Nicole is thrilled to join respected physical therapist Susan Blum for this episode. Susan is the creator and lead instructor for the TMR (Total Motion Release) Tots and Teens educational programs. In this conversation they discuss what TMR is and how Susan first came to discover it, learn about it, and use it daily as a physical therapist.  The evolution of TMR to the pediatric population is shared along with the many clinical ways both Nicole and Susan have found it transformative to their pediatric practices.  Susan shares the evidenced based research that exists and is on the horizon around TMR and the many exciting places and opportunities she has been able to share this - her life's work - to improve the lives of children globally.  If you are a clinician or parents curious about TMR and what it offers - this episode is for you! 

If you are a longtime follower, you may have noticed we’ve been a little quieter over here. There are a few reasons for that but one is that Nicole, like 1 in 8 women in the United States, was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Our podcast focuses on more child centered topics, but today, the first day of breast cancer awareness month, she’s sharing her story here. And she’s sharing it as a patient and not a medical provider. While she debated back and forth on sharing such a personal experience, she realized she had a story and we have a platform. So we are using them both. During her own diagnosis process, she was communicating with 3 other friends going through similar fates. In the months that followed, friends have connected her with their friends and family members who were also recently diagnosed. If you are a woman or love a woman, you know this is sadly an all too common experience. And that is why we decided to share her story. Early detection, self advocacy, exceptional medical care, and the best army of support, love, and prayers saved Nicole’s life this year. There is not a neat and tidy way to tell a story like this. After she recorded it, she immediately wished she had remembered to say certain things or self doubted what she had said. An oncologist would certainly be able to share information with more intelligent language and accurate detail. But this is her truth. It’s messy, emotional, hard, beautiful, and real. Here you will learn about risk factors, early detection, advocating for testing and imaging, and what the process of diagnosis, decision making, treatment, and recovery feels like for someone used to taking care of others, who suddenly finds herself as the patient. Nicole’s truth includes the sincere hope that it will give other women knowledge, confidence, and support to become their own best advocate. Thank you for listening and sharing and for your continued support of our small business. We look forward to bringing you some exciting pediatric content soon! PS - please do your self exams, schedule your imaging, and talk to your provider about your risk factors! 💪🏼 #breastcancerawareness #breastcancer  #earlydetectionsaveslives #savethetatas #pinkribbon #mastectomy #BCSM #BreastCancerSupport #BreastCancerResearch #womenshealth #breastcancerawarenessmonth

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  In this episode Nicole discusses how undetected vision loss impacts a child's development and Lacy discusses how undetected hearing loss impacts a child's development.  Be sure to listen to the other podcast episodes in this series highlighting other roadblocks to natural development: lack of tummy time, prolonged sucking, media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website, use our discount code to save money and check out our continuing education courses offered through Medbridge Education: https://milestonesandmiracles.com/for-professionals/online-ceus/     

Holiday shopping may be more challenging this year with supply chain issues, and many small businesses are still working hard to survive in the midst of ongoing pandemic challenges. As small business owners, Nicole and Lacy wanted to include and highlight small businesses this year as part of their Holiday Gift Guide. Take a listen as Nicole and Lacy discuss the items they chose for the list this year and why.  They hope you'll enjoy these options and consider shopping local in your corner of the world this year. Blog post with images and links to all of the products mentioned in this episode: https://milestonesandmiracles.com/2021/10/15/2021-shop-local-small-business-centered-holiday-gift-guide/    

Laura Brown, early intervention speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy in a conversation about early communication.  Laura lists skills that we see in children before they begin talking.  She discusses the importance of modeling and using gestures to help develop communication skills in little ones.  Laura and Lacy discuss why introducing sign language as a means of communication is always a good idea and how signs and gestures can be used for a lifetime to communicate.  Lastly, Laura identifies common mistakes parents make that may not encourage their child's communication development as much as they had hoped.  Laura and Lacy's conversation is filled with good information for parents and families of young children to better understand all that must be mastered before first words emerge as well as how best to support preverbal skill development.  For professionals, this conversation will deepen your knowledge and give you great talking points when discussing early communication development with the families you serve.  Be sure to follow Laura's business, Mommy & Me Milestones, on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website for more information about all that she has to offer including her First 50 Words Course: https://www.mommyandmemilestones.com    

