Beginnings
Although we think about January 1 as a start to the new year, I get that new year feeling in August too. I think it's the idea of beginning again -- getting a chance to start over fresh. Especially when we've... [Read more...]
Sorting Out the 11 Prelinguistic Skills…
HOW DO THEY FIT IN THE 4 AREAS OF FOCUS FOR LATE TALKERS AND TODDLERS WITH LANGUAGE DELAYS/DISORDERS? If you've followed my work for a while, you'll know that I like hierarchies, charts, lists, and anything else that promotes a system or a "plan"... [Read more...]
#344 I Need a Plan! A Framework for Working with Late Talking Toddlers
This week's show outlines the framework for working with late talking toddlers. Here's the show: Here's the summary: As speech-language pathologists and parents, when a toddler is not talking yet, we rush in to try to help them learn to... [Read more...]
VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT FOR TODDLERS
VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT FOR TODDLERS #1 Rule… Focus on teaching words a child can use during everyday activities. Frequently parents (and therapists!) ask for a list of vocabulary as they begin to focus on teaching a toddler to understand... [Read more...]
Benefits of Social Games as a Therapy Strategy
Do you play games like Peek-a-Boo and Ring Around the Rosies in speech therapy sessions with toddlers? If you do, congratulations! You are using evidence-based practice. If you're not using social games as one of your cornerstone strategies, then... [Read more...]
It’s Summer! Ridiculously Easy Ideas for Water Play for Toddlers
Is it as hot where you live today? It is here! To beat the heat, I want to give you some ideas for water play for toddlers from my therapy manual Let's Talk About Talking. WATER PLAY In this activity, a child learns to respond and... [Read more...]
Help Late Talkers with a Short Attention Span… Therapy Tip of the Week Video 6.1.2018
Tips for Helping Late Talkers Pay Attention Are you trying to work with a late talker who has a super short attention span? You’re probably thinking… how is he ever going to learn to talk if he won’t listen and pay attention? This can be... [Read more...]
10 Great Ideas for Clear Plastic Tubes for Toddlers… Therapy Tip of the Week 5.28.18
In this video, I’m going to show you how to teach toddlers 10 different language skills using a $5 lighting cover I picked up at Lowe’s. You can make this activity as complicated or as easy as you’d like, but one thing is for sure,... [Read more...]
1 in 59… New Autism Rates in the US
Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated information about new autism rates in the US. The new estimate represents a 15 percent increase to 1 in 59 children. This is a change from 1 in 68... [Read more...]
Ideas for Kids Who Are Talking But Still Clinging to a Favorite Sign
Do you have any kids on your caseload (or in your own house!) who hang on to a few favorite signs even though they are already using words? Today I received this email from an SLP about her own son: My little guy has is almost 2 years old and... [Read more...]
Pat The Bunny… Using Books to Teach Toddlers to Follow Directions
One of my favorite little books that most parents remember from their own childhoods is Pat the Bunny. Written in 1940, it's certainly a classic (aka OLD), but don't let its age fool you. Toddlers still enjoy this darling little book IF you use... [Read more...]
Tips for Teaching Prepositions/Location Words
Between 12 and 24 months a child with typically developing language learns to understand some early prepositions or location words including in, out, on, off, up, down, here, and there. Late talkers and other toddlers with language delays may... [Read more...]
Child Not Communicating? Teach Him to INITIATE
Today I met a little guy in person whose mom has been my guest twice on the podcast with more to come! (I LOVED them, by the way!) On that first show we reviewed the 11 Skills Toddlers Master Before Words Emerge and identified initiation as... [Read more...]
Can Your Toddler Wave, Point, and Blow Kisses? If Not, Begin Here!
If a late talker uses 15 to 20 different gestures, wonderful! You don’t need this post! BUT… If a late talker you’re working with or parenting ISN’T using at least this many gestures, read on! Gestures are important because they... [Read more...]
Imitation… How Toddlers Learn EVERYTHING
Imitation means that a child copies what he sees and hears other people do and say. This “watch and do” process is how all of us learn just about anything. We pay attention while someone else does something and then we try it too. Language... [Read more...]
Learning to Make Noise
None of us can talk unless we know how to produce sound purposefully! Some babies are extremely quiet and make noise only when it’s reflexive, meaning they cry, burp, cough, sneeze, and laugh, but it’s not something they seem to know that... [Read more...]
