Black, Brown & Female Children Less Likely to Receive Intervention for Communication Disorders

Communication disorders detected between 0-3 years of age, are eligible for free early intervention services. Many communication challenges can be addressed at that time, and do not become a disorder. However, some children even after early intervention, continue to struggle with language development because they are not developing speech and language skills quickly enough to …

Fostering Growth Mindset in Students with Speech & Language Challenges

Carol Dweck’s research on “growth mindset” supported my work with adults and children struggling with speech and language challenges. Early in my career working with elementary, middle and high school students, the biggest challenge was getting students to produce. No grades were given, the work being done was in the most difficult areas and many …

Can corporate America accommodate people with social skills deficit?

Can corporate America accommodate people with social skills deficit? Well, yes, but how? Companies have cultures. Some may be easier for people with social skills deficits than others.  As the employee what is your role?  What is the managers role? There are no easy answers ,and it depends on the job. It's a lot easier to …

“Your Fantastic Elastic Brain”: Motivating Children and Teens with Speech and Language Disorders

Struggling to motivate children and teens with speech and language disorders is an on going concern. Many learn to navigate around their deficit using strategies, but others avoid learning risks at all cost.  In therapy using interesting games is a popular motivator, but using these tools does not teach students how and why they should …

Please, stop screaming!: ADHD and Aggressive Behavior

I read an article on Understood.org by Kate Kelly ADHD and Aggression: What You Need to Know.  I wish I had read this article on ADD and aggressive behavior earlier in my parenting career because it would have been nice to confirm my personal experiences.   Hitting, throwing objects, screaming, falling on the floor, or refusing …

Speech-Language Therapy vs Tutoring (Updated)

Speech-language therapy vs tutoring: What's the difference? In order to choose the right services for yourself or your child, it's important to understand the difference between speech-language therapy vs tutoring. How is speech-language therapy different from tutoring? Why choose one service over the other? Tutors re-teach information taught in the curriculum. Students acquire information at …

Not eligible for speech-language services

Not eligible for speech-language services "Not eligible for speech and language services!"  What's going on? Your child has been receiving speech and language services for several years or needs services.  After a recent team meeting, you were informed that your child is not eligible for speech-language services. How can this be? Is this the right time …

College Academic-Social Skills Coach

John, not his real name, a freshman was having difficulty managing his life on campus.  He spent most of his time in his room playing video games or watching Netflix, went to bed a 2-3 am missed classes and was turning in late assignments. By midterm, not only had John gained weight, he had no …

Reading Comprehension > Decoding Words

Reading comprehension is one of the most complex cognitive activities in which humans engage, making it difficult to teach, measure, and research. (2) Reading is not equal to just decoding words. In order to have excellent reading skills, children must have strong decoding skills, a strong language foundation, in addition to other cognitive skills.  Reading …