What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
By Pranali Shah MS, CF SLP Childhood Apraxia of Speech, often abbreviated as CAS, is a motor speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate the movements required to speak. Unlike other speech disorders, CAS is not caused by muscle weakness or paralysis but rather by difficulties in the brain’s planning and […]
Pacifier use
By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP Oh, the controversial pacifier! You might also know it as a binky, nookie, pon-pon, or dummy… (amongst others). Some parents swear by it and can’t imagine toddlerhood without this tool… others could never imagine giving one to their child! Is there any in-between? As child development specialists, we know that […]
Core Activation Activities
By Erica Gliga MOT, OTR/L More core, please! Core strength is foundational for developing an upright posture and motor skill development. Here are some different ideas to inspire activities that will actively engage your child’s core through play and movement. Swinging, Climbing, and Sliding Swinging is a great way to activate the core and increase […]
Using Music to Help Children Learn Language
By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP Have you ever noticed that your child’s eyes light up when they hear their favorite song? Or witnessed them jump up and down from excitement when they recognize the beginning beats of “Baby Shark”? What about the calming effects that certain lullabies will have on soothing your fussy baby? We […]
The Importance of Movement Breaks
By Christine Hemelians, MS, OTR/L Think back to your childhood and remember how common it was to hear the phrase “sit still and pay attention!” During my childhood, educators and parents alike, instilled the expectation for kids to sit without fidgeting or moving during learning activities. And if we were unable to, it was common […]
Age-Appropriate Chores and Tasks
By Kyla Cole, COTA/L Engaging young children in age-appropriate chores and tasks around the house not only instills a sense of responsibility but also promotes their overall development. These activities play a role in enhancing fine motor skills, coordination, sensory integration, and overall independence. Before assigning chores and tasks to young children, it’s important to […]
Infant Oral Reflexes
By Rouzan Dishoian, MS, CF SLP Reflexes are involuntary responses to certain stimuli that help us protect our body from things that can harm us. Infants are born with a few oral-pharyngeal reflexes that are critical to maintain life and ultimately serve functions, such as feeding, breathing, and communication. Here are some infant oral-reflexes: Rooting […]
Play and language
By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” ~ Mr. Rogers Flashcards, quizzing, educational television shows… it might seem like this would be the best way to teach our children new language concepts. But what if I told you that the best way to connect with your […]
The benefits of using a visual schedule
By: Christine Hemelians, MS, OTR/L Adults often use calendars, post-its, “to do” lists, and organizers to help complete tasks and enhance memory. Children as young as 12 months can also benefit from similar tools and reminders. When a child doesn’t understand what he/she is expected of them or what they’re supposed to do, and an […]
Screen Time
By Deborah Lee MS, OTR/L Screen time is definitely an advantage for parents to keep their little ones occupied while they have to deal with work related matters or even small tasks to complete at home. However, did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against screen time especially for […]