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My now 5 year old tells elaborate stories now, and if you didn't know his background, you would never guess.
"Laura,
Three years ago, my then 2 year old (adopted) was only saying two words - momma and boat. We had been doing speech therapy for 6 months, and he loved to play, but he was entirely uninterested in talking. A dear friend who is a SLP recommended I look you up online. Since then, I've read your emails, listened to hours of your podcasts, ordered two of your therapy manuals, and watched many of your videos.
My now 5 year old tells elaborate stories now, and if you didn't know his background, you would never guess. And thanks to the hours that I have spent with your guidance, when our next son, now a old, didn't talk (after a craniotomy), I had tools to get started with him. His speech has just taken off in the last month or so.
Thank you so much for all that you do to help parents facilitate speech therapy with their kiddos. And thank you for your gentle, confident living of your faith.
God's blessings."
Rachel (mom to 3 boys in a now very noisy house!)
This took the strategies to a new level for me
"This took the strategies to a new level for me! I cannot wait to implement with my Birth to 3 kiddos tomorrow!!"
Kristine, SLP
This is the most practical course I have ever taken for autism!
"I love the handouts and the examples of activities! This is the most practical course I have ever taken for autism! Thank you so much!"
Olivia, SLP
the most beneficial part of this program was the plentiful practical ways that I can implement this information TOMORROW
"I thought that the most beneficial part of this program was the plentiful practical ways that I can implement this information tomorrow. I have great tools and resources via this program to be able to be a better SLP who focuses on strengths rather than a particular goal that I think the child should be working on. I am so happy that I took this course. Thank you, Laura and Macy!!"
Marilyn, SLP
Thank you so much for a course that SHOWS you working with toddlers and their families!
"My SLP friend and colleague recommended Laura Mize's podcast and courses and I decided to check them out-I am so glad I did! First, it is refreshing to hear a fellow Southerner discuss speech therapy because I am from SC and I get some flap from people who hear my dialect. Second, because Laura and Macy are so knowledgeable about this skills course content-so much so that I can easily implement their therapy techniques immediately! I will be listening and purchasing more of their podcasts in the near future! Thank you so much for a course that SHOWS you working with toddlers and their families!"
Amy, SLP
Refreshing! so nice to be given 'permission' to let the child be themselves more as part of their intervention
"Loved the course! It was so nice to be given 'permission' to let the child be themselves more as part of their intervention, and then given strategies regarding how to do it. Refreshing!"
Susan, SLP
reviewing all the C's and including these in the course is really important.
"I really loved this course. I was already looking for the children's strengths and working on this , however I really liked how you organized all this information. I appreciate all the evidence based information and all the resources that I can share with the parents. I think that reviewing all the C's and including these in the course is really important. This is giving me more information to share with the parents since many times they just note that the child is not talking but are not aware about all the other skills that are needed in order to talk. I am looking forward to take more courses with you."
Maria, SLP
It will be very helpful to think about a child and to plan therapy
"The strength-based survey will be very helpful; the organization of the workbook into sections of strengths and within them into the 7 Cs aspects with lots of ideas is amazing! It will be very helpful to think about a child and to plan therapy."
Dorothee, SLP
You opened our eyes and gave such important tool
"You were the first therapist that I listened to about 6 years ago. You opened our eyes and gave such important tool. What a journey!"
Dad on YouTube
The best part of this course was being able to use the strengths checklist to help figure out where the focus should be and ways to encourage connection, co-regulation, communication, comprehension, imitation, etc.
"The best part of this course was being able to use the strengths checklist to help figure out where the focus should be and ways to encourage connection, co-regulation, communication, comprehension, imitation, etc. within each area. I love all the the useful handouts and ideas throughout. This is a very comprehensive list of useful tools."
Carissa, SLP
when you lose a child during an activity falling back on their strengths just makes so much sense
"I really enjoyed the strength based approach, when you're having a difficult time getting therapy started or when you lose a child during an activity falling back on their strengths just makes so much sense."
Kathleen, DI
I never had a systematic way of assessing the child's behaviors
"I've always tried to look at a child's strengths, but I never had a systematic way of assessing the child's behaviors. I never categorized strengths like you do in the course. Thank you for providing a clear framework."
Linda, SLP
my job is to work on the foundational skills, so this training was perfect!
"As a Developmental Specialist, my caseload is primarily children who will be diagnosed with Autism at some point. So, my job is to work on the foundational skills, so this training was perfect! I love the handouts about each strength that I can share with families. Thank you!"
Megan, DS
I especially appreciate the clarification around gestures and the importance of continuing to teach gestures and not to ignore teaching comprehension
"I wanted a review of the latest research about autism in toddlers. I feel like my knowledge base was updated and I am able to explain these findings to parents. I especially appreciate the clarification around gestures and the importance of continuing to teach gestures and not to ignore teaching comprehension. Your handouts are excellent and the Gestalts targets will be super helpful!"
Leigh, SLP
I love that this skills course has been updated to include our little neurodivergent friends!
