treating phonological processing disorders

Everything You Need to Know to Begin Treating Phonological Processing Disorders 

Treating phonological processing disorders is a key piece of what you do as a pediatric SLP. It’s important to understand how phonological processing disorders differ from other speech sound disorders, how to get caregivers on board, and how to choose the best treatment approaches to help your clients. You CAN help children develop more intelligible speech and set them up on a path for successful communication all of their lives! Understanding Phonological Processing Disorders Before you begin to educate caregivers about phonological processing disorders (PPDs), it’s important to ensure you have a solid understanding of this type of speech sound

Read More »
caregivers who don't follow through

3 Ways to Handle Caregivers Who Don’t Follow Through with Speech Therapy Suggestions

As an SLP, you understand the frustration with caregivers who don’t follow through with speech therapy suggestions after they’ve asked. You KNOW progress would be so much faster if carryover was happening at home! This can be especially challenging, but it’s important to consider why this breakdown is happening and consider what you can do to help.  Why Aren’t Home Activities Happening? There are a few different reasons why caregivers may not be following through with the home activities you suggest after therapy sessions: Because each of these reasons is different, your approach to helping families work through them will

Read More »
creating systems for SLPs

Creating Systems: 3 Ways to Make Life Easier as an SLP

As a pediatric SLP, your days are filled with countless responsibilities from providing therapy to completing paperwork to educating caregivers. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, but take heart! There is a way to make your life easier as you start the upcoming school year– creating systems. By focusing on your biggest challenges, you can create systems and routines that save time during busy days, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. You’re worth this investment! Identify Your Biggest Struggles Before Creating Systems According to James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, success is not achieved by relying on willpower or pure discipline. Success

Read More »
caregiver education as an SLP

Encouragement for SLPs: Changing the World Through Caregiver Education

In the hustle and bustle of your daily life as a pediatric SLP, it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible impact you are making in the world. The stresses and challenges of being an SLP can sometimes cloud your vision, but it’s important to take time to remind yourself that you ARE changing the world! At the pediatric level, much of this change comes from the work you do with your clients’ caregivers. Caregiver education has transformative power! Don’t Lose Hope The demands of being an SLP can feel overwhelming at times. It feels like the documentation is endless,

Read More »
choosing continuing education courses

3 IMPORTANT Considerations for SLPs: Choosing Continuing Education Courses Wisely

As a pediatric SLP, your dedication to ongoing learning is vital for providing the best care for your clients and their families. Continuing education (CE) not only enriches your practice but also ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field of speech-language pathology. With the vast options available, choosing continuing education courses wisely is important to best serve both yourself and your clients. 1. Understand What is Required of You Before diving headfirst into the depths of available CE courses, be sure you understand the specific requirements set by both your state and the American

Read More »
ASHA fee increase

Navigating the Current ASHA Fee Increase: Insights for Pediatric SLPs

Early in 2024, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced an impending increase in dues of $25 for certified members. The response has been nothing short of intense! The emotions of many SLPs have ranged from frustration to great disappointment to anger and more. As SLPs who care deeply about our profession, it’s important to consider the depth of this ASHA fee increase and how it impacts us all individually and collectively.  ASHA’s Significance on the SLP Profession For many of us SLPs, our relationship with ASHA is a huge part of our career. It has been a:  ASHA set many

Read More »
identity as an SLP

How To Embrace & Nurture Your Identity as an SLP

You spend so much of your time investing in others– your clients, their families, your colleagues, your family… But are you investing in yourself? Let’s take a look at the depth of your identity as an SLP. Consider who you are beyond your professional title, and how to fully nurture yourself in the process! Your Professional Identity Let’s face it– it’s not uncommon for us as SLPs to closely identify with our job title.  This deep connection often stems from the demanding journey of undergraduate and graduate education plus all that’s involved with licensure and certification. All of these coupled

Read More »
summer-speech-success

4 PRACTICAL Tips to Share with Caregivers for Summer Speech Success

As you approach the summer months, it’s crucial to equip families with the tools they need to support their child’s speech and language development during this break. Here are 4 easy and practical tips to share with caregivers for summer speech success!  4 PRACTICAL Tips for Summer Speech Success Clarify Goals and Strategies First of all, it is important to make sure caregivers clearly understand their child’s specific diagnosis and goals. They also need to be fully aware of what types of prompts their child responds best to.  This bundle set of Parent Education Handouts is a great resource to

Read More »
national speech-language-hearing month

4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

As May approaches, it’s time to consider ways to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month with your fellow SLPs, parents, and colleagues.  Embracing Change National Speech-Language-Hearing Month was formally called Better Hearing and Speech Month. The shift to this new name is important for inclusivity and references the multifaceted roles you fulfill as an SLP. This change also recognizes the ever-changing landscape of the world of speech-language pathology.  Embrace the change as an opportunity to amplify your voice for better advocacy and bring much-needed awareness to our fantastic profession! 4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 1. Promote the Field Take

Read More »
build trust and respect with caregivers

3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers: A Guide for Pediatric SLPs

As a pediatric SLP, you understand the importance of gaining the trust and respect of your clients’ caregivers. Developing a strong rapport with parents is crucial for successful collaboration and implementation of treatment plans. While your (fabulous!) credentials may highlight your expertise, it’s your interpersonal skills and approach that will truly solidify your role as a trusted partner in a child’s communication journey. Read these 3 strategies you can begin to easily incorporate to build trust and respect with caregivers that lasts!   3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers  1. Active Listening One of the first steps in

