Posts by Sydney Ponce de Leon
What is Gestalt Language Processing and How is it Best to Provide Help with my Child?
Contributing author: Anna Grace Wood, GSU Graduate Student Clinician What is Gestalt Language Processing? Have you ever heard your child repeat a phrase from their favorite tv show or quote what you said earlier in the day? Then, you may be seeing your child using a way to process and develop language known as Gestalt…
Read MorePhonological Awareness for 2–3 Year Olds: Playful Ways Parents Can Support Early Speech Skills
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m often asked: “What can I do at home to help my toddler with speech?” One of the most important—and often overlooked—skills to support between ages 2 and 3 is phonological awareness. The good news? You don’t need flashcards, worksheets, or formal lessons. At this age, phonological awareness develops best…
Read MoreHelping Selective Eaters Thrive During the Holidays — A Pediatric Feeding Therapist’s Guide
The holidays are such a joyful, sensory-filled time… and for many families of selective eaters, they can also be a source of stress. Between unpredictable schedules, unfamiliar foods, and well-meaning relatives who really want your child to “just try a bite,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a pediatric feeding therapist, I want to reassure…
Read MoreHow Does Sensory Integration Help Our Kids Learn to Talk!
It is no secret that movement is beneficial. It is touted as one of the most important daily activities to manage our mental and physical health and improve brain function. Movement for children is equally important, especially those with sensory dysfunction. Children with sensory processing difficulties have trouble understanding and interacting with the sensations in…
Read MoreUsing Pictures & Illustrations with Beginning Readers—Is it Helpful or Hurtful?
Learning to read can be such a difficult task for young readers. Research shows that beginning readers who use pictures and illustrations to assist with learning to read have several advantages. However, when addressing reading difficulties, those illustrations can sometimes hinder progress. Using illustrations helps with children learning to decode (sound-out) words, make predictions, sequence…
Read More