Steps 2 Speech

01/02/2021

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and much better 2021!!

11/16/2020

Paula Marisa

Italian baby learning to talk. This is the cutest thing ever. Yes we Italians do talk with our hands. 😆 lol.

Bebê italiano aprendendo a falar

08/24/2020

Coronavirus pandemic: Children aged 12 and over should wear masks - WHO

New thoughts on who should be wearing a mask. Perhaps the preschools and kindergartens will be given updated mask mandates for children in class for those states mandating them? I was never comfortable knowing that these age groups would be mandated to wear masks in classrooms. To start with, it’s a communication nightmare.

The UN health body says there is some evidence teenagers can infect others in the same way as adults.

08/20/2020

Students With Disabilities Struggle To Learn Remotely

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STRUGGLE TO LEARN REMOTELY. This is a fact we learned very quickly this past spring.

While many schools are continuing distance learning, educators want to do things differently this time for students who need special education services. Parents say the schools have to do better.

While many schools are continuing distance learning, educators want to do things differently this time for students who need special education services. Parents say the schools have to do better.

08/18/2020

Concerned about the speech-language development of your baby, toddler or preschooler? Send a message for more info or to schedule a consult. Conducting in person therapy and evaluations and virtual consults. Spots are limited, scheduling now for September.

07/29/2020

Media Spotlight: Masks and Communication

With so many people now wearing masks in public, we need to acknowledge the negative impact on the hearing/communication impaired and learn how we can help.

As COVID-19 cases surge in much of the country, ASHA works to help educate and advocate about the impact of mask use on those with hearing difficulties. 

06/27/2020

So happy to be back for in office sessions! Concerned about your toddler’s speech-language development? Send a message or visit website for more info!

04/01/2020

College student makes masks for the deaf & hard of hearing

What a great idea! 👏👍🏻😷

A college senior from Versailles put her stir-craziness to good use with a project that will help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

03/20/2020

Audible Stories | Audible.com

Another freebie while kids are off school : audible stories

Free stories for kids of all ages. Audible Stories is a free website where kids of all ages can listen to hundreds of Audible audio titles across six different languages—English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese—for free, so they can keep learning, dreaming and just being kids.

03/18/2020

Coronavirus Social Story – Little Puddins Free Printables

Another good resource: a social story...to explain this situation in story format and simple terminology for young children.

A Coronavirus Social Story for children wand adults with additional needs. I originally posted this to The Autism Educator.

03/18/2020

Distance Learning

This resource is free to use now and great for Pre-K:

With this digital platform you can access activity books, lessons, demonstrations of letter and number formations, music, videos, stories, and more including handwriting and keyboarding.

Whether you’ve already closed for the school year, or are considering a path forward, the following resources can help you continue children’s handwriting, keyboarding, and pre-kindergarten development from a distance.

03/06/2020

OT Corner: Benefits of Yoga for Kids with Special Needs

So many benefits of yoga for kids with special needs! Read about it here!

by Sari Ockner, OTR/L Occupational therapists help children with special needs build the underlying skills necessary to promote their success and independence in daily activities. This includes building their physical strength and endurance, while regulating their activity level, behavior, and emoti...

01/20/2020

Five Ways to Stop Preschool Drop Off Separation Anxiety (Yes, They Really Work!)

Is your preschool child having difficulty with separation at school/daycare dropoff? I think the simplest solutions I’ve found are 1) drop off from the car and have the teacher/ therapist take them right there, and 2) have someone else other than mom or dad do the dropoff/walk in to the school. Usually works like a charm! But if you’re looking for some other ideas, read about it here!

The hardest part of my day used to be prying my preschooler and kindergartners arms off my legs when I had to drop them off at school. My sons’ howls of protest hurt my heart at the same time…

01/03/2020

American Girl's 2020 girl of the year is 1st doll with hearing loss

Happy New Year! Just saw that the American Girl Doll of 2020 is the first one to have hearing loss!! Check it out:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yahoo.com/amphtml/lifestyle/american-girl-unveils-its-2020-doll-a-surfercheerleader-with-a-hearing-aid-203026566.html

American Girl's 2020 Girl of the Year doll is Joss Kendrick! In a first, this American Girl doll has hearing loss and wears a hearing aid.