“He understands everything.” Missing Receptive Language Delays in Late Talkers
Delays in receptive language, or how a child understands words and follows directions, are often ignored or glossed over in late talkers. I believe that receptive language delays are the most overlooked issue in toddlers with any kind of... [Read more...]
“All You Do Is Play.” Linking Play to Language Development
Therapists... How do you respond when a parent says... "All you do is play. When are you going to teach him to talk?" Here's what I say... Play is important for language development because play is a terrific way for little kids to learn... [Read more...]
“Play and Stay”
What's your best strategy for parents for working with kids who don't play with toys. Here it is and honestly, it's the only thing that really works! Encourage parents to “play and stay” with a toddler until toys are mastered. Your main... [Read more...]
“Ah Boom!” A Super Effective Social Game for Toddlers
I have a question for you… What are your top 3 ways to bring a child’s attention back to you when they’re giving you “I’m outta here!” signals? Here are mine... I break into song. Music works! Or... I grab the closest... [Read more...]
“Show, Hold, Give”… Improving Joint Attention in Toddlers
Joint attention, or being able to shift and share attention, is soooo important for language development. It's a skill that's missing in lots of late talkers, particularly those with red flags for autism. You can read more about joint attention here... [Read more...]
Joint Attention…Questions for Parents
Lots of parents (and therapists too!) miss it when a toddler is not exhibiting joint attention. When we talk about what they're doing, but there's no response or acknowledgment of what we just said, we should suspect that there's a problem. It's... [Read more...]
“Are You Listening?” Developing Attention in Toddlers
Before we can change a child, we often have to change ourselves first! This means that we’ll adjust the things we do before we expect any changes from a child. It may help you to think about it in these... [Read more...]
Turn Taking in Toddlers… It’s More than Sharing Toys!
When I ask a parent, "How does your child take turns?" sometimes they think I’m referring to sharing toys or playing a board game. That’s not really what we’re looking for with a 2-year-old! Let’s get real – sharing anything,... [Read more...]
Exploring is GOOD for Language Development
Quotes from homes with toddlers... "Don't touch!" "Let's get out of that cabinet." "Put that down!" A child’s internal drive to explore should be obvious and dominate most of his waking moments throughout childhood, but especially in... [Read more...]
The ONE Change with Late Talkers That Can Make All the Difference
Often we look for a quick fix anytime we have a problem. I know I do! Who doesn't want a solution RIGHT THIS MINUTE when there's something not going as planned. It's the same with parents (and therapists!) who work with late talkers. We want... [Read more...]
Making the Connection Between “Busy” and Late Talking
Making the Connection Between “Busy” and Late Talking It’s so easy to dismiss a toddler’s distractedness and busyness, even when there are obvious developmental differences like late talking. Once when I asked a dad to gauge his little... [Read more...]
“Why is He Doing That?” Analyzing a Toddler’s Puzzling Behaviors
If you listened to last week’s podcast, you’ll remember that the SLP guest and I discussed a little girl on her caseload who runs away frequently during play, even when she likes the activity and the person who is playing with her. Part of that... [Read more...]
When a Toddler Doesn’t Play With Toys
Did your child gets lots of new toys for Christmas? Don't be too disappointed if he doesn't seem to know how to play with new toys on his or her own. AND... don't fall into the trap of assuming "he must not like it" if he doesn't play... [Read more...]
“I Need To Be More Lively!”
Many times, the most important FIRST STEP we need to take when we work with very young children with language delays is to take a look at our own interaction and communication patterns. This week I talked to a therapist who said to me, "I need to... [Read more...]
Can’t Get a Toddler to Talk Consistently? Try CHOICES! Therapy Tip of the Week 12.9.17
Do you want a technique that virtually guarantees a toddler will at least attempt a response? Try CHOICES! Especially motivating choices! As soon as a kid can (try to) imitate words, get choices going! You'll significantly increase the... [Read more...]
Prompting Hierarchy for Late Talkers
This week I've fielded the same question from a few families and therapists who have emailed me about kids who do not initiate. Remember that initiating means that a child takes the lead in an interaction or conversation. Initiating is important... [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Talking…Ways to Strengthen the 11 Skills Toddlers Master Before Words Emerge
Introducing... Let's Talk About Talking...Ways to Strengthen the 11 Skills All Toddlers Master Before Words Emerge In this BRAND NEW therapy manual (it’s a whopper at 330+ pages!), learn the 11 prerequisite skills ALL toddlers, regardless of... [Read more...]