Physical and occupational therapists often advocate for children to climb UP the slide, hang from the monkey bars, spin upside, and climb trees. But why? There are many benefits to taking age typical motor risks. Join us for a delightful, fun, and informative conversation with expert Dr. Stacy Menz, PT, DPT, PCS. Stacy is the owner of Starfish Therapies in the San Francisco Bay area and brings her experience as a clinician, professor, and mother of a climbing and bouncing toddler to the table as we tackle why physical risk matters, what constitutes a developing balance system, if seats/containers affect balance for infants, and practical ways to expose children to relatively safe risk taking in daily routines.  Therapists, teachers, students, and parents will all be inspired by this conversation!   Mentioned in this episode: https://starfishtherapies.com/ Playground Ideas    

This episode is for any parent or caregiver with children or teens participating in organized sports, considering venturing into the world of youth sports, or for any coach or therapists working with student athletes. Sports medicine experts Dr Brad Dinklocker, PT, DPT, MS, ATC and Larry Shipley, LPTA, Performance Coach from Pro Physical Therapy join us to provide expert opinions on common questions and concerns in an evidenced based and fascinating conversation. We cover whether young athletes should specialize in one sport or play more than one and why, injury prevention and in and off season training tips, how long single sports seasons should last and how many hours a week of training are safe, when weight training should begin, and we take questions from parents and coaches.  This conversation is one that everyone involved in youth sports needs to hear to ensure not only safety but optimal success and performance for children and teams. You won’t want to miss this one! We could have talked to them for hours. 

Lacy is joined by Jeanette Washington, M.Ed., speech-language pathologist and educator.  In this episode Jeanette defines what dyslexia is and how we can appreciate signs of dyslexia in children as young as one year of age.  Jeanette shares common diagnoses that coexist with dyslexia.  She thoroughly explains what executive functioning skills are and how they impact a young child's day to day activities.  Jeanette provides suggestions on how families and professionals can support the development of these skills in children.  In closing, Jeanette shares resources for those who wish to learn more about these topics and references some of her own valuable resources as well.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's website and follow her on social media to continue to benefit from all of the knowledge she has to offer on dyslexia and executive functioning skills: https://www.bearlyarticulating.com/p/jeannette-washington-med-bearly.html.  You can also check out this resource Jeanette has to offer to help with executive functioning skills: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-Student-Planner-ADHD-Executive-Functioning-Friendly-6564846. Other websites and resources Jeanette mentioned in the episode include: https://www.understood.org/ https://developingchild.harvard.eduhttps://dyslexia.yale.edu http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/    

Michael Powell works with the birth to three population providing evaluations and guidance for families on how to deal with toddler behaviors.  One of the most common topics of discussions he has with families is how to handle tantrums.  Michael views tantrums through a unique lens that will inspire you to do the same.  He explains why toddlers engage in tantrums, what we can do to anticipate them and how best for us to respond to them.  You'll be enlightened by his tips, maybe even surprised.  Tantrums may have more to do with the adult than the child!  Whether you are raising a toddler or work with toddlers, this is a MUST LISTEN TO episode to make your life easier and better support the emotional and behavioral development of the little ones in your life.  He provides tips you can implement immediately and offers resources if you'd like to learn more about this topic. Michael recommends checking out: Bruce Perry: https://www.neurosequential.com/covid-19-resources http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/index.html   Stuart Shanker:   https://self-reg.ca/ https://selfregulationinstitute.org/about-2/dr-stuart-shanker/  

This is the episode all about PLAY!  Emily Cohen, M.A, CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist and author of Playing With Purpose, joins Lacy in a conversation about the importance of play in the developing child’s life. Emily defines what play is and how it benefits children. She explains the five stages of play and at what ages they each emerge and also lists and describes the three types of play. Emily explains what purposeful play is and offers tips on how parents and providers can engage children in purposeful play to target skills.  Lastly, she gives recommendations of resources where you can go to learn more about play.     Find Emily's book and resources here: https://www.tandemspeechtherapy.com/playingwithpurposebook/.     Other resources Emily recommended include: https://www.scanlonspeech.com ,   https://teachmetotalk.com and https://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx .    