12/05/2019

Teach Your Children How To Use an Indoor Voice

Parents will often ask me, “Why does my child talk loudly,” or “Do you have tips for how I can get my child to use an appropriate volume when s/he speaks?” Assuming that a hearing loss has been ruled out by a thorough hearing exam, there are some strategies you can use with your child to encourage an appropriate speaking volume. Below is an article that explains why children sometimes have a hard time regulating their volume and what you can do to help!

Lately our two children, ages 3 and 6, have started a new game. It’s the

08/13/2019

Explicit Phonics Instruction: It's Not Just for Students With Dyslexia

Interesting article highlighting the importance of including thorough phonics instruction as part of the “balanced literacy” programs. All children benefit from sequenced, explicit, code-based instruction to learn how to read words. Experts say that those who learn to read without explicit phonics instruction would likely be better spellers, and perhaps also better readers with it.

Teacher Kyle Redford has long advocated that dyslexic children need specialized instruction in how to decode words. But a recent look at reading research called her to question her stance—and now she says all students should learn this way.

07/13/2019

Talkative Parents May Boost Child's IQ

Recent study shows that children with talkative parents could reap the benefits in the form of greater cognitive ability! Read about it here! And keep chatting with your children, even the babies!
https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/05/06/talkative-parents-may-boost-childs-iq/145093.html

Interesting new research suggests exposure to large amounts of adult speech may enhance a child's cognitive skills. The major new study, led by scientists at the University of York, identified a

06/01/2019

Blind contestant with autism leaves "America's Got Talent" judges and audience in awe after inspiring performance

I’m sure many of you have seen this video already but just had to repost. Amazing!

Kodi Lee, 22, received a standing ovation from everyone and earned a trip to the show's final

05/17/2019

articles.aplus.com

Great video “This is What it Sounds Like to Be Deaf.” “Putting together a puzzle without all the pieces” is a great way to describe it! Click below to watch!

05/16/2019

Social Interactions in Toddlers

Learn more about the social communication milestones that are expected in toddlers--and the signs of a possible social communication disorder or autism spectrum disorder. Speech-language pathologists can help!

Learn more about the social communication milestones that are expected in toddlers--and the signs of a possible social communication disorder or autism spectrum disorder. Speech-language pathologists can help! #BHSMcontest

05/10/2019

Early Intervention is Key

Early intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing is not one-size-fits all. Learn more about the communication approaches parents may choose to use with their child.

Early intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing is not one-size-fits all. Learn more about the communication approaches parents may choose to use with their child. #BHSMcontest

05/08/2019

Feeding and Swallowing Problems in Infants

Swallowing disorders can lead to low weight, poor nutrition, dehydration, and other health problems. Treatment allows babies to grow and thrive! Learn how speech-language pathologists help.

Swallowing disorders can lead to low weight, poor nutrition, dehydration, and other health problems. Treatment allows babies to grow and thrive! Learn how speech-language pathologists help. #BHSMcontest

05/06/2019

Birth to 12-Month Speech and Language Milestones

Birth to 12-Month Speech and Language Milestones
Babies are showing off budding speech and language skills from the very beginning. Click to learn more about milestones that are expected in a child's first year of life--and how families can encourage communication development.

Babies are showing off budding speech and language skills from the very beginning. Click to learn more about milestones that are expected in a child's first year of life--and how families can encourage communication development. #BHSMcontest

05/04/2019

Treatment Transforms

Treatment for a speech, language, or hearing disorder sets a child up for academic and social success. Parents who sought treatment for their child's communication disorder reported significant improvement. Don't delay--get help if you have concerns.

