PediaSpeech Blog
News, announcements, and feature articles of interest to our PediaSpeech families
Understanding Interoception: The “Eighth Sense” Every Parent Should Know About
When we think about the senses, we usually list the basics: sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. But the human body is far more complex than that. One of the most powerful—yet often overlooked—senses is interoception. Interoception is sometimes called our 8th sense, and it plays a major role in helping us understand what’s happening…
Easy Ways Parents Can Support Interoception at Home
(Read here to learn more about the basics of interoception and why it matters.) Here are some simple, low-pressure ideas you can try at home: “Body Check” Routines Create calm, predictable moments to check in with the body. Try asking questions like: • “What does your heart feel like right now—fast, slow, or something else?”…
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…
Phonological 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…
Helping 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…
Food Chaining: Helping Your Child Enjoy New Foods
What Is Food Chaining? If your child is a selective or cautious eater, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with mealtimes when their child refuses to try new foods. Food chaining is a gentle, step-by-step approach that helps children expand their diet by starting with foods they already enjoy. Food chaining focuses on comfort, familiarity,…
From the NICU to New Beginnings: Eliot’s Story of Resilience
Eliot Axt and her twin brother were born three months premature, each weighing just two pounds. Eliot’s early entry into the world marked the start of a long, difficult journey ahead, beginning with a four-month stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There, Eliot experienced a brain bleed and underwent a patent ductus arteriosus…
When Should I Seek a Speech Therapist for My Child?
As parents, you’re often attuned to your child’s developmental milestones and are quick to celebrate their progress. However, each child is different, and milestones are met at a variety of times depending on the person. If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from a speech therapist, here are some signs and situations that might…
Understanding Ear Tubes and Their Sensory Implications for Children
It seems like many of the children in my life are getting ear tubes. While getting ear tubes placed is a routine and common procedure for pediatricians and ENTs, there are important sensory implications that parents should be aware of. What Causes Frequent Ear Infections in Children? Ear infections can be caused by a myriad…