1 in 10 infants in the United States will spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) each year. NICU admissions and NICU staff save countless lives a year but the experiences can be traumatic, emotional, exhausting, and yes, even inspiring and hopeful. Join us as we welcome NICU veteran mom Patrice Guzman as she shares her honest and brave story and that of her miracle daughter Vivianne. Patrice shares what she has learned, tips for other NICU parents, and what she wishes NICU professionals and pediatric therapists understood from a parents’ unique perspective. Most importantly, Patrice shares the tools she has found helpful for self care so that she can ensure well being and health for herself and her daughter. We hope this conversation will be supportive, healing, and hopeful for anyone anticipating or experiencing a NICU stay or for those who have spent time or work with NICU babies. 

Meg Lico, speech-language pathologist, is a member of the cleft palate and craniofacial team at NYU Langone Health.  In this episode she joins Lacy to discuss what cleft lip/palate is and how early it can be be diagnosed.  Meg shares statistics regarding cleft lip/palate incidence and some of the most common syndromes this diagnosis is associated with.  Meg discusses the implications for feeding and speech/language development resulting from cleft lip/palate and surgical options for children to repair their cleft lip/palate.  Lastly Meg offers her advice to families on how best to advocate for their child and recommends resources for families and professionals to deepen their understanding of a cleft lip/palate diagnosis. Connect with Meg on Instagram @thecraniofacialslp and learn more about cleft lip/palate here: https://www.smiletrain.org https://www.leadersproject.org/ https://acpa-cpf.org https://www.myface.org    

Amy Graham, speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy in this episode to talk all about speech sound disorders.  Amy defines what a speech sound disorder is and what diagnoses fall under the SSD umbrella.  Amy and Lacy discuss how much spoken language a child should have before a speech sound disorder can be diagnosed.  Amy explains why diagnosing SSDs early is so important and what we can do as early intervention therapists to help children and their families know when the right time is for an SSD evaluation.  Amy shares tips for a thorough oral mechanism exam and SSD evaluation and offers resource suggestions to better understand, diagnose and treat speech sound disorders.  A great episode for parents who are concerned with their child's speech sound development and for professionals to assist and support families with their little talkers.   You can reach out to Amy with questions and comments on her website: https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com . You can also access Amy's resources for download from her website: https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com/store/c4/Downloads.html  As well as her recommended resources for continuing education on SSDs:  https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com/resources.html    

In this episode Kimberly Scanlon, speech-language pathologist and author, joins Lacy to answer the following questions:  When should baby say their first word? How many words should a baby say at 12 months of age?  What counts as a word?  How can parents support their little one before those first words are spoken?  What words are most important to model for baby?  Kimberly references her books and how they support families in helping their child learn to talk.  She references her Common First Words list and why those words are considered power words for little ones.  Kimberly offers advice to families that are concerned with their child’s communication skills and her top tips for supporting language development at home.  This episode is full of practical information and creative suggestions to support early language learners for both practitioners and families! Connect with Kimberly on her websites: https://www.scanlonspeech.com and https://www.mytoddlertalks.com Purchase Kimberly’s books including My Toddler Talks and My Toddler’s First Words: https://www.scanlonspeech.com/my-books/ Free resources from Kimberly including the Common First Words list: https://www.mytoddlertalks.com/resources-2

Pediatric toe walking is an atypical movement pattern that is poorly understood but can have a wide range of short and long term consequences for children. In this episode, we are thrilled to bring you THE expert in this area of physical therapy practice, Dr. Liesa Ritchie-Persaud. Through her business, Know To Change, Liesa brings years of clinical expertise, global work in continuing education, and her own technique for assessment and treatment of idiopathic toe walking. In this episode we cover why children toe walk, why toe walking should be treated and the risks of not treating it, common diagnoses associated with toe walking, and how vision affects toe walking. Liesa answers common questions about the use of saucers and walkers, shoes, botox, casting, and surgery and provides detailed guidelines of when children should be referred and treated for toe walking by a skilled therapist. Finally, she explains the differences in the courses she offers for therapists who want to learn more. Whether you are a parent or a therapist facing this often pesky and persistent diagnoses, this conversation is sure to further your knowledge and understanding and inspire your work. Resources Mentioned: Leisa's website, courses, and resources: www.KnowToChange.com Nancy Dilger study: https://footprintspediatrictherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dilger_ITW.pdf College of Optometrists in Vision Development: https://www.covd.org/? Eye Can Learn: https://eyecanlearn.com/ Seeing Through New Eyes Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Through-New-Eyes-Developmental/dp/1843108003 Medbridge Parent Guide: http://orlafoley.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AParentsGuidetoPediatricToeWalking.pdf    

