Category: blog

Halloween is an exciting time for children to dress up as their favorite character or something they enjoy! However, for some children, Halloween can be a scary time full of new experiences (i.e., disrupted routines, unknown expectations, and unexpected sounds). A social story is one way to help a child understand what to expect and feel more prepared. Example Trick-or-Treating Social Story: Halloween is a special day to dress up in a costume and go trick-or-treating. We will walk to houses and wait for our turn. When the door opens, I can say, “Trick or treat!” Someone may give me a treat. I can say, “Thank you!” I will stay close to my grown up and walk safely to the

Halloween costumes are a fun way to help children build their describing and language skills! Whether your child is dressing up as a superhero, an animal, or a favorite character, costumes provide a natural opportunity to practice using specific words to describe what they see. Ask Questions About the Costume Encourage your child to describe a costume by asking questions such as: What is the costume? What color is it? What does it look like? What does it feel like? What parts does it have? Where would you find this character or animal?  What does it do? Try to encourage complete sentences rather than one-word answers. For example, instead of “a witch,” encourage “It is a witch costume with a

  Articulation practice doesn’t have to mean sitting at a table repeating the same words over and over! In fact, children often practice more effectively when speech activities feel like play rather than work, and it can lessen some frustration the child might feel during drill-based activities. Here are a few easy ways to work on articulation during everyday activities: Make it a game. Use board games, card games, or simple turn-taking games. Before taking a turn, have your child say a target word or sentence. Keep it fun and focus on celebrating effort! Read together. Choose a favorite book and listen for words that contain your child’s target sound. You can pause occasionally and have your child practice a

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC is any tool that supports or replaces spoken words, from simple gestures and picture cards to tablet apps with voice output.  A common fear is that AAC will stop a child from talking, but research shows the opposite. AAC gives kids a reliable way to communicate which often reduces frustration and can actually support spoken language development, not replace it. Even if your child isn’t using AAC, understanding it matters. Communication needs can change, your child likely has classmates who use AAC, and the more parents understand it, the less stigma AAC users face. If you’re noticing your child gets frustrated trying to communicate or struggles to be understood, talk to a

Many parents may be surprised to learn that there are ways of predicting which children may have difficulty with school performance. An Australian research study in 2017 followed 1,910 children from infancy through age 7 to evaluate a child’s likelihood of academic difficulty based on identified risk factors and language skills at the integral timelines of 2 and 4 years of age. Researchers found that a child’s language skills at 4 years of age were significantly predictive of language capacity by age 7. Children’s language skills as early as age 2 were also predictive of later outcomes, but by age 4, their ability to provide a more accurate prediction of later academic skills was stronger. Risk factors of academic difficulty

Many parents may be surprised to learn that free books are just a mail delivery away! Children feel so special when they receive mail and report enjoyment and excitement when they see a new book has been gifted to them.  Research shows that receiving and exploring a new book is a strong opportunity for children to talk to their parents, learn new words, practice listening, develop understanding of a basic story plot, and develop a lifelong love of reading. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a book-giving program cultivated by the well-respected musician Dolly Parton which makes high-quality books available to families throughout the country. Most interestingly, Dolly Parton created this program in honor of her father, who never had

For parents of children with autism and other developmental differences, finding the right support for your children can feel like a full-time undertaking. We as therapists know that the families we serve invest tremendous amounts of time, energy, and resources into helping their children communicate, connect, learn, participate, and feel successful at home, at school, and in their community. As therapists, we often hear one question from parents who intrinsically wonder: “Is my child making progress?” The answer isn’t always as linear or straightforward as we might hope or expect. Progress in pediatric therapy—particularly for children with autism and complex communication or learning needs—is rarely a specific destination. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes are the ones that can be easy

A few clear sentences can give your child’s teacher the necessary information to support your child. If your child is already receiving speech therapy, try something like: “I wanted to give you a heads-up that [child’s name] is working on their /r/ sound, so if you hear ‘wabbit’ instead of ‘rabbit,’ no need to correct them. Just model the sound back naturally.” If you have concerns but no services yet, frame it as a partnership: “I’ve noticed [child] tends to leave off word endings. Are you seeing anything similar in class?” A few scripts to keep in mind: Sharing an existing diagnosis/therapy: “[Child] is working on [specific goal] with a speech therapist. Here’s what that might look like in class…” Raising a new concern: “I’ve noticed [specific

  Big changes can feel overwhelming for children, particularly for children who have difficulty expressing and understanding language. Whether they’re starting a new school, visiting the doctor, or going on vacation, social stories can help them understand what to expect. These simple, personalized stories use clear language and pictures to explain new situations in a way that helps children feel more prepared and confident! At Wee Speech, we use social stories to support communication, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. Reading a social story together before a new experience can help your child feel more comfortable and ready for what’s ahead. If you think a social story could benefit your child, talk to your therapist today!

The start of a new school year can be exciting, but adjusting to new teachers, classmates, routines, and expectations can also feel overwhelming. These changes may be especially challenging for children with speech, language, or social communication needs. Here are five practical ways to help your child communicate confidently during the back-to-school transition. 1. Preview New Routines Knowing what to expect can make unfamiliar situations feel more manageable. Talk with your child about what their school day may look like, including getting ready, traveling to school, entering the classroom, eating lunch, and coming home. You can practice sequencing these activities using words such as first, next, then, and last. For example: “First, we put on our shoes. Next, we get