Read More »
treating phonological processing disorders

Everything You Need to Know to Begin Treating Phonological Processing Disorders 

Treating phonological processing disorders is a key piece of what you do as a pediatric SLP. It’s important to understand how phonological processing disorders differ from other speech sound disorders, how to get caregivers on board, and how to choose the best treatment approaches to help your clients. You CAN help children develop more intelligible speech and set them up on a path for successful communication all of their lives! Understanding Phonological Processing Disorders Before you begin to educate caregivers about phonological processing disorders (PPDs), it’s important to ensure you have a solid understanding of this type of speech sound

Read More »
caregivers who don't follow through

3 Ways to Handle Caregivers Who Don’t Follow Through with Speech Therapy Suggestions

As an SLP, you understand the frustration with caregivers who don’t follow through with speech therapy suggestions after they’ve asked. You KNOW progress would be so much faster if carryover was happening at home! This can be especially challenging, but it’s important to consider why this breakdown is happening and consider what you can do to help.  Why Aren’t Home Activities Happening? There are a few different reasons why caregivers may not be following through with the home activities you suggest after therapy sessions: Because each of these reasons is different, your approach to helping families work through them will

Read More »
creating systems for SLPs

Creating Systems: 3 Ways to Make Life Easier as an SLP

As a pediatric SLP, your days are filled with countless responsibilities from providing therapy to completing paperwork to educating caregivers. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, but take heart! There is a way to make your life easier as you start the upcoming school year– creating systems. By focusing on your biggest challenges, you can create systems and routines that save time during busy days, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. You’re worth this investment! Identify Your Biggest Struggles Before Creating Systems According to James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, success is not achieved by relying on willpower or pure discipline. Success

Read More »
caregiver education as an SLP

Encouragement for SLPs: Changing the World Through Caregiver Education

In the hustle and bustle of your daily life as a pediatric SLP, it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible impact you are making in the world. The stresses and challenges of being an SLP can sometimes cloud your vision, but it’s important to take time to remind yourself that you ARE changing the world! At the pediatric level, much of this change comes from the work you do with your clients’ caregivers. Caregiver education has transformative power! Don’t Lose Hope The demands of being an SLP can feel overwhelming at times. It feels like the documentation is endless,

Read More »
choosing continuing education courses

3 IMPORTANT Considerations for SLPs: Choosing Continuing Education Courses Wisely

As a pediatric SLP, your dedication to ongoing learning is vital for providing the best care for your clients and their families. Continuing education (CE) not only enriches your practice but also ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field of speech-language pathology. With the vast options available, choosing continuing education courses wisely is important to best serve both yourself and your clients. 1. Understand What is Required of You Before diving headfirst into the depths of available CE courses, be sure you understand the specific requirements set by both your state and the American

Read More »
ASHA fee increase

Navigating the Current ASHA Fee Increase: Insights for Pediatric SLPs

Early in 2024, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced an impending increase in dues of $25 for certified members. The response has been nothing short of intense! The emotions of many SLPs have ranged from frustration to great disappointment to anger and more. As SLPs who care deeply about our profession, it’s important to consider the depth of this ASHA fee increase and how it impacts us all individually and collectively.  ASHA’s Significance on the SLP Profession For many of us SLPs, our relationship with ASHA is a huge part of our career. It has been a:  ASHA set many

Read More »
identity as an SLP

How To Embrace & Nurture Your Identity as an SLP

You spend so much of your time investing in others– your clients, their families, your colleagues, your family… But are you investing in yourself? Let’s take a look at the depth of your identity as an SLP. Consider who you are beyond your professional title, and how to fully nurture yourself in the process! Your Professional Identity Let’s face it– it’s not uncommon for us as SLPs to closely identify with our job title.  This deep connection often stems from the demanding journey of undergraduate and graduate education plus all that’s involved with licensure and certification. All of these coupled

Read More »
summer-speech-success

4 PRACTICAL Tips to Share with Caregivers for Summer Speech Success

As you approach the summer months, it’s crucial to equip families with the tools they need to support their child’s speech and language development during this break. Here are 4 easy and practical tips to share with caregivers for summer speech success!  4 PRACTICAL Tips for Summer Speech Success Clarify Goals and Strategies First of all, it is important to make sure caregivers clearly understand their child’s specific diagnosis and goals. They also need to be fully aware of what types of prompts their child responds best to.  This bundle set of Parent Education Handouts is a great resource to

Read More »
national speech-language-hearing month

4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

As May approaches, it’s time to consider ways to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month with your fellow SLPs, parents, and colleagues.  Embracing Change National Speech-Language-Hearing Month was formally called Better Hearing and Speech Month. The shift to this new name is important for inclusivity and references the multifaceted roles you fulfill as an SLP. This change also recognizes the ever-changing landscape of the world of speech-language pathology.  Embrace the change as an opportunity to amplify your voice for better advocacy and bring much-needed awareness to our fantastic profession! 4 Simple Ways to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 1. Promote the Field Take

Read More »
build trust and respect with caregivers

3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers: A Guide for Pediatric SLPs

As a pediatric SLP, you understand the importance of gaining the trust and respect of your clients’ caregivers. Developing a strong rapport with parents is crucial for successful collaboration and implementation of treatment plans. While your (fabulous!) credentials may highlight your expertise, it’s your interpersonal skills and approach that will truly solidify your role as a trusted partner in a child’s communication journey. Read these 3 strategies you can begin to easily incorporate to build trust and respect with caregivers that lasts!   3 Ways to Build Trust and Respect with Caregivers  1. Active Listening One of the first steps in

Read More »