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

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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 →

The Art of Communication: 3 Ways to Build Communication Skills

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

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School may be back in session but that doesn’t have to stop you from helping your child develop communication skills outside of school. Whether your child already attends music therapy sessions, is a tactile learner who struggles with verbal communication, or works with an SLP during school for a speech disorder, there are enrichment options you can use with your child. The best part of all is that these are not only effective for developing communication skills, but they can benefit your child’s overall learning development – and be fun on the side.

3 Art Options to Develop Communication Skills Continue reading →

My Child Has An Appointment at the Speech Clinic – What Can I Expect?

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapist

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Speech therapy is offered through many different settings – in school, through in-home services, early childhood education, and private speech clinics. If your child has an appointment at a speech clinic for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect. Although each clinic and speech-language pathologist (SLP) will have their own ways of assessing your child and planning any speech therapy that is needed, there are some general steps that are quite common (and helpful) to take during that first appointment. Continue reading →

Genetics and Speech Disorders

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders

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Maybe you get your brown hair from your dad and your blue eyes from your mom. But did you ever consider that perhaps your speech and language patterns are also inherited? Advancements in medical and scientific research have increasingly been revealing that you can also inherit susceptibility to speech disorders, just like you might inherit increased risks for diabetes or other medical conditions. Genetics and speech disorders involve a complicated twisting and turning of details that all come together to form clues about your genetic makeup. Just like with other medical and health issues, the more we know about the likelihood of our genes playing a role in our overall well-being, we can make preventative and proactive decisions. Continue reading →

Will My Child Outgrow His Speech Impediment?

by Chris O Language Development Pronunciation & Lisps School Speech Disorders Speech Therapist

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Walking, talking, and learning to read are just some of the major milestones that parents look forward to watching their children achieve. Sometimes, however, children show signs of struggle in any of these areas and parents are left worrying and wondering if it is just a phase or something more. If your child appears to struggle with communication, you might be one of many parents who wonder: Will my child outgrow his speech impediment? Continue reading →

Board Games for Kids with Speech Disorders

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques

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Learning and working – when it comes to speech therapy or any other task – can be so much more enjoyable when a little fun is involved. Board games for kids with speech disorders can be inexpensive and easy ways to help your kids practice their speech and articulation skills without making them feel like they are doing therapy homework. Continue reading →

Apps for Adults with Speech Disorders

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapy Techniques

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You probably aren’t too surprised to see kids with technology gadgets, using them for everything from gaming, to chatting with friends, to homework. Speech language therapists (SLPs) have been finding that kids who are naturally drawn to tablets and portable devices can benefit from apps that support speech therapy. Kids aren’t the only ones, though. Apps for adults with speech disorders are not only innovative, but give adults and SLPs one more tool in their efforts for clearer communication. Continue reading →

Using E-Readers to Encourage Reading Skills

by Chris O Language Development Reading Speech Disorders

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Literacy is a hot topic in education circles around the globe, and a correlation can even be seen between a nation’s literacy rate and its economic stability. So maybe you agree with the importance of literacy, but how can you actually help your child with communication disorders become a successful reader? E-readers can be an important tool for encouraging these kids who are struggling to develop reading skills. Continue reading →

The Connection Between Baby Bottles, Trismus, TMJ, and Speech Delays

by Chris O Language Development Speech Disorders Speech Therapist

Baby Bottle Mouth, Trismus, and TMj linked to speech disorders

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The connection between dental health and speech is strong and can be seen in anyone from infants and toddlers all the way through adulthood. While the causes of dental and oral health problems might be different, they can all result in delayed or impaired speech and communication skills. “Baby bottle mouth”, trismus, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can all impact a person’s ability to clearly communicate. Continue reading →

What to Expect At Your Child’s Auditory Screening

by Chris O Hearing Loss Language Development School Speech Disorders

Gone are the days when kids didn’t have hearing tests unless they were obviously struggling. Modern technology and knowledge about the auditory system have allowed healthcare professionals to develop many different ways to test children’s hearing – even just hours after birth. Many people also advocate for hearing auditory screenings as part of a wellness check before starting school. If your child is going to have an auditory screening, rest assured that the process won’t hurt, and it could have a tremendous impact on your child’s future. Even a small level of hearing loss can dramatically affect your child’s speech and language skills. There are different tests available for different ages of children, and different screening methods depending upon any symptoms or concerns you or your child’s teacher might have. Continue reading →

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