The Utah State University Speech-Language-Hearing Center provides diagnostic and treatment services to clients of all ages in the following communication disorders and related areas:
- Accent reduction, when related to school or job performance
- Alternative and augmentative communication
- Articulation (speech sound errors)
- Aural rehabilitation for clients with cochlear implants and/or hearing aids
- Cognition, including services for attention, memory, and reasoning due to brain injury
- Fluency/Stuttering
- Language - comprehension and expression, including developmental or related to brain injury (aphasia)
- Social language, primarily for children on the autism spectrum
- Speech disorders related to brain injury, including dysarthria, apraxia
- Swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Voice and Resonance
Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic evaluations for communication disorders are available to all members of the surrounding communities of the university. Testing is conducted during scheduled outpatient diagnostic clinics by assigned diagnostic teams. These teams are comprised of graduate students in speech-language pathology who are fully supervised by certified University faculty members. One to three hours is typically required for the initial assessment appointment, depending on the type and extent of the disorder. The evaluation usually includes a:
- Parent or client interview for obtaining pertinent information
- Battery of diagnostic assessments
- Consultation period at the conclusion of the diagnostic procedures to discuss the testing results and recommendations
- Written report of the findings
Treatment Services
Treatment services for children and adults of all ages are available to members of surrounding communities who have been diagnosed with a communication disorder. Each client's treatment program is specifically designed to meet his individual needs. The treatment sessions are conducted on an individual or small group basis. Sessions may be conducted for periods of 30 minutes to several hours per week, depending on the type and extent of the disorder. Most clients receive two sessions of treatment per week for 50 minutes per session. The Center's treatment programs are conducted by advanced students who are supervised by certified University faculty members. Speech-language treatment is conducted during the Center's hours of operation, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Prior Medical Examination
Before treatment can be initiated with clients who have medically-based speech or language problems (such as a stroke, voice disorder, or neuro-developmental disorder), medical clearance must be received from the client's physician. It is helpful for the Center's staff to receive summaries of related medical examinations the client has received. Such reports are particularly valuable when clients are seen for diagnostic services.