Tag: Speech Therapy
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Fun with Water! OT and Speech Activities for Hot Days
Summer Learning with Easy, Engaging Water Play When the weather heats up, there’s no better way to cool off and keep kids learning than with water play! Water activities aren’t just fun, they’re packed with opportunities to build fine motor skills, sensory regulation, language development, and social interaction. Here are some playful, purposeful ways to turn hot…
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FREE Fourth of July Picture Cards!
We’ve created free AAC picture cards to help make this Fourth of July more enjoyable and communicative for all kids—because every child deserves a voice. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) isn’t just for children who are non-speaking. It can also help: Children with apraxia Children with Down syndrome Children with autism Children with language delays Children who are minimally verbal Children with cerebral palsy Children…
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Everyday Chores That Boost Life Skills and Independence
As parents, educators, and caregivers, we’re constantly seeking meaningful ways to help our children develop independence. But sometimes, the best tools for building life skills aren’t tucked inside therapy rooms or classrooms; they’re right in our homes, woven into the everyday rhythm of life. Ordinary chores, such as cooking, folding laundry, and watering plants, can…
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How to Make the Most Out of Your Child’s Teletherapy Visit
Teletherapy has become a powerful tool in helping children receive the speech or occupational therapy they need, from the comfort of home. But let’s be honest: it can also feel overwhelming at times. Between juggling schedules, managing attention spans, and setting up technology, many parents wonder if they’re doing enough to support the process. The…
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How to Introduce AAC to a Child: The First Steps That Matter Most
Introducing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to a child can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also a beautiful step toward helping them find their voice. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, those early moments matter—and they set the stage for how a child will view communication going forward. Here’s a guide to help…
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What is AAC? A Beginner-Friendly Guide for Parents
Communication is how we connect with the world, but not everyone communicates in the same way. Some children and individuals may have difficulty using spoken language, which is where AAC comes in. What Does AAC Stand For? AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes all the ways someone can communicate besides talking. AAC…
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Stronger Together: The Magic of Combining Speech and Occupational Therapy
If your child is receiving both speech therapy and occupational therapy (OT), you might be wondering how these two services connect. Do they overlap? Can they work together? The short answer: absolutely! In fact, speech and OT can be a powerful combo when it comes to helping your child grow and thrive. Here’s how they…
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How to Use Songs and Music to Improve Speech
Music is a powerful tool for developing speech and language skills in children. Whether your child is just beginning to talk, struggling with articulation, or working on expanding their vocabulary, songs can make speech practice fun and engaging. Singing also provides respiratory support and can improve speech volume. – Christina Carson, MS CCC SLP, MA…
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How to Reinforce Therapy Goals at Home: A Parent’s Guide
Children who receive speech, occupational, or physical therapy make significant progress during their sessions, but real success comes when those skills are carried over into daily life. Home is where children feel most comfortable, and it’s also the best place to reinforce what they’ve learned in therapy. As a parent or caregiver, you don’t need…
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Why Play Matters: Strategies to Build Social-Emotional Skills
Play is a fundamental part of childhood, but for children with autism and other exceptionalities, engaging in play can present unique challenges. Play-based strategies can help children build essential social-emotional skills, including communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. This blog explores the importance of play in child development and how these strategies can foster these skills effectively.…