Language is a system of symbols people use to communicate with each other. It is one way to receive and give information. Three systems work together to produce language: receptive, expressive and pragmatic system.
Receptive language refers to the specific ability to understand spoken, written or signed language.
Expressive language describes the ability to produce language in any of a number of different modalities such as speech, gesture, sign or writing.
Pragmatic language regulates the functional use of language in social contexts.
Speech is the verbal means of communication. It requires planning and executing specific oral motor movement necessary for sound production and sequencing of sounds to form words.
How is language learned?
Whether they speak early or late, are learning one language or more, are learning to talk along typical lines or are experiencing difficulties, the language acquisition of all children occurs gradually through interaction with people and the environment.
Christine Pina-Cunha
Christine Pina-Cunha is the speech and language director at CEED. She is a speech and language pathologist. Over the past 18 years Christine has worked with children and families in a variety of settings. Christine has been with CEED since 2002. She received her Master’s Degree from Lehman College in Bronx, New York. Christine is experienced in speech-motor disorders, language disorders, and feeding disorders. She has training in PROMPT and PECS. In addition to providing treatment and evaluations to children she works closely with families and other professionals to enhance communication. She has trained and mentored graduate students and Clinical Fellows. She finds working with children and their families very rewarding.
CEED offers a variety of speech and language services including language development, articulation therapy, PROMPT, feeding and oral motor therapy. Our philosophy is to provide individual services in a friendly and nurturing environment. Our speech therapists are highly trained clinicians holding New York state and ASHA certification. They are part of a transdisciplinary team and work closely with families and other therapists.
Lindsay Ruiz
Hello. My name is Lindsay Ruiz. I am a speech language pathologist. I received my Bachelors degree from SUNY Cortland in Speech and Language Disabilities and completed my Master’s degree at Mercy College in Communication Disorders. I am also certified as a Teacher of children with speech and language disabilities. I completed my Clinical Fellowship here at WCEED and have been working here for two years. I am fluent in American Sign Language and enjoy working with young children. I also hold a certification in Children with Special Health Care Needs. I participated in a research program named LEND, where a team of professionals explored communication techniques for individuals with disabilities and their families. I enjoy utilizing a combination of therapy techniques and working on a multi-disciplinary approach to maximize a child’s development and progress.
Lauren Long, M.A.
Lauren Long is a Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelors in Communication Disorders & Sciences from the State University of New York- at Plattsburgh. She also received her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Hofstra University. Lauren treats children under The Early Intervention Program (birth-3 years) and through the Committee for Preschool Special Education (3-5 years). Lauren has been a Speech-Language pathologist for 5 years. She is PROMPT and TEACCH (Treatment & Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children) trained. She truly enjoys helping children improve their communicative abilities.