"I love that this course has been updated to include our little neurodivergent friends! I also loved the video examples that were given to demonstrate the techniques and skills that were discussed. I've listened to Laura for years, and it has been great seeing her approaches evolve over time, which has also helped me evolve my treatment strategies with my clients."
Erika, SLP
don't give up
"The relevant research update that ASD children learn words before gestures and can start to learn to use words after age 4 and as late as age 8... don't give up...."
Joy, SLP
Practicing for over 30 years and currently owning my practice it was so refreshing to gather new information
"Practicing for over 30 years and currently owning my practice it was so refreshing to gather new information to use with our new families. The downloads were wonderful as well. Thank you so much."
Kim, SLP
I loved this course!!! Such good information presented to use in developing treatment plans
"I loved this course!!! Such good information presented to use in developing treatment plans. And I find the course handout extremely helpful and organized well and will be referring back to it often. I will definitely be using this with my clients and families....especially the 2 pages of strengths surveys. Thanks again for another great course!"
Sheila, SLP
very easy to follow and create a useful plan to integrate into therapy
"I love your down to earth approach and fantastic handouts! very easy to follow and create a useful plan to integrate into therapy."
Elizabeth, SLP
what to look for but how to use my therapy time more wisely, starting with the strengths
"The entire training was so very helpful, from the 7C's of communication to the differences with children who have Autism. The time spent fully developing each of those sections helped me to deeply understand not only what to look for but how to use my therapy time more wisely, starting with the strengths."
Elisabeth, SLP
I have been able to use the survey with caregivers which really provided insight for them to hone in meeting a child where they are
"This Strength Based Approach course outlined the 7 C's of Communication so clearly. I appreciated the breakdown of each strength area and strategies. I have been able to use the survey with caregivers which really provided insight for them to hone in meeting a child where they are rather than deficits. The strength checklist is easy to complete and has helped shape therapy ideas. The resources for items/toys have been beneficial for caregivers during this season. This was an easy to follow course and well organized."
Megan, SLP
Loved the positive spirit. Loved the repetition of key points. Overall it was a fabulous class.
"I Learned so much! I loved the presentation style, the organization of the therapy techniques for each of the c's. This put together all of my early learning and was so super helpful for the late talking toddlers I'm helping now. Loved the positive spirit. Loved the repetition of key points. Overall it was a fabulous class. Both Teachers were excellent. Thank you."
Rochelle, SLP
This approach makes so much sense when it comes to our little autistic guys
"This approach makes so much sense when it comes to our little autistic guys. I cannot wait to implement this into my sessions."
Clarie, SLP
makes it so easy for therapist to follow
"The 7 c'c of communication – how it was outlined and ideas presented makes it so easy for therapist to follow."
M, SLP
I think it will truly help parents to recognize and celebrate their child's strengths
"Such a wonderful course! This information will be so useful to use with my caseload and share with my parents to better support their child's language development. I think it will truly help parents to recognize and celebrate their child's strengths."
Stephanie, SLP
The 11 Skills provides a clear and logical way to determine the most appropriate starting point for intervention
"The 11 Skills provides a clear and logical way to determine the most appropriate starting point for intervention, rather than focusing on spoken words before a child is developmentally ready. I also found the real therapy examples particularly valuable."
Jessica, SLP
I've been needing more practical strategies
"I loved this course! I've been needing more practical strategies and updated info for my Autistic caseload for EI! Thank you!!"
Lauren, SLP
I LOVED the energy of this course!
"I LOVED the energy of this course! I also appreciated the research facts I learned I can spit out to other professionals and parents. The best part was how characteristics of ASD were divided into strengths and therapy activities... so if I have a visually inspecting kid, I know I can go into my pdf and find out what activities I should target based on that characteristic... this really did improve how I think about therapy."
Kelsey, SLP
Enjoyed seeing the skills course videos
"LOVE the handouts. These can be used to organize sessions and evaluations. Help great therapy goals and provide home activities for parents as well as session activities. Enjoyed seeing the videos."
Virginia, SLP
I am part of several message boards for parents of autistic children, and we parents are just so tired of being told by professionals what our children can't or will never do.
"Dear Ms. Laura and sweet Macy, I just purchased the new course and wanted to say THANK YOU! I would have definitely expected such cutting-edge information to come from you! I am part of several message boards for parents of autistic children, and we parents are just so tired of being told by professionals what our children can't or will never do. And really, what is the point of doing that? How does that help at all? Except to make the parent miserable and feel like there is no point in trying to help their child?...The tone of the course is great (such positivity), and Macy is such a delight! She is such a wonderful addition to Teach me to Talk."
Ann, SLP
The most beneficial part of this course was the Strengths Survey
“The most beneficial part of this course was the Strengths Survey. I appreciate how Laura organizes all of the information throughout the course and this Survey is no exception. This Survey provides insight and can be applied to the treatment process creating sessions that are fun and enjoyable for children. Laura and Macy provide valuable suggestions throughout the course. I would recommend this course to SLPs!”
