Language Disorders Department

Language Disorders Department

Magnolia Speech School’s Language Disorders Department is designed to help children with neurologically based language disorders. These disorders affect children in various ways but all keep children from enjoying all that life has to offer because they cannot communicate like their peers.

Disorders We Work With

Apraxia

A severe communication disorder involving a breakdown in the motor planning for speech

Aphasia

Typically a disorder referring to a damaged portion of the brain affecting memory recall

ADHD

In some cases, a communication disorder due to the inability to focus on learning language patterns appropriately

Dyslexia

A neurological problem involving the ordering of words and phrases

Auditory Processing Disorders

A disorder involving the processing of information as it is gathered by the ear

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A disorder marked by sensory challenges and not connecting with the world

Speech disorders are both difficult to diagnose and difficult to overcome. The one thing all of these language disorders have in common is that they are based in the brain – they occur due to a breakdown in neurological processing.

The educational program for each child is individually designed and emphasizes the development of communicative, cognitive, and social skills.

The Language Disorders Program

Magnolia Speech School teaches children to communicate effectively. Our method is to treat the whole child by using Mildred McGinnis’ Association Method, a multi-sensory, phonics-based method of teaching oral and written language simultaneously. Click here to learn more about The Association Method.

At Magnolia Speech School, we treat the whole child by promoting success in educational, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development while emphasizing the importance of good character. The educational program for each child is individually designed and emphasizes the development of communicative, cognitive, and social skills, which will facilitate the child’s integration into society.

Because our ultimate goal is for children to complete this program ready to enter the general educational setting, Magnolia Speech School has structured its Language Disorders Program into two stages: the Self-Contained Classroom and the Transition Program.

The Self-Contained Classroom

In Magnolia Speech School’s Self-Contained Classrooms, a highly-trained oral educator, certified in speech/language, is in charge of the day-to-day instruction in a setting that promotes intensive, individual attention. Classroom instruction centers on Magnolia Speech School’s unique curriculum that includes the subjects of receptive language, expressive language, speech, reading, math, social studies, science, and fine and gross motor skills. This curriculum is used to target individual goals, track progress, and schedule daily activities. These classrooms are supported by a variety of specialists including an audiologist, music teacher, speech pathologist, and an occupational therapist. The instruction is guided by Magnolia Speech School’s own curriculum, which includes 10 subject areas.

The Transition Program

The goal of Magnolia Speech School’s Transition Program is to integrate children into mainstream education within five years, though it does vary with each child. We offer a transitional classroom that orients the children to the different demands of a mainstream classroom. We also help parents select the best available teacher and classroom setting for the child’s first year away from Magnolia Speech School. Magnolia Speech School’s staff members continue to serve students through consultation, in-service, problem solving, outpatient speech, and tutoring as long as there is need.


For more information about the Language Disorders Department, please contact Instructional Specialist Nancy Davis.