Did You Know…Today’s Fact about Language Development
8.2.18 Did you know? Baby Teeth May Provide Clues to ASD A study in Science Advances suggests that baby teeth may indicate the roots of autism and may possibly help with earlier detection. It's now believed that the way infants... [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Talking… A NEW Therapy Manual
In my new book Let's Talk About Talking... Ways to Strengthen the 11 Skills All Toddlers Master Before Words Emerge, I'm teaching you how to target pre-linguistic skills that establish the foundation for communicating. Before any kid begins to... [Read more...]
LET’S TALK ABOUT TALKING…Sample Page
TEACH A CHILD TO IMITATE WORDS USING SNACKS If you’re the kind of person who likes detailed step-by-step instructions, along with an explanation for why you’re doing something, you’re going to LOVE my brand new therapy manual Let’s... [Read more...]
Board Games for Late Talking Toddlers
Board Games for Late Talking Toddlers Introducing board games with any toddler can be hard, and it’s even more of a challenge for toddlers with developmental delays. Does that mean we give up and don’t try at all? No way! Of course, we... [Read more...]
Car Games for Toddlers…Part 2! Make the Most of Your Commute for Late Talkers
In my last post about car games for late talking toddlers, I shared ways to get sound games going for children who aren't yet talking. In this post, let's look at more suggestions for car games with toddlers who are beginning to talk. The best... [Read more...]
Car Games for Late Talkers…Great Ways to Maximize Your Commute with Your Late Talker
Moms of late talkers frequently email me some version of this question... "We spend lots of time in the car, especially waiting for my older children to be released from school and other activities. Do you have any ideas I can use during that... [Read more...]
Focus on “Better” Not Perfect with Late Talkers
I bet you've heard the saying, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." In terms of working with late talking toddlers, our version would be, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of better." We should always aim for better with late talkers -... [Read more...]
Today’s Tip for Late Talkers…. Don’t Focus on Words…Use Play Sounds!
Yesterday I started a series about the biggest regret that parents of late talkers share with me. The one thing parents tell me they regret most of all is WAITING to do anything to help their child when they first began to suspect a problem. If you... [Read more...]
Biggest Regret Parents of Late Talkers Share
Every day I hear from parents of toddlers with language delays who share with me their biggest regret... WAITING Waiting to mention to the pediatrician that they're worried about their child Waiting to make the call to set up an... [Read more...]
CALLING GAME…Tips for Helping a Child Learn to Call People by Name
Tips for Helping a Child Learn to Use Names A mom recently asked me for suggestions for teaching her child to use other people's names. Many times, children with autism or social communication delays have difficulty learning to do this. Sometimes... [Read more...]
Recommendations for Working with Bilingual Toddlers with Language Delay
Last Friday on the podcast I hosted a fantastic guest, speech-language pathologist Becky Green. Her specialty is working with bilingual toddlers with language delay. The information she shared included this TAKE AWAY message: Learning two languages... [Read more...]
Coupon Codes and Sales
Do you need a coupon code or want to know what's on sale? The ONLY way to get the very latest info about current sales and coupon codes at teachmetotalk.com is to join my email list! You'll receive specialized content including: advance... [Read more...]
Pretend Play Skills…An Important Marker for Language Development in Toddlers
Have you ever wondered if a child is “just a late talker” or if there’s a larger problem? Research reveals that there are several risk factors that let us know that a child’s late talking is likely a part of a child’s developmental... [Read more...]
“This” and “That” Kids…Strategies for Reducing Non-Specific Vocabulary in Late Talkers
Reducing Non-Specific Vocabulary in Late Talkers Yesterday I received this email from an SLP who asked a question that's very common for those of us who work with late talkers. I thought I'd share my response in case you need these tips... [Read more...]
Gestures Predict First Words
Have you ever wondered if a child is “just a late talker” or if there’s a larger problem? Research reveals that there are several risk factors that let us know that a child’s late talking is likely a part of a child’s developmental... [Read more...]
Receptive Language Delays… The MOST Overlooked Problem in Late Talkers
Have you ever wondered if a child is “just a late talker” or if there’s a larger problem? Research reveals that there are several risk factors that let us know that a child’s late talking is likely a part of a child’s developmental... [Read more...]
Joint Attention in Toddlers: Why It’s Important for Language Development
Have you ever wondered if a child is “just a late talker” or if there’s a larger problem? Research reveals that there are several risk factors that let us know that a child’s late talking is likely a part of a child’s developmental... [Read more...]
