The evaluation process can commence upon receipt of a referral from a physician. This referral will specify the type of evaluation required (as outlined below). A thorough evaluation is conducted prior to the initiation of treatment during the patient's initial appointment. These evaluations incorporate a combination of standardized testing, interviews with the client and/or their family, and informal observations.
The process begins with the completion of a Case History Form which assists the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in determining the most suitable standardized testing for the client's needs. Additionally, the Case History Form provides essential background information about the client. The evaluation results will encompass recommendations, including the determination of the need for therapy, as well as the recommended frequency and duration of treatment sessions, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive care plan.
Types of evaluations:
We are proud to offer Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), an advanced, instrumental assessment that allows us to directly visualize the swallowing mechanism in real time. During this procedure, a small flexible endoscope is gently passed through the nasal passage to evaluate how food and liquid move through the throat, helping us identify aspiration risk, residue, structural abnormalities, and swallowing safety.
FEES is a highly effective, radiation-free assessment that can be completed in a comfortable outpatient setting. It allows us to trial different food textures, liquid consistencies, and compensatory strategies during the exam to immediately determine what is safest and most efficient for each patient.
This comprehensive evaluation supports accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and improved outcomes for patients experiencing dysphagia due to neurological conditions, stroke, head and neck cancer, progressive diseases, or other medical diagnoses.
If you or a loved one is experiencing coughing during meals, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent pneumonia, our team is here to help.
Our practice is highly specialized in the evaluation and treatment of individuals living with Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. We are certified in both the SPEAK OUT!® and LSVT LOUD® programs—evidence-based therapies designed specifically to improve voice, speech clarity, and overall communication in Parkinson’s.
We understand that Parkinson’s affects more than just movement. Changes in voice, swallowing, cognition, and communication can significantly impact quality of life. Our therapy approach is personalized, intensive, and focused on helping individuals communicate with confidence and maintain independence for as long as possible.
In addition to our clinical expertise, we are proud to serve on the board of the Brevard Parkinson's Alliance, reflecting our deep commitment to supporting the Parkinson’s community both inside and outside the therapy room.
Whether newly diagnosed or navigating later stages of the disease, we are here to provide specialized, compassionate care every step of the way.
Surf Side Speech provides speech/language and swallowing services to adult clients. To ensure the highest quality of therapy, services are provided on an individual basis and are always accompanied by a home exercise program to allow for optimal carry-over of skills learned in each session.
Surf Side Speech Therapy for Adults focuses on the evaluation and treatment of the following disorders:
Practice areas:
For information on these types of services, please click here