The Yael Center is a professional therapeutic organization which focuses on speech therapy and multi-dimensional therapy via two unique methods, the VML and MDT methods accordingly. It is called Yael in honor of one of the first children Dr Vashdi treated at the beginning of his professional way. The idea to choose this type of name to the clinic came from the deep understanding that the knowledge and service are being developed for the children . The methods development started at 1997 while the center has been in existence since 2005.
These methods were developed by the founder of the center, Dr. Elad Vashdi, and Yael Center’s members. The professional practice in Yael Center is not divided into disciplines but rather working through methods regardless of profession. It allows cross-discipline activities towards transdisciplinary practice and develops the multi-dimensional therapist position.
The Yael Center has two clinics in Israel, located in Herzlia (Near Tel Aviv), and at Nesher in the north of Israel (Near Haifa). The center provides services in Israel and abroad. The local services include therapy sessions in various lengths on weekly basis, intensive therapy, consultation, case management and training. The international services started in 2010 in Australia and are now spread across the globe. It includes intensive treatments, local training and consultations, online consultations and seminars.
The services are carried out by Dr. Vashdi and the Yael Center therapists, locally in Israel and internationally. In addition, certified therapists in Israel and around the world supply the VML and MDT services.
The Yael Center is an evidence based clinic. It carries out independent research in collaboration with other institutes and universities. Papers are being presented in international conferences around the world. Please visit our research page for further information.
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The VML method
The VML method (Verbal Motor learning) was developed in Israel, in Hebrew, through clinical experiences with children with CAS (Childhood apraxia of speech) and Autism. It is designed to treat speech deficits on motor background. The VML is an advance tool in integrative motor speech therapy area. It helps the therapists practicing speech with non-verbal children, to achieve verbal communication.
The VML is a structured method that involves:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Integrative evaluation using a specific evaluation form and protocol
- Integrative analysis using a specific analysis form
- Forming a treatment plan with a specific treatment plan form
- Manual techniques for each phoneme, syllable and multi-syllabic combinationsÂ
- The use of motor learning principles in treatment
- The use of unique teaching principles.
The method uses motor learning principles which consider CAS as a motor planning oriented problem. Nevertheless, language and communication goals have a major weight in the evaluation, the analysis and the treatment plan. In addition, each vowel, consonant, syllable and word has special techniques that assist the child in learning to imitate the desired sound. While originally based on the Hebrew language, over the last few years many children were treated with VML in various languages such as English, Slovenian, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Spanish, Turkish and Mandarin.  The VML method was translated into English, Romanian, Polish, Slovenian, Russian, Turkish and Mandarin  in order to enable different languages speakers to use it.
Autism and apraxic children were the target populations in the early years that VML was used to treat children. In the past few years there has been more experience with a variety of syndromes as well as with pure Apraxia of speech at different severity levels; from children who have no verbal ability at all and who have severe oral motor apraxia, to children with minor deficits in speech. The treatment age ranges from a one year to over 20 years of age. of speech.
The treatment delivery and goals differ according to the child’s age. VML can also serve adults with Apraxia of Speech (AOS). AOS, unlike CAS, is an acquired syndrome due to trauma to the brain at an older age. VML can help children with CAS or other speech delays (mainly of motor origin). There is no age restriction in treatment using VML, although the treatment plan would vary according to the patient’s age.
The VML has mathematical analysis process which enables the MYVML software. On the other hand, it is a very dynamic system which enables the therapist to perform in a dynamic therapeutic environment. No recipes in the VML method, only thinking, creativity and accuracy.
For the VML FAQ