Cognitive Delay: What It Means for Language Development
#1 Factor Indicating that a Toddler’s Language Delay is “More Than Late Talking” Earlier this week I started a series of posts called “Is This More Than Late Talking?” In this series, we’re exploring the factors that indicate that a... [Read more...]
Is This More Than Late Talking?
Factors that Indicate a Child is Struggling with “More Than Late Talking” Have you ever wondered if a child is “just a late talker” or if there’s something more serious going on? In my course for therapists, Steps to Building Verbal... [Read more...]
The Beauty of Distraction and Redirection… Ways to Address a Toddler’s (Potential) Misbehavior
Lately I've been writing a lot about Fight, Flight, or Freeze and strategies to help a toddler who is overstimulated. Most of this discussion has been centered around how to address a child’s over-stimulation when we’re working on improving... [Read more...]
Strategies to Help Toddlers Experiencing Fight, Flight, or Freeze
Help for Overstimulated Toddlers My post called Fight, Flight, or Freeze explored the negative reactions that children may display when they become overstimulated as they learn something new. Remember that these responses have been hard-wired... [Read more...]
There’s Still Time for CEUs!
There's still time to get a QUALITY course, specifically tailored to your needs as a Birth to 3 SLP or another therapist who specializes in early intervention! If you'd like a full-length course, check out these options: Early Speech-Language... [Read more...]
Fight, Flight, or Freeze… What a Child’s Negative Reaction Could Be Telling You
We've all been there. You're trying your best to play or work with a late-talking toddler or preschooler and suddenly, out of the blue, he launches a toy across the room! Or she bolts! Or the child withdraws and, for lack of a better... [Read more...]
“Is It Autism?” Course on DVD… Now Shipping
"Is It Autism?" Recognizing and Treating Toddlers and Preschoolers with Red Flags for Autism Whenever I ask therapists to list their needs for future workshop topics, overwhelmingly the #1 answer I receive is AUTISM! Many of us... [Read more...]
FUN Fishing Game…teachmetotalk.com’s Therapy Tip of the Week 5.6.16
Fishing Games are a big, big hit with little kids! In this Therapy Tip of the Week I'll show you my favorite NEW fishing game and explains various ways for using this kind of game to help late talking toddlers. If you want the... [Read more...]
Tried and True Methods for Helping a Late Talker Use More Words
Tried and True Methods for Helping a Late Talker Use More Words Today I received an email from an SLP who asked me this question: “How can I get a child on my caseload who can talk to say more words during a session? He likes me. He likes... [Read more...]
It’s Too Much! Signs of Sensory Overload in Toddlers
It's Too Much! Signs of Sensory Overload in Toddlers Today I read a survey reported by the Academy of Pediatrics that said the average six- month-old in America watches half an hour of something per day on a mobile device. A third of them were... [Read more...]
When A Toddler Doesn’t Play With Toys…teachmetotalk.com’s Therapy Tip of the Week 4.9.16
Isn't it frustrating when a toddler doesn't seem to want to play with toys? This is a fairly common issue in young children with developmental delays. Our first instinct may be to think that the child doesn't like the toy (or any toy!), but that's... [Read more...]
Not moving forward? Try taking a step back!
Not moving forward? Try taking a step back! “I attended your course in St. Louis… I used the strategies you taught the very next week and the sessions went very well. I just needed to drop back some levels! Thank you!” Ellen, SLP This... [Read more...]
Tips for Parenting “Difficult” Toddlers
TIPS FOR PARENTING DIFFICULT TODDLERS As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I get an opportunity to talk with parents of young children every day. This week I've been emailing back and forth with a mom on the other side of the country that... [Read more...]
The Truth about Flashcards for Toddlers Who Don’t Yet Talk
The Truth about Flashcards for Toddlers Who Don’t Yet Talk I almost titled this post “Why Flashcards Don’t Work to Teach a Nonverbal Toddler to Talk,” but I opted for the one above instead. Many parents and even some therapists default to... [Read more...]
Is It Autism? Helping Parents of Toddlers Understand Autism
I'm so happy to announce the release of my latest book... Is It Autism? Helping Parents of Toddlers Understand Autism If you're wondering if your toddler has autism, then this book is for you. No parent dreams of finding themselves in your... [Read more...]
Great Books for Toddlers with Speech Language Delays (with Therapy Activities!)
