Using Speech Therapy to Bring Siblings Together

by Holly F. Speech Therapy Techniques
Long brothers run a triathalon

Source: sikids.com

Maybe by now you’ve seen these brothers, Caden and Connor Long, named Sports Illustrated Kids of the year in 2012. What makes them so special is that sibling bond, even though Caden can’t talk. Caden has cerebral palsy and despite speech-therapy, struggles to communicate verbally. But what’s a few words between siblings? To Connor and Caden, they have formed a bond in much more than spoken language. They don’t just bike, run marathons or play soccer. As a team, they complete  triathlons together – with Connor pulling or pushing Caden through each event. While a communication impairment can be a struggle for families, it can also bring them together.

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5 At-Home Speech Therapy Activities for Valentines Day

by Holly F. Speech Therapy Techniques

 

How to sign I love you

Source: Signingsavvy.com

Holidays are a great opportunity for building language-based activities at home and incorporating the entire family.  They are fun, motivating and usually involve sweets (yum!). Celebrate Valentines Day with a variety of speech and language therapy techniques that are easy to incorporate into your traditions, or build new ones!

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New Hampshire Horsetalk Combines Speech Therapy with Horseback Riding

by Holly F. Speech Therapy Techniques State Resources
Amazing facts about horses

Source: Thefarrierguide.com

 

“Giddy up horsey” just got a whole new meaning for children with special needs in the Northeast (and no, its not riding on daddy’s back). At one special New Hampshire barn, speech therapy techniques are being combined with therapeutic horseback riding to create a new kind of therapy experience. At Horsetalk Therapeutic Services in Raymond New Hampshire, director Ms. Toby Freeman, a certified speech and language pathologist, has designed a program that provides Hippotherapy to children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disorders. She began the treatment after having studied speech and language pathology and having a lifelong love of horses.

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Special Event – Chicago Special Needs Resource Fair Next Month

by Jacky G. News State Resources
NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair

Image source: NPNParents.org

Calling all Chicago parents of special needs children! Whether you are looking for information on speech therapy techniques, schools, summer camps or any other resource, this annual fair is not to miss. Its’ coming up soon on February 10th. You can find more information including location and directions below. The event is organized by Neighborhood Parent Network (NPN) and is officially called “The Developmental Differences Resource Fair.”

And not only is NPN committed to helping parents of special needs children find resources, but their associate executive director Melanie Schlachter knows first hand how important it is to have tools at hand. Schlachter says, “As the parent of a child who was recently diagnosed with a developmental difference, I’ve just been absolutely amazed by all of the extraordinary resources that exist to help kids with different challenges.” Continue reading →

Raising a Young Vermonter? Check Out These Special Needs Resources

by Jacky G. State Resources
Special Needs Resources in Vermont

Image source: Wadetreadway.com

The Green Mountain state is a beautiful place to raise a family. In particular, I’ve always enjoyed the view from Mount Equinox, especially when the fall foliage is at its peak. But depending on where you live, it may be a little more difficult to find speech therapy resources and other special needs resources than it would be if you lived in a huge metropolitan area like New York City. When in doubt, contact your local school district for assistance. Ask them about government-funded programs, private school programs, and other special needs resources like advocacy groups and support groups. And check out our list below to help you get started.

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