About Me

Hello, I’m Abby! I provide individualized, patient-centered communication therapy for children from the comfort of your home or daycare. I founded Abby Altenhofen Communication Therapy to provide children with speech and language therapy services.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders and my master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. I am a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

My areas of practice include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), articulation, language, and early intervention through child-led play intervention. I believe in tailoring each session to the unique needs and interests of my young clients, fostering an environment where communication flourishes through play and engaging activities. Children learn best through play and connection so my role is to follow the child’s lead during therapy. My goal is to empower children and their families, making the journey to improved communication skills a positive and rewarding experience.

Certifications

  • The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is a prestigious credential awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This certification signifies that a speech-language pathologist has met rigorous academic and professional standards, including obtaining a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, completing a supervised Clinical Fellowship, and passing the national Praxis exam. Holding a CCC-SLP demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field, adherence to ethical standards, and dedication to providing high-quality care to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

  • The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) License for Speech-Language Pathologists is a mandatory credential for professionals practicing speech-language pathology within the state of Iowa. This licensure ensures that practitioners meet the high standards required for education, clinical experience, and examination set forth by the IDPH. To obtain this license, candidates must hold a master's degree in speech-language pathology, complete supervised clinical practice, and pass the national Praxis exam. The IDPH license signifies that a speech-language pathologist is qualified to deliver competent and ethical care, enhancing the health and communication abilities of Iowa's residents.

  • The Iowa Board of Education's Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) is an essential credential for speech-language pathologists working within Iowa’s educational system. This recognition ensures that SLPs meet the state’s rigorous standards for professional practice in schools, including holding a valid Iowa Department of Public Health license and completing specific coursework related to educational settings. The SPR validates that the SLP is equipped to address the unique communication needs of students, promote effective learning environments, and collaborate with educators to support student success.

I am an AAC and GLP-trained clinician!

I hold an AAC + GLP certification from Meaningful Speech. I completed specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). This certification signifies expertise in using AAC tools and strategies to support individuals with complex communication needs and proficiency in understanding and implementing GLP approaches, which focus on how some individuals process and produce language in chunks or "gestalts" rather than word-by-word. The certification demonstrates a commitment to using evidence-based practices to enhance communication outcomes for clients with diverse needs.