We delve into the vital topic of speech therapy and early language development with Jeaneen, Tang an experienced speech and language pathologist Jeaneen highlights that it's not just children with disabilities who require speech therapy; many typically developing children also need assistance due to a lack of parental knowledge about promoting language skills. A significant point she makes is about the role parents play in their child's communication development. By over-anticipating their children's needs, parents may inadvertently hinder their ability to express themselves. Jeaneen encourages parents to recognize the signs of speech delays and to provide opportunities for their children to practice communication, whether through babbling, gestures, or vocalizations. The conversation also touches on the alarming statistics regarding speech delays among children in the UK and the role of genetics in these challenges. Jeaneen discusses the UBE3A gene and its connection to autism spectrum disorders, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and education around these topics. She believes that understanding these scientific insights can help parents and caregivers better support their children's language development. A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of giving children choices to foster their vocabulary. Jeaneen shares practical strategies from her book, "Play Dumb and Sabotage," which provides parents with tools to encourage language development through play. By creating opportunities for communication and modeling language, parents can significantly impact their child's ability to express themselve Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-meademusings-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy