What is the Cycles Approach?
The
cycles approach is a therapeutic method commonly used in pediatrics, particularly in the field of speech-language pathology. It was developed by Dr. Barbara Hodson and is designed to treat children with phonological disorders. This approach focuses on improving the child's intelligibility by targeting specific phonological patterns in cycles instead of aiming for mastery of one sound before moving on to the next.
Why is the Cycles Approach Important?
The cycles approach is significant because it addresses the core of phonological processing issues, rather than merely correcting individual sounds. This method is particularly beneficial for children with severe speech sound disorders. By working on a variety of sounds and patterns over a period, the approach allows for gradual and comprehensive improvement in a child's speech intelligibility.
How Does the Cycles Approach Work?
The cycles approach involves several key steps:
1.
Assessment: The first step is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child's speech patterns to identify the phonological processes that need to be targeted.
2.
Target Selection: Based on the assessment, specific phonological patterns are selected for intervention. These are usually patterns that are developmentally appropriate but not yet mastered by the child.
3.
Cycle Planning: A cycle is typically 5-16 weeks long, where each phonological pattern is targeted for 2-6 hours of therapy.
4.
Therapy Sessions: Each session within the cycle focuses on one specific phonological pattern. Activities include auditory bombardment, production practice, and home practice.
5.
Review and Adjust: After completing a cycle, the child's progress is reviewed, and the next cycle is planned accordingly.
What Are the Benefits of the Cycles Approach?
The cycles approach offers several benefits:
- It is highly structured yet flexible, allowing for adaptation based on the child's progress.
- It improves overall speech intelligibility rather than focusing on individual sounds.
- It provides multiple opportunities for practice, which is essential for skill acquisition.
- It incorporates parent involvement through home practice, ensuring continuity and reinforcement of skills learned in therapy.
Are There Any Limitations?
While the cycles approach is highly effective, it does have some limitations. It may not be suitable for children with:
- Isolated articulation errors
- Cognitive impairments that severely limit their ability to participate in structured activities
- Extremely short attention spans that make it difficult to engage in the cyclical nature of the therapy
Conclusion
The cycles approach is a robust and effective method for treating children with phonological disorders. By targeting multiple phonological patterns in a structured yet flexible manner, it provides comprehensive improvement in speech intelligibility. Understanding its benefits and limitations can help clinicians tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of each child.
