PROMPT Level II Bridging training, to target remediation of apraxia and motor speech disorders. For more information see the PROMPT website here.
Specialization in methods to successfully and effectively teach social skills to children with autism and developmental delays, with five years of experience in conducting interactive social groups for children
Trained in the use of Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing for language expression, oral language comprehension, and reading comprehension. For more information, view the Lindamood-Bell website here.
Masters degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Virginia, course of study included a semester-long internship at the acclaimed Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Over nine years of experience in working intensely with children presenting with language delay, apraxia, autism, developmental delay, articulation disorders, and other speech-language disorders.
About Nichole:
Nichole actually became involved in the world of speech therapy from a very early age, when she volunteered as a 'helper' in the severe disabilities classroom at her school in the sixth grade. She continued to volunteer in special needs classrooms and summer school programs throughout high school and knew from the start that this would be the field for her!
After graduating from University of Virginia's speech pathology program, Nichole spent a year doing intense certification training at a clinic specializing in ABA, Verbal Behavior, Floortime, and PROMPT. Since that time she has worked and trained extensively in various methods to treat autism, apraxia, early childhood language disorders, and developmental delays.
Nichole specializes in integrated therapy techniques and methodologies. While the world of early intervention can sometimes be sharply divided by different philosophies and approaches, Nichole believes that children benefit most when the best of all methods are combined and individualized for each child. She uses a blend of techniques including:
Developmental models
Social-cognitive therapy
Behavioral principles
Sensory techniques
Visual strategies and support
Social stories
Literary-based interventions
PROMPT / Tactile-kinesthetic feedback
Integration of art and music into the therapy process
Kaufman articulation hierarchy
Environmental teaching
Structured teaching
Referrals to and collaboration with other disciplines when appropriate, in order to treat the 'whole child'
