Games for Children with Apraxia of Speech

by Chris O Games and Activities Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques Technology

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder, affecting the ability of children to produce the oral movements and vocal sounds needed for speech that others can clearly understand. There is a coordination required of the lips, tongue, facial muscles, and vocal folds in order for the intended sounds to be produced. Think of it like one of the most intricate, behind the scenes performances you can imagine. And now think of a child with apraxia who struggles because all of those aspects that must work together behind the scenes have lost their communication links.

It is the goal of speech therapy to create those links to be strong enough to reach the goal – clarity of speech. A child with apraxia usually requires targeted and sometimes intense speech therapy in order to reach these goals. But what can parents do at home to support these goals, and make it fun in the process? The first step is to work with the SLP to support those efforts, but there are also some easy ways to incorporate effective games for kids with apraxia. Continue reading →

Build Reading Skills in Kids with Expressive Language Disorder

Build Reading Skills in Kids with Expressive Language Disorder

by Chris O Language Development Reading School Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques

It’s on the tip of my tongue! Have you ever felt this way? Kids with expressive language disorders often feel this sensation – that they should know what to say but they just can’t seem to find the right words. Expressive language disorders often mean that kids display the following symptoms:

  • Speaking in short, choppy sentences with limited vocabulary
  • Using a vocabulary that is below grade level
  • Repeating parts or the entirety of questions
  • Using um, ah, well, repeatedly as they search for the “right” word
  • Confusing tenses (past, present, future) in conversations Continue reading →

The Face of Friendship – Strategies to Improve Social Communication Skills

by Chris O Language Development School Speech Disorders
Building Social Communication Skills

Image Courtesy of myindismart.blogspot.com

If you have a child with a social communication disorder, one of the most wonderful sights can be seeing that child connect with a friend – have a conversation, share a joke, or just enjoy playing together in the park. These usually commonplace activities for young friends don’t always come so easily. Social communication disorders are often associated with dual diagnoses, such as ADHD, hearing loss, Autism, and learning disorders. While this can make the actual diagnoses of a social communication disorder more challenging, it does not remove the need for kids to learn the skills needed to communicate with peers, teachers, family members, and the people they encounter in their community. Continue reading →

The 3 Rs – Helping Kids with Communication Disorders

by Chris O Language Development Reading School Speech Disorders
Image Courtesy of careercompetencies.org

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic

Even though studying the 3 Rs might sound like an outdated approach to academics, reading, writing, and arithmetic are still foundations for learning. Children who are challenged with speech and communication disorders may need extra support to form solid foundations in these subjects. While the diagnosis and therapy treatment plans will vary for children with speech and communication disorders, there are several tools that can help children build stronger skills for their 3 Rs, and benefit communication skills as well. Continue reading →

Get Moving! 5 Games for Kids with Articulation Disorders

by Chris O Language Development Pronunciation & Lisps School Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques
Image Courtesy of www.directinvesting.com

Articulation and phonological disorders are common forms of speech challenges that children face. Speech therapy techniques depend on the specific type of disorder and sound challenge, and games for kids with articulation disorders or phonological delays can help to bring the fun into the work part of therapy. There are great books to help kids who are struggling with articulation disorders, and the following games can get them moving and learning at the same time. Continue reading →

4 Speech Therapy Activities for Kids with Dysarthria

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapist Speech Therapy Techniques

Traumatic brain injuries, tumors, cerebral palsy, MS, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lyme disease, and more – these can all be the culprits of the speech disorder known as dysarthria. It is characterized by symptoms such as abnormal rhythm (intonation) during speech, hoarseness and other voice quality issues, mumbled or slurred speech, inappropriate rates of speech (too fast or too slow), and inadequate tongue, lip, and facial muscle control. The severity of these symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause. Evaluation and individualized treatment plans by a speech-language pathologist are valuable, and the following are four speech therapy activities for kids with dysarthria that can provide improved speech quality. Continue reading →

Language-Based Learning Disability: Games to Improve Language Skills

by Chris O Individualized Education Program (IEP) Language Development Reading Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques Technology

A child who is diagnosed with a language-based learning disability can face a variety of challenges, especially in school. There are countless types of therapies used and directions taken by SLPs, in special education classrooms, and by teachers who adjust curriculum to meet these children’s needs. Help keep some of the fun in therapy and learning new skills by trying some of these games and activities.
Continue reading →

Speech Disorders and Kids: Finding Support for Parents

by Chris O Other Resources Speech Disorders

Parenting a child with a speech or communication disorder can feel like a lonely journey, especially if you have no experience among family or friends who have faced these challenges. These journeys might feel even more difficult when speech disorders are combined with other conditions in dual diagnoses. Support for parents is a crucial component when it comes to parenting children with any type of challenge or disability, and networking can be your safety net when you feel like falling down on the job. Continue reading →

Nonverbal Kids – 3 Ways Technology Improves Communication

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques Technology
Technology Can Help Nonverbal Kids

Image Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

In a world where parents are cautioned to limit screen time, there is also new research showing that technology can actually enhance communication for nonverbal kids. Many of the technology success stories come from parents and teachers of kids with autism who are either nonverbal or limited in verbal skills, although children who struggle with other disorders and disabilities are also finding the benefits of technology. Continue reading →

What You Need to Know If Your Child is Starting Speech Therapy – Answers to 5 Common Questions

by Chris O Individualized Education Program (IEP) School Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques State Resources
Image Courtesy of www.regroup.com

If your child is starting speech therapy at school for the first time this year there are likely a lot of questions competing for time in your head. Even though it might feel like you are alone on this journey, the good news is that you’re not the first parent to feel this and there are people there to help you and your child. Start with these common questions that parents like you might be asking. Continue reading →