Modelling Without Expectation

Modelling without Expectation is one key strategy when your child is using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Neurodiversity Affirming

What is neurodiversity-affirming practice? ‘Neurodiversity-affirming’ — a term you have likely heard over the last couple of years, although not new. Neurodiversity-affirming practice moves away from the medical model where individuals are viewed as ‘fixed’ to fit into their environment. Instead, this type of practice follows more of a social model, focusing on changing the […]

Interoception

Interoception Like many speech professionals, recently, I have been doing quite a bit of unlearning about past approaches used in therapy. I have been learning neurodiversity-affirming methods to move away from a medical model approach to therapy that focuses on an individual’s deficits and instead a social model where individual differences are celebrated. In the […]

Late talkers

Are late talkers just lazy kids? Um, No!! I have a tough time skating. I can go forward and around the corners, but skating backwards and stopping are impossible for me. So, am I just a lazy skater?  Um, No!! Learning to talk is a complex skill to learn and master. Children need to pay […]

Do girls start talking earlier than boys?

Do girls start talking earlier than boys? The simple answer is yes. Girls, on average, use gestures earlier, use words earlier, have a greater vocabulary and combine words earlier than boys do. But the world is not simple. Research has shown us that the difference is not very significant. Girls speak on average one month […]

Augmentative-Alternative-Communication

Does Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) delay verbal language production? Short answer: No. AAC is a great way to develop functional communication! Communication is everywhere — it is within everything we do! But remember, communication is not just verbal. Communication can also be non-verbal (e.g., gestures, eye-gaze, body language, etc.). If a child is non-speaking, […]

My Toddler is Stuttering Should I be Concerned?

My Toddler is Stuttering Should I be Concerned? Is your toddler repeating sounds and words, all of a sudden? Do they seem to get stuck on the first word or repeat entire phrases or sentences? Are they struggling to communicate their ideas because of frequent repetitions? Your toddler may be experiencing a common communication challenge […]

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant, or CDA for short, are uniquely trained in the delivery of therapy under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum File Folder Activity

This fun activity can be used with any child who loves to sing, which is almost every child!!