Speak to Me Speech and Language Services is a new service offered by Amber Istace in Weyburn.
Istace holds a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology from Minot State University and has been practicing for 13 years, 11 of those in Weyburn.
Speak to Me Speech and Language Services is a private practice offering individualized programs for pre-school and school aged children based on the child and their needs.
"The programs are totally reward based. If I'm asking a child to say a certain sound, I'm asking them to do something that's extremely difficult for them so it has to be fun to motivate them," she said.
Difficulties pronouncing sounds, or articulation disorders, and stuttering are examples of speech disorders. When a person has trouble understanding others or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely then he or she has a language disorder.
"By the age of two, children should be putting a string of two words together and a stranger should be able to understand at least half of what they say," said Istace.
By delaying an assessment and/or treatment to see if a child outgrows a potential disorder, parents may be missing a key window of opportunity.
Istace said communication is powerful, and there are other ways to communicate, which she can teach to children whether it's sign language, through pictures or by prompting them.
"It all depends on the needs of the child," she said.
Some speech disorders Istace can assess and treat include kids who aren't speaking by the age of two, are difficult to understand, autism and other disabilities.
To access Speak to Me Speech and Language Services, call 306-861-7793.
