Innovation in Speech Therapy: A Cost Effective Program

Abstract

Results of a program for treating mild to moderately speech disordered children through the use of trained paraprofessional aides are discussed. Data reveal that the use of trained aides in treating mild to moderately speech disordered children resulted in no significant difference in achievement when compared to achievement of clinician treated children. A reduction in clinician case loads of mild to moderately speech disordered children was also achieved through the program, thus leaving more time for clinicians to work with severely disordered children and to increase the incidence of work with individual children.