Communication Center of Wyckoff

Michelle Caso's Bio

Overview
I have over 15 years experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, mainly involved with children severely to moderately impacted by various communication disorders.  My background includes patients with Autism, Apraxia, Articulation, Auditory Processing, Attention Deficit, Dysarthria, Language Delay, Seizure Disorder, Social and Behavioral deficits, Stuttering, Voice and Fluency.  I began working with children on the Autism spectrum at a specialized school in 1995, and it has been an important part of my practice ever since. 

I also worked under Dr. Nancy Schwartz, one of the leading Speech Language Pathologists in New England for children on the Autism spectrum and Apraxia beginning in 2001, before opening my private practice in Connecticut in 2003.  I moved my practice to New Jersey in 2006 due to a family move.  In addition to my private practice, I teach as a Clinical Supervisor in the Speech Language Pathology department of William Paterson University.

I regularly attend workshops and seminars related to all aspects of speech-language-hearing science including Auditory Processing, Augmentative Communication, Neurology, and Feeding and Swallowing.   I am a member of both the Speech Hearing Language Association, as well as the New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association.

Education
I received my M.A. in Speech Language Pathology from New York University in 1995.

I also have a B.S. degree from St. John's University, with majors in K-12 Education and Speech Science, and a minor in Special Education.

Experience

Believe it or not, I actually started my private practice in Japan in 1996, where my husband and I lived while he was on a two year assignment.  My practice then moved to Connecticut, and now to Wyckoff, NJ, where I live with my husband and our two daughters.

Over the years, my practice has seen cases encompassing a wide range of communication disorders, including Autism, Apraxia, Articulation, Auditory Processing, Attention Deficit, Dysarthria, Language Delay, Seizure Disorder, Social and Behavioral deficits, Stuttering, Voice and Fluency.

My practice has seen a large number of cases involving disorders from across the Autism spectrum, due to my extensive experience in this area.

The sessions are conducted from a separate office within my home.  I have found that speech therapy for children is most successful when conducted in a natural setting, and puts the child at ease.  

In addition to my private practice, I teach as a Clinical Supervisor in the Speech Language Pathology department at William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ.  At the University, I supervise the graduate students who provide therapy at the University's speech clinic. 

Communication Clinic of CT: 2001-2003
I worked for two years as a Speech Language Pathologist at the Communication Clinic of Connecticut, Weston, CT (now in Ridgefield, CT).  There I worked under the guidance of Dr. Nancy Z. Schwartz, one of the leading Speech Language Pathologists in New England working with children on the Autism spectrum.  We provided therapy and consultative services to children and their families ages 2 to 14 years old.  The children ranged in severity from mild to severe and possessed various disorders including:  Autism, Apraxia, Articulation, Auditory Processing, Attention Deficit, Cerebral Palsy, Dysarthria, Language Delay, Seizure Disorder, and Social and Behavioral deficiencies. 

Morris-Union Jointure Commission, New Providence NJ: 1995-2000
I began my professional career in September 1995 as a Speech Language Pathologist, at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission, New Providence, NJ.  Morris-Union is a specialized school for children and adults ages 3 to 20, with disorders from across the Autism spectrum.  My students’ communicative abilities were mildly to severely impacted by Autism, Apraxia, Voice, Feeding and Swallowing disorders.  Through a 10 week course provided by the Jointure Commission, I was trained in Applied Behavior Analysis.  I was also trained in and provided therapy using various augmentative communication devices.  

Affiliations
Member, American Speech Hearing Language Association
Member, New Jersey Speech Language Hearing Association
Member, COSAC

Certifications and Licenses
Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech Hearing Language Association
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, State of New Jersey
Certified Speech Language Specialist, State of New Jersey
Certified Teacher of the Handicapped, State of New Jersey
Certified Elementary School Teacher, State of New Jersey

 Continuing Education
100 Hours Continuing Education Credits in various areas of the speech and hearing sciences including Developmental Delays, Auditory Processing, Neurogenic Disorders,  and Augmentative Communication.