Category: blog

Vocal quality is part of the way we project who we are to the world; it offers information about age, gender, and emotional state. Each voice is as unique as a fingerprints. Yet, millions of people who communicate through alternative augmentative communication devices only have a few computerized voice options. However, speech scientist Dr. Rupal Patel has developed technology which revolutionizes the vocal quality of those who use AAC. She and her team at the Communication Analysis and Design Lab know that people with severe speech impairment still have distinct pitch, tone and volume when they laugh, cry, or vocalize intent. They are able to use this information, match specific characteristics to a voice donor, blend the two together and

Researchers at the University of North Florida discovered a way to improve working memory in children and adults.  Tracy and Ross Alloway co authored the study which found that dynamic activity like climbing a tree, walking on a narrow beam, navigating over, under and around objects and carrying awkwardly weighted objects increased working memory capacity by as much as 50%.  These type of activities required both proprioception and a route planning or locomotion component.  The researchers emphasized the importance of taking breaks in our day to do activities that “require us to consciously adapt our movements.”  For more information go to bit.ly/tree-cog

WIth fall coming and the weather getting cooler, here is a great idea for those stuck in the house days.  Kiwi crate is a subscription based company that offers creation kits for kids. The kits supply everything you need for the enclosed activity.  There are 3 age ranges to choose from 3 -4, 4- 8, and 9-16+ years.    Check it out here!  www.kiwicrate.com

It’s that time again!  Heading back to school can be an exciting time of year!  It can also be an anxious time for children and their parents.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind from the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx 

Chicago Kids is a website with a multitude of events and activities for kids.  From restaurants to museums, there is something for all ages and interests.  Check it out! http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727

The Chicago Public Library has a great summer program with ideas and activities to encourage reading.  Check it out!

  This Saturday the 27th is the 15ht annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park.  Teams will race long boats decorated with a dragon head.  There are other fun activities happening in the park that day too! There is no cost for the event. Check it out!

This months ALLYOU magazine had a great suggestion for a Skype based book club for kids and their friends this summer.  Visit I Love Libraries for a list of children’s books to get things going!    

The National Summer Reading Association has some great ideas to keep your kids reading this summer.  ReadingTipsforParents_2015

As speech and language pathologists it is our job to evaluate your child to determine the need for therapy. But how do you know when your child should be evaluated? Dr. Ann Kummer , speech and language pathologist and child psychologist, Dr. Leslie Rescorla conducted a study to assess children who were considered “late talkers”.  Late talkers were children between the ages of 24-31 months.  These children were followed until 17 years of age.  Results revealed that most children “caught up” by the age of 5 years. However, in comparing these children to a comparison group, the majority of late talkers continued to have significant weakness in language skills. It is recommended that parents monitor their child’s language skills from