Have you heard of the 30 Million Word Gap by Dana Suskind? My professor introduced me to it while I was getting my master's degree in speech language pathology. I used it to create a service project for my Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.    During the project, I trained parents on how to promote healthy speech and language development for their kids. This episode is part 1 of a 3 part series describing the trainings I did for these parents.    GET THE FREE MILESTONES PDF: thespeechparent.com/milestones   Link to NPR article critiquing the 30 Million Word Gap study/book.    ** Don't forget to email thespeechparent@gmail.com with any questions! I love chatting with you all and helping in any way I can! **

Today I'm sharing one of my all time favorite parenting hacks that builds connection and love with your child - so easily! You just incorporate it into your bedroom routine and use it as a way to highlight all of their goodness. You'll find it brightens your attitude, love, and appreciation for them too!   If your child is speech delayed or in speech therapy, then they probably receive lots of corrections or have struggles throughout the day. This parenting strategy is a great way to encourage them in a meaningful way. I encourage everyone to give it a try, even if it seems like your child doesn't understand or even respond. Our kids soak up so much more than we give them credit for!

Wondering how you can get your late talker toddler to talk more? The tips I’m going to share are commonly taught by SLPs and used in speech therapy because they are POWERFUL. They show parents what to focus on when they’re talking to their kids in a more specific way than just “talk to your kids more" - because I’m going to assume that you’re already doing that! We don’t need basic fluff, we need real strategies that will really make a difference. I’ve got 3 key strategies to share with you today to get your toddler to talk more!   FREE MILESTONES CHART: thespeechparent.com/milestones   Questions? Need Help? I love chatting with parents! Send me an email:  thespeechparent@gmail.com 

Do you have a child with a speech delay? Have questions about speech therapy or how to help your child talk more? As a speech language pathologist AND a speech parent like you - I'm here to help!   Today's Q&A episode answers 2 important questions: 1. How do I help my kid play with other kids at the park? 2. How do I pick the best AAC system for my child?    Ask me a question for my Q&A episodes! Send it to thespeechparent@gmail.com 

Does your child have an AAC Speech Generating Device? (Aka an iPad or tablet with buttons that they use to communicate) Do you feel like it's not working for them?   It probably isn't. But not for the reasons you might think.   AAC devices are POWERFUL at unlocking communication for kids. But the adults in the child's life NEED to know how to talk on it and support their child's learning.   Teaching your child how to talk and doing speech therapy at home is important for the success of an AAC user. And it doesn't have to be hard or complex! Any parent can learn!   I've got a FREE ⁠training webinar ⁠in the works for anyone interested in learning more about modeling and supporting AAC users! Get the training --> ⁠thespeechparent.com/aachelp

Today we're discussing ideas for parents to do speech therapy at home - all while meeting your child’s sensory needs!   Your child needs to have their sensory needs met so that they are regulated and in the best state for learning. In this episode I suggest 10 activities that you can do at home to promote that regulation while also targeting speech and language therapy goals!   Free Checklist of the 10 Activities Mentioned: thespeechparent.com/activities   Workshop for Modeling Language for a Gestalt Language Processor / Autistic Child - thespeechparent.com/waitlist   Questions? Need help with something? Email: thespeechparent@gmail.com I'd love to chat with you!

When we better understand our child’s needs, we are then better able to help MEET those needs. And when our child has their needs met (sensory needs included!) they are better in a state to learn the speech and language skills that we’re trying to teach them each and every day.   That's why today we're discussing the Dunn Model of Sensory Processing to help you understand your child's unique sensory profile.   Is your child a Seeker, Sensor, Bystander, or Avoider?   Take this fun QUIZ to help figure it out! ---> ⁠thespeechparent.com/sensoryquiz ⁠   Don't forget about my free 15 minute *virtual* coaching sessions! ---> ⁠thespeechparent.com/first50⁠

