Do you ever feel like you’re slogging through another therapy session?  Especially if you are working with a long-term child who has been with you awhile and is likely to stay with you a good deal longer?  Sometimes adding a new person to your group with the identical deficits can be just what the party needs.

And what if this new client required no paperwork?  Does it sound too good to be true or have you figured it out? What I’m suggesting is the inclusion of an action figure to the circle.  I have one kiddo that really improves his articulation productions when he’s speaking for the action figure.  The fact that he slows his speech rate certainly helps, but the authoritative tone that superheroes apparently require is a big part of it too.

I’m kind of partial to Thor myself, but you could have a variety of action figures for the kids to choose from or have them bring one from home (or have them check their pockets, the male version of Mary Poppin’s bag).  Using action figures is also a great way to break the ice with a quiet child who might be more willing to speak for someone other than himself.  And while eye contact is ideal, the honest truth is that eye contact can be sensory overload for some kids.  Providing an object for joint attention, can be a happy compromise.

“In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil /r/ production shall escape my sight.” –a pediatric SLP oath.  If you pledge to create clear speakers, please tweet or comment!  Plus, a new subscriber download posts next week, so be sure to sign up!