Denise, SLP
It is very important that Parents should hear about this strategy
“This was a fresh new philosophy and a comprehensive approach with a new concept for successfully working with children with Autism. Before this ,the very structured, compliance teaching model which has been utilized by many therapists using comply-reward, noncompliance -punish or a with-hold philosophy. Children with Autism became prompt-.dependent with this method. These Children couldn't initiate language or make a plan to move on their own. They had to wait to be prompted to act or to respond and never spoke spontaneously on their own. I and many of my SLP colleagues have always believed in play therapy and giving the child choices to play works best. It is very important that Parents should hear about this strategy! Thank you Laura and Macy for doing the evidence-based research and putting this new concept into words!!”
Teresa, SLP
I loved the actual videos that showed each skill as well as the handouts
“I loved the actual videos that showed each skill as well as the handouts. My families love the handouts that you provide with each course."
Sandra, SLP
This was a wonderful, easy to understand course with lots of great materials
“This was a wonderful, easy to understand course with lots of great materials. Exactly what the fabulous Laura Mize is known for!”
F, SLP
He is exploding with conversation!
"I just want to thank you for the invaluable information you’ve given me in helping my grandson to talk (which I have passed on to his parents). We’ve ve learned patience, appropriate expectations, and fun and effective strategies that we had found no where else. He is exploding with conversation! Sometimes I struggle to interpret his articulation, but all I have to do is say, “Show me”, and he’s excited to do so. He and I both want so badly to communicate with each other, and your strategies have made it so much easier and non-threatening. Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Stacey
YOU are AMAZING! THANK YOU!
"My little guy is taking off like a rocket!! We’ve been working through your Autism Workbook for a few months and he has had an explosion of skills develop. YOU are AMAZING! THANK YOU!"
Laura Q, Mom
I absolutely LOVE all of your workbooks
"Hi Laura!
I absolutely LOVE all of your workbooks, especially your Autism Workbook. Starting with Social Games has been a game changer for many of my littles with ASD and their families. It's been the best way for them to finally connect and sustain shared attention and engagement, leading to longer social interactions, through play!"
Jodie, Dev, Therapist
Thank you for being a resource for me to become a better therapist
"Hi Ms. Laura,
Thank you so much for the videos you have posted on your youtube channel. They are so direct, informative, and helpful. Thank you for being a resource for me to become a better therapist."
Dianne
I see a future for him now
"Hi Laura - I just wanted to say I received my copies of the Apraxia workbooks yesterday and I LOVED workbook 1 (not ready for 2). I'm on chapter 8 and going through the questions carefully so I'm prepared to help my son. I knew it was a great book when you acknowledged the fact that sometimes therapists and doctors don't bring a positive and supportive vibe when diagnosing. I remember being terrified at the mention of apraxia and ASD by both because they had these very concerned looks and made it seem like it was a death sentence. I know now (in LARGE PART, THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS) that it doesn't have to be!! I see a future for him now. You SINGLE-HANDEDLY, through your books and videos have empowered me to help my son after the doctors and therapists have gone home. You've given me strategies, play ideas, plans on how to keep moving forward. I don't always do things right, but I know I'm on the right track and I love that I can reference, and re-reference your books to help me keep going. As I was reading the book, I was so proud of myself because I've used strategies from your previous books and it felt good because I could check off a lot of the skills that you discuss. So, thank you for all your previous books as well!!"
All of what I’ve come to be as an Early Intervention speech therapist was absolutely to your credit
"Thank you.
If this is Laura herself reading this email let me take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have put forth for us professionals. I own every manual (except the autism manual) and have watched every course on DVD. I have listened to countless podcasts. All of what I’ve come to be as an Early Intervention speech therapist was absolutely to your credit. With your resources at my side I have never needed to scramble for answers and strategies and above all the clear language I use when communicating with parents. My fun, animated affect and key phrases I use have been learned through watching your example. So….thank you! May you be blessed."
Chaya
Thank you for helping me be a better Developmental Therapist
"Dear Laura,
What an inspiration!
Thank you for helping me be a better Developmental Therapist. I often listen to your podcasts which help me help families.
Your enthusiasm, professionalism and the sheer volume of information is so great.
You are part of my team.
I just wanted you to know I appreciate you."
Margaret
Skill Course
"Thanks for covering exactly what I need!"
Amy, SLP
He went from barely verbal, no gestures, didn't respond to his name etc etc to a verbal, social, curious, ready to imitate anything
"Dear Laura,
Thank you for your generosity in sharing so much knowledge in such a clear and enthusiastic way.
As a retired audiologist with a fabulous and language delayed grandson, I used your podcasts and outstanding publication, The Autism Workbook, to inspire and guide me over the past year.
It works!! He went from barely verbal, no gestures, didn't respond to his name etc etc to a verbal, social, curious, ready to imitate anything, fill in the blanks on familiar "set" speech, generate his own totally appropriate and mostly understandable sentences...not just short phrases anymore... full little paragraphs...about imaginary things, what he did during the day, what he wants. True communication!
You make a powerful difference in this world! ❤"
This video finally listed and explained some of the red flags my son was showing for autism
"I’m sure Laura gets these messages all the time, but I thought I’d share. I stumbled across Laura‘s "Autism or Speech Delay?" YouTube video when I really needed it. This video finally listed and explained some of the red flags my son was showing for autism. I share the link anytime a parent is questioning in my FB autism group. This mother I don’t even know said Laura's video changed her life. I know exactly how she feels because It changed families too. Thank you to everyone at Teach Me To Talk."
