Speech & Language Support
Communication Is the Core of Independence
Independence depends on communication. At OPTIONS, Speech & Language support strengthens the language-based skills young adults use to advocate for themselves, navigate relationships, succeed in college and work, and manage daily life with confidence.
Why Communication Matters
Young adults rely on communication to:
• Advocate for accommodations
• Understand expectations
• Navigate social dynamics
• Succeed in college and the workplace
• Manage conflict and self-regulate
Speech & Language support at OPTIONS builds the skills that underpin adult functioning — not just academic performance.
Self-Advocacy
Clear communication helps students ask for what they need — effectively and appropriately.
Self-Management
Language strategies support planning, follow-through, and emotional regulation.
College & Work Readiness
Students practice communication that matches real expectations in adult environments.
Relationships & Social Navigation
Students strengthen pragmatic skills that support connection and belonging.
Why Communication Matters
Young adults rely on communication to:
• Advocate for accommodations
• Understand expectations
• Navigate social dynamics
• Succeed in college and the workplace
• Manage conflict and self-regulate
Speech & Language support at OPTIONS builds the skills that underpin adult functioning — not just academic performance.
Self-Advocacy
Clear communication helps students ask for what they need — effectively and appropriately.
College & Work Readiness
Students practice communication that matches real expectations in adult environments.
Relationships & Social Navigation
Students strengthen pragmatic skills that support connection and belonging.
Self-Management
Language strategies support planning, follow-through, and emotional regulation.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Social Communication (Pragmatics)
Developing awareness of social cues, conversational flow, and relationship dynamics.
Expressive & Receptive Language
Improving how students process information and clearly express ideas.
Executive Functioning & Language
Using language strategies to support planning, organization, follow-through, and self-monitoring.
Voice & Speech Clarity
Building confidence, clarity, and endurance in spoken communication.
Vocabulary & Academic Language
Expanding coursework- and workplace-specific vocabulary.
Cognitive-Linguistic Skills
Strengthening language-based reasoning that supports learning and problem-solving.
Executive Functioning & Language
Using language strategies to support planning, organization, follow-through, and self-monitoring.
Voice & Speech Clarity
Building confidence, clarity, and endurance in spoken communication.
Vocabulary & Academic Language
Expanding coursework- and workplace-specific vocabulary.
Cognitive-Linguistic Skills
Strengthening language-based reasoning that supports learning and problem-solving.
AUGMENTATIVE & ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC)
For students who benefit from AAC, OPTIONS provides structured training and support with communication tools and devices.
AAC expands access to expression, engagement, and independence.
Support focuses on effective use across academic, vocational, and community settings — not just within therapy sessions.
Individualized, Integrated Support
Speech & Language services at OPTIONS are assessment-driven and coordinated with the full team to ensure carryover across daily life.
Support may include:
• Weekly one-on-one sessions
• Plans based on comprehensive evaluation
• Integration into academic and vocational environments
• Ongoing collaboration with the full OPTIONS team
Communication goals are reinforced across settings so skills generalize beyond sessions.
Skills Students Build Through Speech & Language Support
Speech & Language services are designed to strengthen skills that directly support adult functioning, including:
-
Executive functioning and self-management
-
Social pragmatics and relationship skills
-
Clear self-expression and impression management
-
Functional vocabulary for academics and work
These skills support success across college coursework, employment, and independent living.
Speech & Language Within the OPTIONS Model
Speech & Language support does not operate in isolation.
Skills developed with SLPs are reinforced through:
-
Academic instruction
-
Vocational experiences
-
Independent living routines
-
Executive functioning coaching
This integrated approach helps students apply communication skills in real-world contexts, not just practice them.
Is Speech & Language Support Right for Your Student?
Speech & Language needs vary widely. Our team works closely with families to assess communication strengths, challenges, and fit within the OPTIONS program.