Donna Preskill, MS, CCC-SLP, PLLC
Welcome!
Speech-Language & Literacy
Taking new clients
Saturday appointments are now available
For a free initial phone consultation
(202) 446-6022
About Me.
Hi! I’m Donna and I am a speech pathologist in Washington, DC. I specialize in supporting adolescents and young adults in speech and language. With over 13 years of experience working with adolescents and pre-teens I have a strong understanding of the unique communication needs of this age group. I believe that effective communication is a key component of success and a fundamental human right.
Passionate about empowering my clients, I combine evidence-based practices with a neuroaffirming approach to therapy. The construct I prescribe to when working with Autistic individuals is the social model of Autism and not a medical model. ABA is not used in my practice.
Outside of working with clients, I enjoy exploring the city, spending time with my dogs, visiting my amazing niece and nephew, and cycling throughout the DMV area. I am an avid reader and a lifelong student, always seeking new insights in speech, language, and literacy development.
Certifications and Trainings
UCLA Peers for Adolecents
Peers for Adolescents is a group or individual-based program that is evidence-based. The program focuses on those looking to form and enhance friendships. This program is supported by the Autistic community. Training is scheduled for November 2024.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2)
Certified to administer the ADOS-2. The ADOS-2 is a standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. It is one component of a comprehensive dynamic Speech-Language Evaluation and is considered the 'Gold Standard' of assessment in communication, social interaction, and imaginative play for persons suspected of being autistic.
Wilson Reading Program
Certified in the Wilson Reading System. This is a reading program that is based on Orten-Gillingham principles and phonological-coding principals.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Clinical certificate of competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and related professions. 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years including ethics and LBGTQA+ courses are required.
Areas of Specialty
Screenings and Evaluations
Language screenings and evaluations are available. School-friendly reports are available. Consultations regarding student Individual Educational Plans (IEP) and accommodations are available.
Speech-Language, Fluency Skills
Therapy targeting speech-language and fluency disorders, such as cluttering and stuttering, uses evidence-based practices to provide individualized and neuroaffirming therapy. School and other outside evaluations may be accepted for adolescent age clients if they provide sufficient and detailed information, and if they are no more than one year old.
Pragmatic Language/Social Skills
Social pragmatic language skills are targeted in group or individual sessions with the option to join a group. Groups are available depending on the client's preference and the availability of participants. UCLA certified PEERS® Social Skills Program will be starting in the spring and summer of 2025.
Literacy/Dyslexia
I have a background as a specialized education reading/ELA teacher, experience tutoring adults at the Washington Literacy Council in DC, and am certified in the Wilson Reading Program. Combined with my education and experience diagnosing and treating phonological awareness disorders as a speech-pathologist, I specialize in treating language disorders targeting reading and written language disorders that fall under the umbrella of dyslexia, as defined by the DC Office of State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Assistive Technology
I also offer client and caregiver training for individuals who may benefit from the use of low-tech or high-tech electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, specifically speech-generating devices (SGDs), also known as voice-output communication aids. Assistance obtaining devices through insurance is available.