Serving Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee
What does it mean to “model” using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)? Modeling for AAC is similar to modeling spoken language, you’re just using an AAC system (often a speech-generating device) alongside speech! It is using the system yourself while you talk to show the child how it can be used. For example, if you […]
A gestalt language processor learns language in chunks of words rather than one single word at a time. With analytic language learning, a child will begin with single words and begin to combine words, forming longer utterances over time (e.g., “car”, then “red car”, and eventually “It’s a red car!”). Gestalt language processors, however, often […]
Fifteen minutes of exercise a day could help your child tell you what they need to say! Home exercise programs (HEPs) are tailor-made for your child to improve speech and language outcomes, encourage long-term habits, and graduate from speech sooner. At Associates in Pediatric Therapy, we pride ourselves on being family-centered. We believe all parents […]
I have heard many parents whose children aren’t currently using natural speech or their speech development is delayed say: “I don’t want a device to keep my child from learning to talk on their own.” This is a common and understandable concern. We all want our children to be able to share their voice, speak […]
Let’s Play! Why is play-based therapy so effective? Because it is a natural way to target speech and language skills by incorporating highly motivating activities, using a variety of learning styles, and following the child’s lead. Spending 15-20 minutes a day playing one-on-one with your child can help promote vocabulary skills, learn social rules, and […]
Imagine you’re at the grocery store and you can’t find the cookies. You approach a worker and they say, “Can I help you” and you say “Please”. They’re somewhat confused and begin leading you around the store directing you to various aisles and you begin to get frustrated. Again, you tell them “Please” and they […]
What is Pragmatics? Pragmatics are the social skills and rules of social language that play a part in a child’s overall communication. Children must understand the rules and purposes of communication to use language appropriately in social situations. These skills include planning what we say, how we say it, and non-verbal communication including eye contact, […]
Changes in a child’s environment are an exciting time and can be a great way to model new language and incorporate current speech and language goals in a child-led, play-based way. Outside Activities: If you can brave the cold weather, try some of these fun winter activities with ideas for how you can work on […]
There are many foundational interaction skills that precede the development of spoken language. When children have difficulty with these foundational skills, their receptive and expressive language skills are impacted. Some of these foundational skills include joint attention, use of gestures, and motor and vocal imitation. These skills can be targeted within simple rhymes (e.g., pattycake), […]
One of the best strategies to utilize during your child’s key developmental stages is to simplywait. This strategy can and should be used throughout everyday routines and interactions.When you start to evaluate how much you are waiting throughout your daily routines, you mayrealize that it’s more difficult than it sounds. But it is SO important. […]