Does your kid have trouble staying in a calm yet alert state in order to learn speech and language skills? They may have trouble with SENSORY REGULATION.  In today's episode we look at: 1. What is Sensory Regulation? 2. How Does Sensory Regulation Connect to Speech and Language Development? 3. Real Life Examples and Suggestions to Help   Don't forget to sign up for a FREE 15 minute, individual, virtual coaching session - thespeechparent.com/first50   It's hard to be the parent of a child with a speech delay. You don't have to do it alone! I'm here to help! Sign up for coaching or send any questions to thespeechparent@gmail.com

Today we are talking about one of my favorite ways to let kids communicate their wants and needs - CHOICE BOARDS. If you have a minimally speaking, extremely hard to understand, or non-speaking child, whether they’re a toddler or preschooler or even older - this episode is for you! Choice boards are easy to make, low cost, and a perfect way to eliminate frustration between you and your child. Let’s get your child communicating!   >>>FREE COACHING SESSION for the first 50 people to sign up! ⁠thespeechparent.com/first50⁠ I'll answer any questions related to speech/communication!

If you've ever seen kids carry around books with velcro pictures that they take off and hand to someone to request the item, then you've probably seen PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System. It's a type of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication system) and it's often recommended by people familiar with ABA, including many speech language pathologists.   I've been asked before - Can My Nonverbal (really Nonspeaking) Child Just Use PECS?    I don't recommend it! Listen to this episode to hear my top 5 reasons that I don't recommend PECS!   I'll talk more about what it is and share some things that you might never thought have before!   Free 15 minute coaching session for the first 50 people to sign up --> thespeechparent.com/first50

Have you considered getting your child an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device, also known as a speech generating device? Are you worried it might not make your child want to talk?   I get asked this question ALL THE TIME! So you're not alone in wondering - Will an AAC Device Keep My Child From Talking? Let's talk all about it in today's episode!   FREE 15 MINUTE COACHING SESSION for the first 50 people that sign up! Link here: ⁠thespeechparent.com/first50⁠

Turn taking skills are foundational for conversation! Your child needs to learn how to respond and how to initiate as building blocks for talking to others!  Join the free Late Talker Challenge HERE!

Imitation skills are important because they are the building block of language. Today's episode discusses what they are and provides a 3 step framework to improve your child's imitation skills. ---------- join the GESTALT LANGUAGE PROCESSOR WORKSHOP waitlist!

Today I'm answering questions from speech parents just like you! We're talking about how large tonsils can impact speech, vitamins to help your child, should you switch speech therapists if your child isn't making progress, etc.  I'd love to answer YOUR questions! Just email me at thespeechparent@gmail.com or send me a dm on social media Join the Late Talker Challenge HERE

This week's episode looks at the work of Laura Mize and the skills that she believes toddlers acquire before they talk. I explain each one, such as imitation skills, and describe when you might not see a toddler needing that skill.  Join the LATE TALKER CHALLENGE here!

Discussing a girl who makes the /t/ sound instead of the /k/ sound (like she says /tee/ for /key/) and leaves the /s/ sound off like says /nap/ for /snap/.  Email: thespeechparent@gmail.com

Today's episode I answer two questions that I've gotten asked recently as well as a couple questions from a Facebook group. If you want YOUR question answered, send me an email thespeechparent@gmail.com or dm me on IG @thespeechparent! Get My Free Milestone Checklist HERE

What you say to your child is obviously important, but so is HOW you say it! Here's a quick, actionable tip for you!  Join the Gestalt Language Processor Workshop WAITLIST here!

In Episode 10, I shared two basic strategies that speech therapists use. This week I'm sharing two more powerful speech therapy strategies that you can use TODAY to boost your child's language development and get them talking! Join the waitlist for my Gestalt Language Processor WORKSHOP and get it for free!

Talking about what I'm thankful for on our speech delay journey! Not my usual episode - but a fun way to practice gratitude this Thanksgiving!