Gestalt language processing involves perceiving speech in larger, meaningful units, crucial for addressing communication difficulties, especially in autism spectrum disorders. Children with gestalt language processing often start learning language by repeating phrases they’ve heard, called ‘echolalia’. As they progress, they start breaking down these larger language chunks into smaller parts that they can use more flexibly in communication. Following a speech-language assessment using a natural language acquisition protocol, speech pathologists design treatment plans that can be carried over a ..read more

Gestalt language processing is an approach to understanding how some individuals, particularly children, acquire and use language. It is not a diagnosis, program, or intervention. Rather, it is a way of describing typical language development in neurotypical and neurodivergent children. This process is based on the concept that these individuals perceive language in ‘wholes’ or meaningful units, rather than in the linear, sequential manner that is typically emphasized in traditional language learning. This means that children learn phrases or groups of words as whole pieces, repeating them wit ..read more

A lisp is a speech issue that affects how someone says a group of sounds called sibilants (s, z, sh, zh, ch, j) and lingua-alveolar (t, d, n, l). Sibilant sounds are those made by hissing, like “s” and “z”, while lingua-alveolar sounds involve the tongue touching the ridge behind the upper teeth. Anatomy or speech development can cause lisps, which may persist into adulthood without treatment. Four types of lisps exist: interdental, dentalized, lateral, and palatal. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment and management of lisping. Specially trained speech therapists work with in ..read more

Dr. Edythe Strand Explains CAS for Caregivers Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a label for a speech sound disorder that impacts one’s ability to plan sequential movements for speech productions. There are several evidenced based programs available for treating this neurological condition, one of which is Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC.) DTTC Defined DTTC is a therapy approach that helps kids learn how to move their mouth muscles for talking. It focuses on practicing different mouth movements. Unlike other speech therapies, DTTC is effective for kids with severe sp ..read more

Receptive language refers to the ability of individuals to comprehend or understand language as it is spoken or written by others. It encompasses the processing of words, sentences, and meaning conveyed through language, which is crucial for effective communication. People use receptive language skills to follow instructions, understand stories, answer questions, and engage in conversations. Contrastingly, expressive language involves the production of language, allowing individuals to convey their thoughts, feelings, and ideas to others. This includes speaking, writing, and utilizing non-ver ..read more

Seeking the right speech therapy services can be a crucial step for many individuals and their families. If you are searching for pediatric speech therapy for your child, or looking for the best speech therapist in your vicinity to address specific communication challenges, understanding your options is essential. You are your child’s best advocate in their early years of development and talking with your pediatrician is a great starting point. Early intervention is particularly important for children with speech or language delays, as it can greatly enhance outcomes by addressing issues as so ..read more

Telegraphic speech refers to a form of communication commonly used by young children as they are developing their language skills. It involves speaking in short, simple phrases, usually comprised of only the most important words needed to convey a message. These 2-3 word phrases exclude non-essential parts of speech, such as articles, prepositions, and auxiliary verbs. Telegraphic speech sounds like telegrams, where brevity was valued and filler words were left out to save time and cost. Telegraphic speech is an important phase in speech development. It emerges once children have progressed p ..read more

Speech development in babies is a fascinating and vital aspect of their growth, revealing the intricate process in which infants learn to communicate with the world around them. From the very first coos and babbles to the formation of syllables and first words, this developmental milestone is crucial for social interaction and cognitive development. Comprehension goes hand in hand with speech as babies begin to understand and respond to language, setting the foundation for effective communication. As caregivers, there is much you can do to begin laying the foundation for communication with you ..read more

Bedtime Tales: Boosting Speech & Language Skills with Stories In today’s digital age, where screens dominate our children’s lives, the power of storytelling remains a timeless tradition. Bedtime stories not only engage and captivate young minds but also offer a unique opportunity to boost speech and language skills. By immersing children in the magical world of stories, parents can help them develop crucial communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Through the art of storytelling, children are exposed to a rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and complex ch ..read more

Unlocking the Power of Language: Understanding Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate our thoughts, express our emotions, and connect with others on a deeper level. But have you ever wondered how language develops in young children? How do they progress from babbling to forming coherent sentences? One way to measure a child’s language development is by measuring their Mean Length of Utterance (MLU). In this article, we will explore the concept of MLU and its importance in understanding language development. MLU, or Mean Length of Utterance, me ..read more