Lindsey
Your Strategies Work
"Laura Mize, all I have to say is that ALL YOUR STRATEGIES WORK."
Anne, YouTube viewer
As I evaluate young children (0-3) for developmental delays and write plans for them with their parents, there are a ton of ideas that are ready to use
"Good Morning Laura,
I received your book (The Autism Workbook) yesterday and it is absolutely amazing! As I evaluate young children (0-3) for developmental delays and write plans for them with their parents, there are a ton of ideas that are ready to use. Others that reinforce what I have been doing, and saying, all along. Thank you so, so much for writing this incredible book and pulling everything together in one place!"
Francine in Michigan
we use your courses, books, and techniques every day
"We have 7 SLPs in our preschool (public) program for special needs children (ages 3-5) and we use your courses, books, and techniques every day! 🙂 We have seen our preschoolers make such great gains!"
improved my sessions with my kiddos
"Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for these emails and your books, I have them all and they have seriously saved and improved my sessions with my kiddos. Huge thank you."
Rebecca
I learned how to pay attention to his cues and work with him to teach him to communicate. Without it, I have no doubt he still wouldn’t talk
"I was very frustrated with how speech therapy was going for my child. I would take him and drop him off and not hear much of anything from his therapist and teachers other than, "He had a good (or a bad!) day." Your materials were invaluable for us because I learned how to work with him on his speech. I learned how to teach him to talk and play. I learned how to pay attention to his cues and work with him to teach him to communicate. Without it, I have no doubt he still wouldn’t talk."
Britney
from an SLT perspective: how incredibly useful I am finding absolutely all of your articles, blogs and resources
"Hi! I just wanted to say (from an SLT perspective) how incredibly useful I am finding absolutely all of your articles, blogs and resources - I only discovered your site last month and have just received all your books which I feel I am learning more than on my entire university training course!! But also the way in which you give specific, realistic, fun, encouraging ideas for working with parents is really just fantastic, I only wish I have your site sooner! Thanks so much from the UK! Kind regards."
Hannah
I am truly grateful for the way you put into words and writing how to do what we do as SLPs
"You are an inspiration! I am truly grateful for the way you put into words and writing how to do what we do as SLPs. At this time in my 13 years of practicing, I find your encouragement keeps me going. As a single mom, I find it a stretch to buy materials these days and I am so thankful for the freebies you so generously share that help me teach my families. I don’t have much time to put together lists or quick references for parents!! Much gratitude!!"
Andrea
Honestly the most progress she has made in her speech/language development has been after I implemented your 5 top strategies for delayed talkers!
My little guy is taking off like a rocket!!
"My little guy is taking off like a rocket!! We’ve been working through your Autism Workbook for a few months and he has had an explosion of skills develop. YOU are AMAZING! THANK YOU!"
Laura Q, Mom
Our 17-month-old toddler suddenly exploded into speaking and imitating everybody's gestures and sounds
"Dear Laura Mize and Team,
Thank you so much for all your hard work and publishing books! Our 17-month-old toddler suddenly exploded into speaking and imitating everybody's gestures and sounds, just a week or two after we 'completed' all activities that are listed under 11 pre-linguistic skills! Your method really works!"
Grateful customer.
The NEW Autism Workbook really helped me with formulating more strength based goals that I feel I will be able to document true (even it is slow) progress
"Hi Laura! I just LOVE the new Autism Workbook! I had the old one and it was excellent. I had just gone back to working with children after a long hiatus to homeschool my kids and that book was like my Bible! Now just finishing my 3rd year back with kids I was excited to order the new Autism Workbook because I needed to find better ways to meet the kids where they were at. I was praying it would come in before I had to write up two new Speech evaluations and it did! And it really helped me with formulating more strength based goals that I feel I will be able to document true (even it is slow) progress for some of my kids. Thank you so much!"
Christine, SLP
I see on so many autism parenting posts parents have no idea how far their kid is from that goal
"Most parents have no idea and won’t take the time to understand all the components to conversational language. I see on so many autism parenting posts parents have no idea how far their kid is from that goal and based on how they describe their kids language they’re no where near close. Me looking on my own and finding your prerequisites to speech answered so many questions my daughter’s ST never even came close to."
Mom on YouTube
Loved the framework with the 11 skills and very complete presentation.
"The whole program was super beneficial. It was really well organized, Loved the framework and examples and videos and presentation from the viewpoint of a clinician. Loved the framework with the 11 skills and very complete presentation. Learned so much of how to integrate the information from the Strengths Based course i took from you as well. Spent the day learning so much of how to integrate the information into my practice! Thank you, Laura and Macy!"
Michelle, SLP
It has really really helped me to reach out to my son.
"I have gone through most of your videos and I must say I have learnt so so much from them. Thank you so much for the work you do. It has really really helped me to reach out to my son."
Aritra, Parent
And now that you're promoting the neuroaffirming movement, I'm even more invested in you. You make a difference every single day, whether you hear about it or not!