Great Books for Toddlers with Speech Language Delays (with Therapy Activities!) This morning a mom who read my “First Sessions” toy list asked me if I would send her a list "just like that" for my favorite books to use with toddlers during... [Read more...]
“First Sessions” Toy List for Toddlers in Speech Therapy from teachmetotalk.com
Both therapists and parents of late talkers email me at teachmetotalk.com to ask me a version of this question… What are your favorite toys? I want to begin every response to that question with, “I’m so glad you asked!” Several... [Read more...]
Tweaking Routines for Late Talkers Continued…
Yesterday I posted a lovely email I received from a mom about how much success she achieved in ONE DAY with her late talker by becoming more fun and tweaking their daily routine of bath time. If you missed that post, you can read it here. Here's... [Read more...]
Have a Question? I’m Here to Help!
Every day I get hundreds of emails from every corner of our globe from parents of late talkers and the professionals who work with them. When I say professionals, I'm mainly talking about speech-language pathologists and other early intervention... [Read more...]
New to teachmetotalk.com? Welcome and Start HERE!
For Parents If you're a concerned mom or dad, welcome to what many parents have told me is their BEST resource for positive guidance for working with their late talking toddler! Here at teachmetotalk.com you'll find LOADS of information to... [Read more...]
Illinois Early Intervention Training Credit
The following courses are pre-approved for training credit for all EI providers in Illinois. (As well as all for SLPs and any other therapist anywhere else in the world!) Click the links below for specific course information, but here's a short... [Read more...]
teachmetotalk.com FREE Online Videos for Speech Therapy Ideas for Toddlers
A very, very funny SLP emailed me and said she's been "binge watching" my Therapy Tip of the Week videos on her snow day today. That really did make me laugh out loud! Here's a link for you if you too want to do that! You can watch... [Read more...]
Parents Make the Difference in the Treatment of Toddlers with Autism
Parents Make the Difference in the Treatment of Toddlers with Autism If you're a regular reader of this site, you know how much I believe in parent training during therapy sessions. Research confirms that parents make the difference in the... [Read more...]
Earn ASHA CE Credit
If you're an SLP, you can earn ASHA CE credit here! All of our DVDs and my full-length courses on DVD are approved! The process is EASY and CHEAP and best of all, you can use the information immediately for your birth to 3 caseloads! Let me... [Read more...]
Therapy Manual Combo Pack SPECIAL
I have a deal for you if you're a pediatric SLP (or a committed mom or dad)! When you buy all 3 of my therapy manuals, Teach Me To Play WITH You, Teach Me To Talk: The Therapy Manual, and Building Verbal Imitation in Toddlers, you'll receive my... [Read more...]
Help My Child Learn to Talk
Teach Me To Talk the DVD is the best-selling resource for parents who want to learn EASY and EFFECTIVE ways to work with toddlers with speech delays who are late talkers. If you have a child who is not yet talking, in this 90 minute DVD,... [Read more...]
Supporting the Needs of Moms for Mother’s Day
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I've seen moms of babies and toddlers with developmental delays and disorders at their absolute best and unfortunately, at their worst. The longer I do this job, the more I've come to appreciate just... [Read more...]
Product Recommendations for Parents and Professionals
RESOURCES FOR HELPING A CHILD LEARN TO TALK and HELPING TODDLERS WITH SPEECH DELAY Parents often ask me which teachmetotalk.com product would be most helpful for them to help a child learn to talk. While every child and family situation is... [Read more...]
Making the Leap from Words to Phrases…. Tips for Helping Your Toddler Learn to Combine Words
Making the Leap from Words to Phrases Research tells us that toddlers with typically developing language possess a single-word spontaneous vocabulary of 35-50 words before they begin to combine words into two-word phrases. We should use this same... [Read more...]
#341 ABC Data Collection for Analyzing Behaviors
Join pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com with ABA therapist Jessica to discuss a simple method for analyzing a child's behaviors that don't seem to make sense. Listen here: Written... [Read more...]
#345 Water Play… Using the Framework for Treating for Late Talking Toddlers
In this show, we begin with a brief discussion of what to do when a therapist doesn't seem to be a right fit for a family. I received a great question from a mom and addressed it on the show from both a parents' perspective and a therapists'... [Read more...]
#343 Lessons I Learned This Week
Working with typically developing toddlers for 2.5 hours a day all week has reminded me of some very important lessons we can all remember when working with toddlers! Have a plan. Admittedly, most of the time, your “theme” for late talkers... [Read more...]
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