Treatment for a speech, language, or hearing disorder sets a child up for academic and social success. Parents who sought treatment for their child's communication disorder reported significant improvement. Don't delay--get help if you have concerns. #BHSMcontest

05/02/2019

Identify the Signs of Communication Disorders

The signs of communication disorders can be subtle--and most parents can't identify all of them. Early identification is key! Learn the signs--and seek an evaluation from an audiologist or speech-language pathologist if you have concerns!

The signs of communication disorders can be subtle--and most parents can't identify all of them. Early identification is key! Learn the signs--and seek an evaluation from an audiologist or speech-language pathologist if you have concerns. #BHSMcontest

05/01/2019

Infographic: Parental Concern & Awareness

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! New findings show many parents have concerns about their child's communication. Take a look, and seek an evaluation if you are worried about your child's speech, language, or hearing. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists can help!

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month--and new findings show many parents have concerns about their child's communication. Take a look, and seek an evaluation if you are worried about your child's speech, language, or hearing. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists can help!

02/13/2019

Engineers translate brain signals directly into speech: Advance marks critical step toward brain-computer interfaces that hold immense promise for those with limited or no ability to speak

In a scientific first, Columbia neuroengineers have created a system that translates thought into intelligible, recognizable speech. It lays the groundwork for helping people who cannot speak, such as those living with as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or recovering from stroke, regain their ability to communicate with the outside world. Check it out! Amazing!!!!

In a scientific first, neuroengineers have created a system that translates thought into intelligible, recognizable speech. This breakthrough, which harnesses the power of speech synthesizers and artificial intelligence, could lead to new ways for computers to communicate directly with the brain.

01/22/2019

How to Expand Your Child’s Vocabulary - EdSmarts

How to expand your child’s vocabulary...

Studies suggest that children who know more words achieve better grades in school, read at a higher than average level, are able to think more deeply, can express their emotions and thoughts better, and learn new things faster.

01/21/2019

Can a human singing voice shatter glass? | EarthSky.org

Fact or fiction?: A human singing voice can shatter glass. The answer is yes, given the right conditions! Read here and watch the videos for the explanation!

Not just any loud sound will shatter a glass. It has to be the right resonant frequency.

01/18/2019

The Singer Who Doesn’t Eat - Vocalists Losing Weight | Singsician

Singers are doing themselves more harm than good if they feel they have to starve themselves to land a certain role. Here is a discussion about the importance of a good diet and adequate hydration for maintaining your optimum voice. Our vocal folds, like all our other parts, require good hydration and nutrition to stay healthy!

The “starving artist” issue takes on new meaning for singers who feel they must diet to “fit into” a role – says Kristie Knickerbocker | Diet, health, Nutrition

01/07/2019

Why The Plastic Straw Ban Angers Me as a Special Needs Mom

Many individuals with special needs rely on straws for drinking and meeting their caloric intake needs. Plastic straws may have gotten a bad rap as of late, but here a special needs mom shares her thoughts on the plastic straw ban and the negative effect it has on the special needs population.

Companies and cities are banning the use of plastic straws across the nation. However, we are forgetting that individuals with disabilities rely on straws for drinking. These bans negatively affect their quality of life.

12/29/2018

What Teachers Need to Know About Selective Mutism

What teachers need to know about selective mutism...

What a student's silence is really saying.

10/08/2018

More ‘Baby Talk’ May Mean a Quicker Grasp of Vocabulary

Recent study shows that parents who use “baby talk” with their little ones are helping to facilitate the early stages of vocabulary development.

Free Research in Brief  |   October 01, 2018 More ‘Baby Talk’ May Mean a Quicker Grasp of Vocabulary Author Notes © 2018 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Article Information Development / Research Issues, Methods & Evidence-Based Practice / Professional Issues & Training / Langu...

09/21/2018

Emily Blunt ‘Mary Poppins’ Struggled With Stuttering For Years

Emily Blunt ‘Mary Poppins’ Struggled With Stuttering For Years

Emily Blunt is dazzling fans with the new trailer of her upcoming movie Mary Poppins Returns, but what many may be surprised to discover is that the