"Hi Laura!
I know you must get a lot of emails, but I sure hope you read this one.
I became an SLP in 2004 and you were my first SLP crush! I was so fortunate to have a supportive school district that allowed me to purchase your videos and the Teach Me to Talk handbook. Not only was the handbook a life saver (I literally called it my Bible lol), but the videos, oh how the videos changed my life, and the lives of the families I worked with! I remember telling my families that they'd love you, not only because you spoke directly to families, jargon free, but also because of your southern dialect. You speak directly and clearly, but never rushed and never over anyone's head, something I highly value. I told families that I could listen to you read the phone book and it would capture my attention. You see, I'm from Ohio where we don't get a whole lot of diversity and cool dialects, so listening to you talk about my favorite topics was a breath of fresh air. So many of us think talking over people's heads makes us more credible or whatever, but now that I've been around over 20 years, I can say you had it right all along. Southern speech included 😊
I am so glad you persisted and stayed true to yourself, because you've made such a difference in my own life, but also with the kids and families I work with. And now that you're promoting the neuroaffirming movement, I'm even more invested in you. You make a difference every single day, whether you hear about it or not! And for Macy to become an SLP, how awesome is that?! Your work and dedication to the profession shone through to her, your own daughter, I seriously don't think there could be a bigger compliment than that!
I hope you have the best day ever and know that your reach is far greater than you think. I look forward to what's to come!"
Heather, Summit County, OH
most beneficial part of this program is how Laura and Macy explain the evidence for explaining a strengths-based, non-compliance-based approach to parents
"The most beneficial part of this program is how Laura and Macy explain the evidence for explaining a strengths-based, non-compliance-based approach to parents, and other therapists in multi-disciplinary EI teams. This whole program was enormously helpful. I highly recommend it."
Allison, SLP
Great handouts. Good reminders of the importance of regulation, linguistic mapping, cognition driving language development, connection and-co-regulation always coming first.
"An excellent review and overview of prelinguistic skills. Great handouts. Good reminders of the importance of regulation, linguistic mapping, cognition driving language development, connection and-co-regulation always coming first, seeing through the lens of trauma response verses behavior, and the dangers of hand-over-had modeling leading to prompt dependency. I'd forgotten about the simple "Ah.....boom" routine, and will add that to my practice with a little girl who is now imitating but could still be more noisy! I'll also add "Moo Baa Lalalala" to my library!"
Cynthia, SLP
The handouts have been a huge help in talking with parents!
"The handouts have been a huge help in talking with parents! Love how practical everything is. Keep it up, appreciate your hard work!"
Alicia, SLP
Lots of helpful ideas that are well organized
"My favorite part of this course is having the strengths-based approach broken down into practical information for parents and therapists to use right away. Lots of helpful ideas that are well organized."
Lucy, SLP
11 Prelingistic Skills is an amazing course
"What an amazing course. Just the reset I needed as I navigate through my sessions with my little ones."
Claire, SLP
makes it easy to teach to parents
"I love how organized this class is....on every level. It really helps and makes it easy to teach to parents."
Holly, SLP
This is so exciting, though, how sometimes using fewer sounds more dramatically can be effective if that is meeting the child where they are
"Hi Laura,
I am an Early Intervention Special Instructor, and I've been listening to your podcasts when I can for several months. The one I listened to last weekend, 426, on early vocalizations I was able to apply this week! Oh, my goodness, they work! (Of course you knew that!)
With one child who is 20 months old who usually makes just gutteral sounds like "uh-huh" (inside closed lips) or "mm HMM" to indicate objects and acknowledge his parents' statements (he's the reason I was looking for answers on your podcasts most recently!), we got him to say sounds like "eee" and "ohhh!" as we played with bubbles.
Then yesterday, with a child I see who is almost 2 and is awaiting an autism evaluation and has not said more than "aah" or "oh" and maybe "whee," as far as we can tell, per daycare and parents' report. I focused on those easy vocalizations you talked about, and when we were playing with dinosaur figures, this little girl imitated, "Roar!"
I am not a loud person, so this is out of my comfort zone, but I totally agree with your approach and am working on stepping out and being more vocal with sounds. I do try to be "fun," but usually in a quieter, friendly way. This is so exciting, though, how sometimes using fewer sounds more dramatically can be effective if that is meeting the child where they are, rather than the "blah, blah, blah" approach I have always used with my own children!"
SLP
we are learning from early intervention practicing clinicians who are continuously striving to be better for their students and parents
"I loved the combination of the handouts and the videos! The course notes were thorough and filled with great, practical ideas. I always appreciate the fact that we are learning from practicing clinicians. We aren't learning theory from someone who doesn't practice speech therapy with toddlers anymore. Instead we are learning from early intervention practicing clinicians who are continuously striving to be better for their students and parents."
Marie, SLP
Learning how to shift to a strengths based therapy model was a revelation!
"Learning how to shift to a strengths based therapy model was a revelation! Thank you!"
