As a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner, I often meet parents who are doing everything they can to help their child succeed-but still notice things like poor posture, trouble focusing, or difficulty with coordination. What many families don’t realize is that these challenges can sometimes be connected to something called a
As a Speech-Language Pathologist with over ten years in the field, I have had countless experiences seeing oral ties firsthand. I have learned how oral ties can potentially lead to a variety of issues down the road, including but not limited to: difficulty with milk transfer during breastfeeding, difficulty taking
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
PROMPT stands for Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets PROMPT therapy is a technique that can be used to treat a variety of speech delays and disorders. PROMPT is particularly helpful in the treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Children diagnosed with CAS often lack planning and
