This is a controversial topic among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and it should be, because of the widespread use of non-speech activities intended to improve speech sounds. “Non-speech” exercises are things like blowing bubbles, puffing cheeks, moving the jaw or tongue against resistance, puckering the lips back and forth, etc. But why should we be concerned
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For parents of children with special education needs, navigating the school system can be tricky at first. There is so much to know about the processes involved in setting up a child for success. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that parents cannot control, but there are also many things that parents can
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Verbal reasoning is a person’s ability to use language to think more deeply about the world around them. It involves listening or reading, thinking about the words that are heard or read, and acting on them in ways that make sense in that context. This ability is closely tied to how successful we are in
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Being “tongue-tied” has very little – if any – relationship to speech or expressive language development. Let’s go over some definitions first. “Tongue-tie” is the common lingo for “ankyloglossia,” which is caused by a large-looking “lingual frenulum.”A lingual frenulum is that little bit of skin that looks like it connects the bottom of your tongue to
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The topic of technology use for children is beginning to be a hot one. It really doesn’t have to be, because we have good knowledge of what is responsible use of technology for children. At this time, the American Pediatric Association recommends against placing children under the age of 2 in front of screens at
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Professional reports are loaded with terms that not everyone may know. Most of us make an effort to make reports as readable as possible for parents, but we may get carried away once in a while! Always ask the professional you are working with to explain terms with which you are not familiar . The
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Because of the article I shared yesterday on our Facebook page, some people have expressed interest in my take on the research on baby signs and my professional opinion on its usefulness. This isn’t the first time this has come up, and it probably won’t be the last. The short version: I take a neutral
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One of the most distinctive features that separate us from other species is the complexity of our communication systems. We are verbal creatures; all we do is yack, yack, yack. Whether by speech, sign, or writing, the way we navigate our world and manage our relationships and lives is through language. Is it any wonder,
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The single best thing is to have your child spoken to by adults that are around him or her. Any time, all the time, everywhere! Language therapy for young children often involves teaching parents how to increase the amount and kind of talking they do with their children. This is based on a mountain of
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We can’t predict how much progress a child will make with therapy, and I would be wary of anyone who guarantees improvements. However, most children do improve with therapy, but how fast and how much they improve depends on a few things: The first and most important thing needed is a parent/guardian that recognizes his
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