Debra, SLP
I am looking forward to seeing how my therapy changes and how my little ones progress by using this program
"LOVED this program! It was jam-packed with a ton of information that will take time to incorporate into therapy sessions. (Not only is the child learning new skills, so am I as a therapist!) I've known about strength-based therapy and have done it, but not to the extent and to the organization offered in this training. I am looking forward to seeing how my therapy changes and how my little ones progress by using this program."
Leah, SLP
It will challenge my habits for sure, to move from the traditional deficits-based to strengths-based approach
"This was such a positive and useful course! It will challenge my habits for sure, to move from the traditional deficits-based to strengths-based approach, but makes SO much sense."
Jennifer, SLP
Prelinguistic Skills Course is a terrific overview of what to do
"It was such a terrific overview of what early interventionists need to know and do."
Debbie, EI Therapist
I especially enjoyed learning about how each stage builds on the previous one to support meaningful communication development
"I felt that the most beneficial part of this course was learning the 7 C's of communication: co-regulate, connect, convey, comprehend, copy, communicate simple ideas, and communicate with complex language. These skills provide the foundational framework that allows a strengths-based approach to truly work when supporting autistic toddlers and preschoolers. I especially enjoyed learning about how each stage builds on the previous one to support meaningful communication development."
Crystal, SLP
The handouts were very well organized and went along well with the verbal presentation
"The handouts were very well organized and went along well with the verbal presentation. I like how they were clearly broken down into the different strength based approaches. I also liked the repetition of key points throughout the course."
Andrea, SLP
explains things in a practical manner, always bringing new ideas back to the therapy session
"I always love how Laura (and now her daughter) explain things in a practical manner, always bringing new ideas back to the therapy session, back to how you will use this information with your students."
Jen, SLP
provide ideas with every step of prelinguistic language
"Thank you so much! I really love how you are able to break down and provide ideas with every step of prelinguistic language."
Amy, SLP
When I focus on fun, therapy seems to progress naturally
"I always always feel like teaching those kids with the lowest cognitive skills are the most challenging as well as those kids that are so so movement oriented or have those motor strengths that impair the ability to connect.
This course did give me ideas however on how to reach those kids better. When I focus on fun, therapy seems to progress naturally."
Leigh, SLP
The strength surveys and the sheets to share with parents have already been helpful with several families that I'm working with.
"The strength surveys and the sheets to share with parents have already been helpful with several families that I'm working with. Some of the specific therapy ideas shared, like the riff on ring around the rosy-"jump around the rosy" was an unexpected huge hit!"
Devida, SLP
Every parent deserves to understand their child's strengths and how to use these easy skills to support learning new, harder skills
"The most beneficial part of the program was the amazing strength-based tools and resources! I appreciated that the presentation was organized by strength area followed by how to pick targets based on the 7 C's. Every parent deserves to understand their child's strengths and how to use these easy skills to support learning new, harder skills. The strength-based survey provides a way to let caregivers shine as the expert on their children. The switch in therapy to appreciating neurodivergent brains and being curious about how to support them is very exciting!"
Gwendolyn, SLP
I found the modality checklists to be invaluable
"I found the modality checklists to be invaluable. I had something in hand that I can use right off the printer."
Elizabeth, SLP
I really appreciated the specific activity ideas and the repeated reminder to return to a child's strengths
"I really appreciated the specific activity ideas and the repeated reminder to return to a child's strengths if things don't seem to be moving forward."
Stephen, SLP
The real life therapy activities and example ideas have been so fun and helpful!
"The real life therapy activities and example ideas have been so fun and helpful! It is so easy to get into a rut and this help me look at a child in a different way and use new techniques to facilitate their language development!"
Christine, SLP
The course provided a clear framework for utilizing a strengths based approach and neurodiversity affirming care
"This course was fantastic. The speakers provided a wealth of detailed information in a clear, organized format. The course provided a clear framework for utilizing a strengths based approach and neurodiversity affirming care with clinical applications that can immediately be incorporated into therapy sessions. The resources provided were amazing, very practical."
Dawn, SLP
I appreciated the tie-ins to the handouts
"I appreciated the tie-ins to the handouts as you moved through the course and the case history examples at the end of each section."
Angela, SLP
It will make me a better teacher and it will help me to reach children that are harder to reach.
"The course puts together a very practical and effective framework for working with autistic children. It joins ideas from different areas of child development science into a comprehensive tool, I am very grateful for your loving and scientific approach. It will make me a better teacher and it will help me to reach children that are harder to reach. Thank you."
Kat, SLP
Entire program was so informative and amazing
"Entire program was so informative and amazing. I really enjoyed all the information that was presented. Thank you very much!"
Marina, SLP
This program was extremely beneficial for use in my practice.
"This program was extremely beneficial for use in my practice. All of the information, handouts and techniques that were presented were amazing. Easy to follow along. I liked that it was broken up into different videos/sections."
Michele, SLP
I loved the handouts to share with parents
“I loved the handouts to share with parents to help them understand how utilizing their child's strengths and interests is the best way to facilitate their child's communication abilities.”
Colleen, SLP
The most beneficial part of the program is the strengths survey
“The most beneficial part of the program is the strengths survey, as well as the treatment toys and activities that correspond to each strength. There was no part of the program that I did not feel was beneficial.”
