of speech therapy for ASD?

Speech therapy can treat varieties of communication issues however, in many cases, progression shows over time, and patience is key. Long-term therapy typically will improve the ability to communicate better and increase the quality of life of people with ASD.

The primary goal of speech therapy is to help the individual with the following areas:

Express words in a better way
Improve both verbal and nonverbal communication
Understanding the tone of the voice of others
Starting the communication on his/her own without prompting
Understanding the time and place to communicate something
Conversational skill development
Exchange of thoughts or ideas
Improving social language skills

What is the ideal time to start speech therapy for autism?

Considering that Autism can be one of the more challenging groups of symptoms in one’s life, it is always better to start the therapy as early as possible to get the best results. ASD should be diagnosed before age 3 and language delay can be noticed as early as 18 months of age. In some cases, autism can be identified within 10 to 12 months of age. This is evident that early exposure to speech therapy gives better outcomes. Many types of research have shown that speech therapy started at an early age leaves the greatest impact. Furthermore, the intense individualized procedure improves the condition to a much better extent.

To find a high-quality speech-language pathologist, select Total Speech Therapy in Baltimore, where you can better diagnose the condition of your child and get better speech therapy solutions. You can either drop an email at yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com or even call us at 410-696-3301 for personalized suggestions.

For those people who have trouble to communicate, speech therapy is the most viable option for their treatment. This therapy intends to treat their disorder in an effective way. In this therapy, the focal points are patient’s ability to express themselves in words or to understand and comprehend what is being communicated to them.

Some of the most common reasons that result in speech impairments include:

Aftermath of any disease
Result of a previous medical treatment
An Accident

An appropriate treatment method is suggested by the physician after thoroughly examining the patient and knowing the root cause of the problem. There is also a section of people with a speech impairment who are born with this disability.

In speech therapy, depending on the condition of the patient, they are taught about sign languages. Moreover, they may also be suggested to use a communication device that can help to restore their basic communication skills, which is the main purpose of this therapy.

It is to be noted that numerous health care centers offer such services for patients with different speech impairments. Thus, if you are residing in Baltimore, you can easily find a health care center for speech therapy service, Baltimore. However, you must rely on the one that offers the most professional services. For this purpose, a little effort and research are required on your part to find the best speech therapy service in your city.

If your little one is suffering from such a disorder, it is firmly recommended to find a healthcare center that offers Children Speech therapy, Baltimore, and get an appointment. Therapists, in such a center, will help to restore their communication skills after understanding the reason behind their impairment.

Speech pathology is the clinical practice specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication, cognitive communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. Speech pathology plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of people along the autism spectrum. Not only focused on correcting a person’s sound articulation, speech pathologists address a broad scope of speech language, swallowing, and voice issues including the following:

Word finding and other semantic issues
Stuttering
Social communication skills
Autism
Swallowing disorders such as dysphagia and feeding issues
Apraxia of speech
Dysphonia, hypophonia and abnormal vocal quality
Language-based learning disabilities
Structural language impairments
Literacy impairments
Cognitive impairments

Among the most effective and caring speech pathologists in Maryland, Total Speech Therapy’s highly experienced speech pathologists provide exceptional adult and pediatric speech therapy for patients throughout Maryland.

Children especially can sometimes experience difficulty understanding the uses of various parts of speech and master all the intricacies of the spoken word. A professional speech therapist addresses the parts of speech that are difficult for a child to comprehend and focuses on those areas that will enable the development of vocal and literacy skills as the child grows up. Total Speech Therapy’s speech pathologists are fully licensed, certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and have received a certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.

Understanding that not every patient can visit the offices for their treatments, Total Speech Therapy brings treatment to them. For homebound patients or those at adult living centers, in the hospital, or at school or daycare facilities without transportation, the practice visits patients where they are to deliver treatments and care.

Total Speech Therapy is a professional speech and language therapy practice located in Towson, Maryland. The innovative practice is committed to providing the best possible care and results for people who suffer from speech, language, cognitive, or swallowing disorders. Its team of experienced professionals offers individualized, comprehensive, top-quality outpatient services design to achieve optimum results.

The study of the disorders of speech, language, voice & swallowing and its corrective treatment is called speech and language therapy. These disorders are very common in children and adults also. There are several causes of speech and language disorders. These include hearing loss, brain injury at an early age, neurological disorders, and intellectual disabilities. People with these disorders must contact a speech therapist Maryland, a state in the United States of America having a population of 6.042 Million, has many children and adults suffering from speech and language disorders.

“Total Speech Therapy” provides the best possible care for people with speech, language, or swallowing disorders. Our team comprises of young, dedicated and professional speech and language therapists and speech pathologists. Led by Ms. Yasminah Abdullah, M.S. CCC-SLP, the team is committed to put in best efforts and cure speech and language disorders. Our team leader is our inspiration. She takes a personal interest in each case and tries to come up with the best solution.

Our team of speech therapists have eliminated geographical limitations. We reach our patients and bring therapy to them. Whether the patients are in school, daycare centers, or adult living centers we reach them to address their needs.

No two persons require the same type of treatment and we are aware of the fact. Our treatment plan is individualized and is designed in conjunction with other health care providers to ensure that the treatment suits best to the individual. Some therapists devise group treatment plans which may or may not cure the disorders.

In order to get the best services of speech pathologist Maryland you should contact us now. We also offer brain injury and stroke therapy, neurological disorder therapy, cleft lip, and palate therapy to the clients. Language and Speech disorders grow with the age and it becomes difficult to cure then. If there are signs that your child has these sorts of disorders, don’t take it as a cute thing. You should not waste time as this can become very serious and cause embarrassment to your child as he/she grows. It can easily be cured at an early age.

