Category: blog

We’ve made gift giving super simple for you by breaking down toys and games into categories. Top Toys for Toddlers1. Ball Popper2. Lucky Ducks3. Surprise Eggs or Presents4. “Put in” Toys5. Simple Puzzles Turn Taking for Toddlers & Preschoolers1. Zingo2. Pop the Pig3. Jumping Jack4. Pop Up Pirate5. Bunny Hop Board Games for Elementary or Middle Schoolers1. Guess Who2. Life3. Headbandz4. Apples to Apples5. Clue Pretend Play1. Critter Clinic or Pet Vet2. Puppets3. Farm Set4. Little People Home5. Camper Set

Approximately 25-61% of language learners with a diagnosis of autism present with limited to no functional speech to communicate. Speech-language pathologists may recommend these individuals to utilize augmentative and alternative communication approaches to supplement verbal speech. Unaided AAC consists of techniques that do not require the use of an external aid. Oftentimes, the individual may use his or her own body, as seen during use of gestures, manual signing and finger spelling. Aided AAC consists of techniques utilizing external tools and aids for communication. Examples of aided AAC include nonelectric communication boards, speech-generating devices with synthesized speech output and exchanged-based approaches (such as PECS.) Fortunately, there are a plethora of options to consider for a child who may benefit from

In an article written by Diana Paul, she discusses ways to incorporate language learning activities into your traditions. -Learning New Vocabulary: Use age appropriate vocabulary that relates to the child’s developmental and speech sound production level. Use language from the child’s own background and culture. Define the vocabulary word and use relating to different experiences (i.e. visuals, videos, food). Have a word of the day for longer holidays. -Engaging in Conversation: Use holiday plans as a conversation starter and practice conversational skills (i.e. initiating conversation, verbal turn taking, asking/answering questions, making comments, and ending a conversation). Have the child explain routines or activities that are being completed during the holidays. Depending on the child’s developmental level would determine the type of language

  Tis the season for holiday gifts! This year, consider gifting kids with low-tech gifts to help foster increases in vocabulary, conversation, turn taking, social skills, and problem solving. Gifts such as costume/dress up sets, craft supplies, figurines, puppets, science kits (e.g. slime), food/kitchen items, books, animal sets, etc. can encourage imaginative, open ended play to boost children’s creativity and exploration of play schemes. For older kids, gifts such as snap circuits, outdoor or gardening kits, board games, or journals can encourage language and learning development.  

Family Game Night- Have Fun and Work on Language Skills Too! Playing games together promotes social interaction and opportunities for your child to practice skills like establishing eye contact, listening, taking turns, encouraging others and problem solving.  Plus, they’re motivating and just plain fun!  So, turn off the TVs and computers and go old school with a family game night! Try a classic game that can work on observation, description and deductive reasoning skills: Twenty Questions!  Pick a person, place or thing and give the other person 20 yes or no questions to guess what/who it is. (“Is it a person? Is it a thing? Is it a food?”, etc). Try making your own version of a “Hedbandz” style game

While research continuously supports multi-language exposure for children, myths surrounding bilingualism remain. Increased working memory and cognition are among the many benefits of being a multi-language user. Fostering a home environment that includes all spoken languages of the family provides more opportunity for children to engage with their extended family. Speech-language pathologists must help children and families advocate for services that support bilingual intervention. Please visit the article by Farinam Pletka, MS, CCC-SLP in the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s Journal for more information on her experience as a bilingual SLP: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FPLP.26082021.64/full/

  Researchers from the University of Delaware conducted a study in which 48 participants completed a word-learning task in a resting and in an exercise condition. During the resting measure, children were taught the names of novel objects. After a three-minute task, they were tested on their ability to recognize the words. For children who engaged in a three-minute aerobic exercise (swimming,) results showed a 13% increase in ability to recognize vocabulary words compared to other groups. How can this information be helpful for us as speech pathologists? Incorporate some movement into therapy sessions! This can be completed through obstacle courses, jumping or dancing while incorporating vocabulary specific to the activity (e.g., twirl, spin, crawl, etc.) Pruitt, Madison; Morini, Giovanna

While research continuously supports multi-language exposure for children, myths surrounding bilingualism remain. Increased working memory and cognition are among the many benefits of being a multi-language user. Fostering a home environment that includes all spoken languages of the family provides more opportunity for children to engage with their extended family. Speech-language pathologists must help children and families advocate for services that support bilingual intervention. Please visit the article by Farinam Pletka, MS, CCC-SLP in the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s Journal for more information on her experience as a bilingual SLP: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FPLP.26082021.64/full/        

Many students are returning back to the classroom for the first time since the pandemic began! Students are likely experiencing a range of emotions, from excited to fearful. There are many ways you can help your child successfully return to in-person learning. Practice/role play potentially stressful social interactions (introduction to class, meeting a new teacher, reading aloud, speaking in front of the class, etc.) Remain positive! There are a lot of stressors with the return to school, but staying optimistic about the school year will increase their confidence in returning. Reviewing school expectations (raising hand, mask wearing, requesting permission to leave the room, etc.) Review your child’s supports in the classroom and stay connected with your child’s teachers and support

Children with learning differences might have difficulty following directions. Here are 10 tips to help you present information in a way that will help your child to listen to and understand directions: Don’t give directions until you have your child’s attention. You can move into your child’s line of sight, or ask for their visual attention directly. Be close to your child, rather than calling from across the room. Minimize distractions when you are giving instructions. Turn off the tv, or ask your child to put down their toy, book or tablet while you are speaking to them. Using a softer voice and a calm tone may help your child tune into what you are saying. Give age appropriate instructions.