Natalie, SLP
Skill handouts for process reminder
"Very helpful handouts and an excellent reminder of the PROCESS for acquiring expressive language!"
Monica, SLP
I feel so much more at ease now having a huuuuuge packet of therapy ideas
"I feel so much more at ease now having a huuuuuge packet of therapy ideas and a framework for organizing my therapy and having an actual PLAN instead of just "following the child's lead" while trying to figure out how to work in the goals. The way the content was explained was easy to follow and the handouts are excellent."
A, SLP
I feel I have a clear method to identify a child's strength
“I found identifying a child's strength helped me to consolidate my previous knowledge and experience. I feel I have a clear method to identify a child's strength and to build their strengths into sessions plans to help achieve their set goals.”
Christine, SLP
I've always felt that we focus on the 10% a kiddo can't do instead of the 90% Can Do
“The most beneficial part of the course was the handouts to share with parents and ALL the therapy ideas!! I've always felt that we focus on the 10% a kiddo can't do instead of the 90% Can Do. I have always tried to do this in my therapy sessions. Now I have evidenced material for support!!!!!”
Suzanne, SLP
Enjoyed hearing examples of each strength domain
“Liked systematic handouts to use to help with assessment and diagnostic therapy. Enjoyed hearing examples of each strength domain. Great review and great handouts to be able to share with families. The course was well organized and the content is much needed as an EI therapist.”
Terri, SLP
you gave me hope and lit the light inside me
"Hello Miss Laura,
First, I would like to thank you for all you do for us moms who are lacking support in the autism community, and thank you for providing tons of information and resources to help our bright children. I myself benefited so much from watching your videos and reading your daily emails. I cannot stress enough how much all this information helped my toddler. Of course, getting an autism diagnosis for your child is extremely scary (she was diagnosed at 2 years old) and I was depressed and did not know what autism was, how it affected children, and how to teach children struggling with this condition. However, your videos helped me to find light in my child and now I am your biggest fan! I rewatch your videos over and over again to make sure I didn't miss anything that can help my daughter. I even purchase two books- Autism workbook and Teach me to Play. My toddler was completely non-verbal, she didn't know how to imitate, no eye contact, no pointing.. you name it she didn't have any skills and I didn't know how to teach her! And that is until I discover ed You- my toddlers (Fairy: smiling_face_with_3_hearts:)!
Now she is little sweet 2.5 years old and she says "mama" (I cried when she said that magic word), she waves bye bye or hi, she points, she gives "high 5", her joint attention is great and overall she is doing so much better! And that's all because I have been doing everything you described in your books and videos! I. My mind I always play "repetition, repetition and repetition", teaching her everything through play that she so much enjoys!!! I can write forever explaining how much I taught her through yr videos and books! And the most amazing thing is that her speech therapist is a big fan of yours as well so it worked out perfectly since we understand each other and work based on your teachings! The therapist even owns the same books I own ...I am so grateful that my toddler has such an amazing therapist; especially the one that understands autism and is ready for a real challenge! God bless you for all you do and I cannot wait for my toddler blossom.. you gave me hope and lit the light inside me. And I'm determined to work with my girl :)"
I'm am learning so much from you
"Gosh, I love all of your emails/podcast/website, just everything!! I work in early intervention as a behavior analyst and am learning so much from you!"
Thank you!
Hailey
Thank you for systematically organizing and explaining essential steps for young children to learn and develop
"Laura,
I love your work! I am a professor of early childhood special education and a speech language pathologist! I have worked to help children learn to communicate and I know how valuable the information you share is for both early interventionists and pediatric speech language pathologists!
Thank you for systematically organizing and explaining essential steps for young children to learn and develop. You are having a great impact on our profession, the ECE profession and families!"
Sincerely,
David
every time I implement something you've taught in your manuals or videos it is always a success
"I just wanted to thank you so much for your incredible help! You are so kind and lovely and every time I implement something you've taught in your manuals or videos it is always a success, I cannot thank you enough. I really appreciate how specific you are in giving us examples of wording to use and how to use a toy in therapy with your videos, it is exactly what I need to properly help my little students. I also really appreciate your list of books of list of toys. I have seen my little students make significant progress thanks to you. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos, taking more of your CEU's, and reading more of your materials. From the bottom of my heart: thank you so much again!!"
Lauren
Laura Mize, you are a Godsend
"Laura Mize, you are a Godsend. I don’t know how one human can have so many helpful things to say in a beautifully organized way, so often. Always amazes me when another super helpful email comes from you, and for free. With free YouTube videos and cheap CEUs. THANK YOU!!!"
Sheila, Canada
She gives examples of child's actions, "inappropriate," explains the reason for: why the child is engaging in these behaviors and how they can be replaced
"I purchased the book on autism and have watched the #400s series podcasts. Laura Mize has been more effective in teaching autistic tendencies, than many professors, shadowing professions, and the 100s of books, articles and classes or videos, or live workshop speakers, have been at teaching effective practices for a child with ASD. Some of the many lessons she has taught, which I will now use, to be a more effective Interventionist, include but are not limited to: red flags, typical behaviors, self-stimulating behaviors, not taking away toys, rather showing child to play with toy appropriately. She gives examples of child's actions, "inappropriate," explains the reason for: why the child is engaging in these behaviors and how they can be replaced with more appropriate, effective fuctional and age-appropriate skills."