You can also contact us online or call 410-696-3301 to get an appointment. We can also guide you on call after knowing all the signs, if your child really needs a speech or language therapy. You can also visit our center in Maryland located at the York Road Towson.

Many parents worry about whether or not their children are developing according to standard guidelines; in some cases, it’s simply a case of being anxious about the potential for late development, and in other cases the child din question may actually benefit from the inter-vention of a speech therapist. Let’s take a closer look at 3 signs that your child may benefit from seeing a speech therapist.

Sign #1:Your toddler can’t be understood by you or other close relatives

If your child is aged 18 months to 2 years, you and your spouse should be able to understand what they are saying, along with anyone else who spends a significant amount of time with your child. But if you and other people familiar with your child are unable to understand what they say at this stage, it may indicate a speech disorder and a need for a speech therapist Maryland.

Sign #2:Your child can’t combine a pair of words

By the age of 2, children should be able to combine 2 words together; these combinations form the earliest forms of sentences for children. These combinations are usually expressions of what the child wants, as well as expressions of affection. Examples include: “Pick up,” “My toy,” “Love doggy,” and so on. Children who haven’t accomplished this by the age of 2 may be in need of a speech pathologist Maryland.

Sign #3:Your child has difficulty with certain sounds by the age of 4

By the age of 3 and 4, most children should be able to pronounce soft and hard sounds in a way that can be understood by adults, even if their pronunciation of the word is not exact. If your child is finding it difficult to pronounce these sounds at 3 or 4, they may benefit from seeing a speech therapist.

Speech therapy Owings Mills, MD is a vital part of overall stroke therapy adult Maryland; most adults who have had strokes will need to have some type of speech therapy incorporated into their overall stroke therapy as part of the recovery process. The reason for this is that the areas of the brain affected by a stroke can impact your ability to talk, communicate, as well as swallow and eat. The following are 3 common ways that speech therapy Owings Mills, MD can benefit stroke therapy adult Maryland.

Swallowing and eating

A stroke may affect a person’s ability to swallow and eat normally. Speech therapy can address and help alleviate swallowing and eating problems by helping that person gain more control over their ability to swallow. Other concerns that come along with difficulty swallowing, such as drooling, will also be addressed by this type of therapy.

Articulation

Another concern that many people who have had a stroke will face is difficulty articulating words; articulation problems are caused by difficulty formulating speech sounds which make up words. Therapy which targets articulation can help people who have had a stroke relearn how to formulate sounds and words, thus regaining the ability to express themselves.

Vocal control

Some people who have had a stroke may experience diminished vocal control, such as speaking loud and clear enough for other people to understand them. Therapy which targets difficulties with resonance and clarity can be used to help improve problems with diminished vocal control.

When you’re considering having your child see a speech therapist Owings Mills, MD, there are some things you need to know. The following are 3 important things to keep in mind when you are thinking about having your child visit a speech therapist Owings Mills, MD.

#1: You need to talk with your child’s therapist about expectations

It can be easy to have unrealistic expectations regarding speech therapy for children, but remember that every child is different. Each child may progress differently, and not every child will be able to benefit from certain types of therapy. Some children may require different approaches than others. It’s important to talk frequently with your child’s therapist about your expectations and potential goals for your child.

#2: Your health insurance may not cover sessions

Depending on what health insurance you have, your child’s condition, what (if any) therapy goals can be determined, and whether you are using a private or public speech therapist, your health insurance may not cover speech therapy sessions. You will need to consult with your insurance company about what they will cover.

#3: You will need to work with your child at home

Speech therapy doesn’t begin and end at the office. You will need to work with your child regularly at home to ensure that they are using and developing the skills they learned during their therapy sessions. This means you will need to make time during your day to work with your child on speech, so plan to schedule accordingly.

Are you a resident of Maryland and in need of speech therapy, or do you know someone who does? There is a team of speech therapists that have been doing an excellent job for the past several years. The speech therapists are ready to deploy their wealth of experience to serve you. Their areas of specialization are speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders.

While other speech pathologists in Maryland will have you come to them, this team of speech therapists is ready to come to you for your convenience. Whether it is your home, daycare facilities, assisted living, at school or even in the hospital, they will gladly travel to you upon your request.

The numerous benefits of speech therapy makes these speech pathologists in Maryland very important. Speech therapy helps to build a person’s communication skills. While many people think speech therapy is only about speech, it is also about language. It helps the patient to understand spoken language and to also express himself better.

Speech therapy also goes beyond articulation of speech. It also helps to develop the patient’s social skills. When the patient’s speech improves, good reading ability typically follows because both communication skills work together. Speech therapy also enhances alternative communication methods, such as using gestures, picture cards, communication books, or speech generating devices to communicate wants and needs.

This team of therapists is led by a highly experienced mobile therapist that has been providing speech therapy for over ten years. For several years she has been working with patients who suffer from speech and language impairment due to dysarthria, aphasia, dysphagia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, dementia and stroke with expertise, experience and in-depth knowledge of augmentative communication methods.

The lead pathologist offers several comprehensive treatment packages for geriatric patients and adults in the healthcare industry wherever they may be. Despite the high quality of their rehabilitation services, charges are reasonable. The speech therapists are result oriented and they have a proven track record within Maryland and beyond.

These speech therapists’ doors are always open for medical consultation whether you are their patient or not, you are free to contact them for consultation. Every patient has a unique case, so these speech therapists work in conjunction with other healthcare providers to deliver individualized treatment plans.

They are highly professional, courteous and respectful. They offer patients a great amount of empathy, understanding and emotional support.

About Yasminah Abdullah, M.S., CCC-SLP

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