Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy Goal Bank: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding the right words to describe therapy goals for neurodivergent clients can be challenging. This guide provides a comprehensive bank of neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy goals, categorized for clarity and ease of use. Remember, these are examples; individual goals should always be tailored to the specific needs and strengths of each client, in collaboration with the client and their family.
Understanding Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
Before diving into the goal bank, it's crucial to understand the principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice. This approach emphasizes celebrating the unique strengths and communication styles of neurodivergent individuals, rather than solely focusing on deficits. It values the individual's lived experience and preferences. Instead of aiming to "fix" differences, this approach seeks to empower individuals to communicate effectively in their chosen environments. This requires therapists to understand the individual's communication strengths, preferences, and challenges within the context of their lives.
Goal Categories and Examples
We've categorized the goals below for easier navigation. Remember to always personalize these goals to meet the specific needs of each client.
1. Social Communication & Interaction:
- Improving Social Pragmatics: This focuses on understanding and using social cues appropriately.
- Goal Example: Client will initiate conversations with peers in at least 2 out of 3 social situations using appropriate greetings within 2 months.
- Goal Example: Client will accurately interpret nonverbal cues (e.g., facial expressions, body language) in 80% of observed interactions within 3 months.
- Goal Example: Client will engage in turn-taking during conversation in at least 4 out of 5 observed interactions within 6 weeks.
2. Expressive Language:
- Enhancing Vocabulary & Sentence Structure: Focusing on building expressive language skills to communicate effectively.
- Goal Example: Client will increase spontaneous expressive vocabulary to 20 new words per month, demonstrating understanding and appropriate usage.
- Goal Example: Client will use complex sentences (containing at least one dependent clause) in 75% of spontaneous speech utterances within 4 months.
- Goal Example: Client will effectively describe events using descriptive language (adjectives, adverbs) in 80% of narrative tasks within 8 weeks.
3. Receptive Language:
- Improving Comprehension & Following Instructions: Improving the ability to understand spoken or written language.
- Goal Example: Client will accurately follow two-step directions 90% of the time within 6 weeks.
- Goal Example: Client will demonstrate comprehension of complex sentences (containing embedded clauses) in 8 out of 10 comprehension tasks within 3 months.
- Goal Example: Client will improve understanding of abstract concepts (e.g., time, emotions) by 50% as measured by standardized assessments.
4. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
- Improving AAC System Use: Supporting the use of alternative communication methods.
- Goal Example: Client will independently access and use at least 10 symbols/phrases on their AAC device within 2 months.
- Goal Example: Client will initiate communication using their AAC device in 90% of observed communication opportunities within 6 weeks.
- Goal Example: Client will effectively communicate basic needs and wants using their AAC device within 1 month.
5. Addressing Specific Challenges:
- Working on Sensory Sensitivities: Acknowledging and supporting clients with sensory sensitivities.
- Goal Example: Client will identify and self-regulate sensory overload situations using learned coping strategies in at least 3 out of 4 situations within 8 weeks.
- Goal Example: Client will utilize preferred sensory input (e.g., fidget toy) during therapy sessions to promote focus and participation.
6. Building Self-Advocacy Skills:
- Empowering Clients to Communicate Their Needs:
- Goal Example: Client will identify and communicate their communication needs and preferences in at least 2 out of 3 interactions with others within 4 months.
- Goal Example: Client will demonstrate increased confidence in expressing their communication needs to teachers, peers, or family members.
Important Considerations:
- Collaboration: These goals should be developed collaboratively with the client, their family, and other relevant professionals.
- Flexibility: Goals should be flexible and adaptable to the client's changing needs and progress.
- Strengths-Based Approach: Focus on the client's strengths and build upon them.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor progress and adjust goals as needed.
This goal bank serves as a starting point for developing neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy goals. Remember to always prioritize the individual's needs, preferences, and strengths. A collaborative and person-centered approach is crucial for successful therapy outcomes.