I’m a parent who bought the autism workbook and it’s the only clear resource I found to make a change in my son
"Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, experience, and guidance.
I’m a parent who bought the autism workbook and it’s the only clear resource I found to make a change in my son. I’m really thankful to Ms. Laura for helping out people like us all over the world."
Girl…my son is 3 years old, and he NEVER asks for something using words
"I just received Teach Me to Play With You, and it is ALREADY WORKING! WOW!
Girl…my son is 3 years old, and he NEVER asks for something using words. We were playing “Get Your Belly” (from Teach Me to Play WITH You), and after several times, he laughed and screamed "BEWIEEE!!!" It was a hoot. And I can't believe he said it! I have played with him like this before, but this time I took your advice and acted CRAZY!! I will act like a total lunatic if it will get him to talk to me! Now I can give him "the look" from across the room, and he will say it. That manual is so amazingly practical, and it is a GODSEND right now! Thank you SO MUCH!”
I made the transition from school SLP to private therapist about a year ago
"I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for making things a little easier to manage for me this year. I made the transition from school SLP to private therapist about a year ago. While the change was welcome, it was a lot, and I was just getting my footing in the clinic when I began teletherapy full time. Your website has been a huge lifeline in helping me work with late talkers and coach their parents in an accessible but effective way, even remotely. I look forward to getting your emails each week. I am floored by the amount of valuable, free information that your website provides, and I’m looking forward to investing in your workbooks soon. A sincere thank you for all you do!"
Allison
I have two new clinicians that I’m working with and have recommended these courses to both of them
"I just really appreciate your courses! I have two new clinicians that I’m working with and have recommended these courses to both of them. I’ve watched quite a few and have learned so much about serving this population. To be honest, before I started implementing your strategies I was a little frustrated with the lack of progress. My skills with engaging these little ones have improved so much! Thank you so much for making these CEUs so valuable!"
I have such a thorough understanding of birth to 3 development and how to properly incorporate appropriate therapeutic goals
"Laura thank you so much. Btw, you have transformed my therapy- I have become such a competent and strong therapist after watching probably like 350 of your videos and podcasts over the past few years. And I am a seasoned therapist with almost 25 years experience. (Yes prob 350 episodes ha!) But there was still a lot I learned from you. I have such a thorough understanding of birth to 3 development and how to properly incorporate appropriate therapeutic goals, techniques and strategies now, thanks to you. Kelly
Now she is little sweet 2.5 years old and she says "mama" (I cried when she said that magic word)
"Hello Miss Laura,
First, I would like to thank you for all you do for us moms who are lacking support in the autism community, and thank you for providing tons of information and resources to help our bright children. I myself benefited so much from watching your videos and reading your daily emails. I cannot stress enough how much all this information helped my toddler. Of course, getting an autism diagnosis for your child is extremely scary (she was diagnosed at 2 years old) and I was depressed and did not know what autism was, how it affected children, and how to teach children struggling with this condition. However, your videos helped me to find light in my child and now I am your biggest fan! I rewatch your videos over and over again to make sure I didn't miss anything that can help my daughter. I even purchase two books- Autism workbook and Teach me to Play. My toddler was completely non-verbal, she didn't know how to imitate, no eye contact, no pointing.. you name it she didn't have any skills and I didn't know how to teach her! And that is until I discovered You- my toddlers (Fairy: smiling_face_with_3_hearts:)!
Now she is little sweet 2.5 years old and she says "mama" (I cried when she said that magic word), she waves bye bye or hi, she points, she gives "high 5", her joint attention is great and overall she is doing so much better! And that's all because I have been doing everything you described in your books and videos! I. My mind I always play "repetition, repetition and repetition", teaching her everything through play that she so much enjoys!!! I can write forever explaining how much I taught her through yr videos and books! And the most amazing thing is that her speech therapist is a big fan of yours as well so it worked out perfectly since we understand each other and work based on your teachings! The therapist even owns the same books I own ...I am so grateful that my toddler has such an amazing therapist; especially the one that understands autism and is ready for a real challenge! God bless you for all you do and I cannot wait for my toddler blossom.. you gave me hope and lit the light inside me. And I'm determined to work with my girl :)"
I love that all the material covered is in the workbook so that I can refer back often
"As always, I find practical and useful ideas that I can start using right away with my families. I loved the strengths questionnaire and activity idea handouts that I can go over with parents. I love that all the material covered is in the workbook so that I can refer back often. Laura- you have a wonderful presentation style, I ended up making notes to add in some of your interesting anecdotes that weren't in the material, this makes you so easy to engage with."
Nicole, SLP
This strengths based approach is exactly what a few of my clients are missing, and where I can add these strategies to their sessions immediately
"I have many clients who only work when a well-established rapport has occurred. This strengths based approach is exactly what a few of my clients are missing, and where I can add these strategies to their sessions immediately."
Katherine, SLP
