Programs in the DFW Area

START by contacting an ASHA-certified speech language pathologist (SLP) in your area. He/she will assess your child, develop goals and a treatment plan, interface with your doctor and insurance company, and administer therapy tailored to your child's needs.  A more detailed overview of the SLP process is given here.

You may also wish to do some background research on some of the programs or approaches that may be used by the clinicians you are considering. Click here for an overview (and some cautions) about selecting programs and approaches. This table summarizes some examples of programs available in the DFW area, suggested by a panel of Callier clinicians. The information below was sampled from each program's website(s).


Program Name What is it for? How does it work? Research
Autism and Communication Deficits
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
Children with autism
Setting up a structured environment for  children to learn
Peer-reviewed articles from 1987 on; review article and reference list available here
DIR Floortime Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based

Children with autism and related diorders
Teaches the family a play-based method for building communication, relationships, and thinking skills Peer-reviewed and outcome studies; summary on web site
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Designed for individuals with autism and/or severe communication deficits A symbolic system based on principles of applied behavior analysis Peer-reviewed articles from 1998-2007; summary available on web site
RDI (Relationship Development Intervention)
Program where parents are provided the tools to effectively teach Dynamic Intelligence skills and motivation to their child"
A step by step program that focuses first on building the motivations so that skills will be used and generalized
None available on web site
SCERTS An educational approach and multidisciplinary framework for children with autism spectrum and related disorders A model based on principles of use and not a specific technique or prescribed program Peer-reviewed with research summary listing
TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren)
For individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders
Uses "Structured teaching" intervention
Book chapters and some peer-reviewed articles listed on website
Literacy
Alphabetic Phonics Based on the Orton-Gillingham approach for remediation of dyslexia. Oral and written exercises directed by a trained educator or therapist. Individually or in small groups None available on web site
Earobics™ Literacy intervention program for students at-risk or with special needs. Comprehensive program implemented in educational environments. Lessons include teacher guide and interactive software Outcome reports available to members of the Earobics Community
Fast ForWord Targeting students K-12 who are reading below grade level Software based intervention program implemented in educational or clinical setting Reviews by independent educational associations
Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) Handwriting fluency program Uses workbooks, hands-on materials, and music to inspire active learning; led by trained educators or therapists Peer-reviewed research that supports the theory the program is based upon. No studies supporting actual program
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Intervention for dyslexia, language learning disorders, and learning disorders There are several different programs available targeting different skills. Oral and written exercises. Typically administered on an individual basis Web site references "peer-reviewed" articles; summary or links to articles not present
Speech and Language
It Takes Two to Talk Children with language delays Provides training to parents to learn to become the "therapist" for their child Peer–reviewed with research summary listing, and included in language disorder textbook
PROMPT Speech disorders; especially dysarthrias and apraxia Therapy that provides a system of tactile, visual, and auditory cues to facilitate correct sound production Poster presentation and unpublished empirical studies
Others
SEE Program Children at-risk for or diagnosed with dyslexia or related disorder Uses a multi-sensory approach to language None available


*** If you are a service provider in the DFW area and wish to contact or update us concerning these web materials, please click here.


Frequently Asked Questions
How do I begin to find the right treatment?
Tell me more about the process of research and the kind of information used to evaluate whether a treatment program works or not.
What should I be aware of when looking at programs?
Additional Information
Definitions of child language disorders