In this episode Jen Leroux, M.A., CCC/SLP, school based speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy to talk about how to support school aged kids over the summer with their speech and language skills.  Jen has 12 years of experience supporting families in helping their kids over the summer months and it doesn't involve worksheets!  Jen gives practical tips and strategies on how to approach families about practice over the summer and what might work best for them.  She shares ideas on how to implement skills into daily routines and family vacations.  She suggests simple activities to support practice and discusses how book reading can support speech and language skill practice also.  We talk about how to best collaborate with private speech-language pathologists and how for some kids and families, taking a break might be the best recommendation.  This is great episode for parents looking for ways to support their kids over the summer months and for professionals to learn new, creative, practical ways to support families!  To access Jen's materials look for "Simplified Speech" on Teachers Pay Teachers and Boom Learning.  You can also find Jen on Instagram @simplified_speechie.

In this episode Lila Griffith, M.S. CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy to discuss pediatric voice disorders.  Lila explains what a voice disorder is and the signs and symptoms of when a voice disorder may be present.  She gives tips on what to listen for to know when to refer children for evaluation and shares preventative tips to keep our children's voices at their best.  Lila describes what therapy for voice disorders looks like and how it is effective in remediation.  This episode will help SLPs refresh their knowledge about voice disorders and prepare other therapists and early intervention providers to better recognize possible voice disorders in pediatrics.  For parents, this episode helps you better understand what a voice disorder is and when you should seek further evaluation and treatment for your child.

Join us in this episode as Stacey Landberg, M.S., CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist, describes what adult learning principles are and how understanding them can help you deliver more effective early intervention.  She shares the acronym she uses to help her remember the principles as well as how she ensures she follows the acronym, SCRAPP, in her practice.  Stacey lists resources to help you further your knowledge of adult learning principles and explains how she is supporting colleagues in the field by leading a community of practice called Coach to Coach.  This episode challenges early interventionists to examine how they are delivering coaching services and how they might improve upon that to optimize adult/caregiver/parental learning and assists families in thinking about their own learning styles and how they can best impact their child's development in positive ways.  Stacey mentions the following websites and resources:  @ei.coaching on Instagram,  http://fgrbi.com, https://staceylandberg.com/subscribe/.

We are thrilled to welcome to More Than Child’s Play two very special parents, Sheri and Jeremy Mills. They are the parents of a delightful, sweet, smart, and spunky almost 3 year old who happens to have Prader Willi Syndrome. In honor of PWS Awareness month, Sheri and Jeremy join us to share their journey as a way to educate and support other families and medical providers serving people with this rare disease. We discuss what learning their child had PWS was like for them, how they navigated and continue to navigate medical and support services for their daughter, and exciting upcoming and hopeful news in PWS research. They explain hyperphagia and the wholistic and healthy approach their family has implemented to set life long habits for their child. We discussed what they’d like medical providers and other parents to know and had a real conversation about maintaining parental mental health. If you are a family member or friend of someone with PWS or a healthcare provider, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Hearing their story will give you needed insight and inspiration.   Links based on discussion: For donations to Prader-Willi Association USA: https://www.pwsausa.org/join-now/chapters/florida/ Donate button is at top right corner. Email Sheri screen shot of your donation to be entered in raffle:  momofmoonandmountains@gmail.com  

In this episode Lacy and Cari Ebert, M.S., CCC/SLP discuss coaching in the early intervention setting.  Cari defines what coaching is, how it is different from consultation and why coaching is an important component in early intervention.  She shares how she discusses this service delivery model to parents and caregivers and gains their buy in as the person most responsible for their child's progress and success.  Cari shares resources she has available to deepen your understanding and implementation of coaching as an early intervention provider as well as inspiration to continue the work you do as an early interventionist.  You do not want to miss this episode!  Cari's message is inspiring and motivational!