Susan Berkowitz, M.S., M.Ed.,C.C.C., SLP
Effective Communication for All
My practice consists primarily of independent evaluations and consultation. My experience lies largely in the areas of augmentative alternative communication (AAC), working with individuals with autism, and students with significant language learning disabilities.
I have spent almost 40 years working with children and adolescents with autism; in public and private school settings, in day and residential programs. I have a strong background in applied behavior analysis, but also with naturalistic and environmental approaches. I focus on development of language and literacy skills, especially for students who are primarily nonverbal. I am familiar with the whole range of augmentative communication systems, and teaching strategies for developing genuine communication skills.
I also worked in a public school district with students in substantially separate language-based classrooms, both team-teaching with special education teachers and transitioning students into general education settings. I perform independent evaluations for families and schools, looking closely at specific areas of strength and weakness in order to make recommendations that will help make student successful in an appropriate academic setting.
I perform AAC evaluations for a wide range of individuals with all types of disabilities and needs. I try to best match the individual’s needs to the features available in no-tech, low-tech, and/or high-technology AAC systems. I am familiar with the range of alternate access possibilities, the needs of students with cortical vision impairments, and in training partners as scanners.
Education/Training
B.A. in Psychology from Clark University 1975, with courses and internships in Special Education
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Tulane University 1978
Also attended Master's program in Special Education at University of New Orleans 1975-76
M.Ed. in School Administration from California State University/Fullerton 1983
Attended Language-Learning Disabilities Seminars at Emerson College 1994 through 1997
Bio
Employed by California State Dept. of Developmental Services as a speech-language pathologist, New England Center for Autism as Director; Communication Department, Milton Public Schools as speech-language pathologist and district-wide evaluator, Judith Wisnia & Associates as independent evaluator, United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego as evaluator for AAC solutions. Currently providing consultation and staff training for a variety of Southern California school districts.
I have been living in San Diego for the past 13 years, with my family and cats.
Memberships
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication( (ISAAC and USAAC), National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Rehabilitation Engineering Sciences National Association (RESNA), Alliance for Technology Access (ATA), California Bipolar Foundation (CBF)
Payments Accepted
cash, check, paypal. code-specific invoicing available for insurance reimbursement
Hours:weekdays
License:SP 10446 - CA.
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Speech / Language / Hearing
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Language-Based Learning Disabilities
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Raspy Voice / Muscle Tension Dysphonia
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Child Speech/Language Disorders
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Vocal Coaching for Singing and Performing
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Developmental Delays
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Licenses/Certifications
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ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
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Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (State)
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