Early Intervention Speech Therapy

Supervising SLP Students

2013-05-21T13:01:00Z

About 2 months ago our clinical coordinator at the preschool where I work asked whether I would be willing to supervise a graduate speech-language pathology student over the course of her summer semester. She explained to me the student would need 80-100 direct clinical hours and I would be supervising every one of them. I'll be honest and admit that my silent, initial reaction was to say "no". My caseload has recently increased, along with paperwork and outside demands. I have supervised students...(read more)

Recipe: Homemade Veggie Burgers

2013-05-17T12:06:00Z

We are halfway through the month of May and Memorial Day is less than 2 weeks away! It's time to take out your grill, dust it off and fire it up! Starting this week and continuing through the next couple weeks I will be sharing grilling recipes that are perfect for picky eaters and the entire family. Most picky eaters don't enjoy very complex foods such as a burger with a bun, cheese, lettuce and tomato. If this is true for your child, you may want to try the following: Grill/cook the burger thoroughly...(read more)

Mindfulness: What it is and How to Achieve It

2013-05-14T13:51:00Z

Last week, I shared the life-changing information I learned at a seminar entitled "7 Mindfulness Habits of the Highly Effective Brain" given by Jonathan Jordan, MSW LCSW, a well-traveled social worker and master life coach. My post talked about the definitions of "mindfulness" and lists the actual 7 habits that Mr. Jordan recommends in order to achieve this level of existence. Here are the Habits listed again with some additional information to help you attain each one: Habit #1 Have a Nutritious...(read more)

Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

2013-05-10T16:40:00Z

I have been looking for new way to cook Brussels sprouts for my family. After researching some different recipes, I decided to mix a few together and create my own! The bacon and mushrooms add a nice meatiness to the sprouts, while the cheese and butter help to unite all the flavors together. Hope you enjoy! Cheesy Bacon and Mushroom Brussels Sprouts You will need: 1 and ½ lbs of fresh Brussels Sprouts ½ lb of low-sodium Bacon 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 cup...(read more)

7 Habits to Consider

2013-05-07T12:56:00Z

This past Thursday I went to a wonderful training entitled "7 Mindfulness Habits of the Highly Effective Brain. "The presenter was a man named Jonathan Jordan, MSW LCSW, a well-traveled (he's been to 146 countries) social worker and master life coach who was hired to give this same presentation to our own United States Senate. Although I was able to earn 6 ASHA hours by attending (which was a huge benefit!), it was the title that really grabbed my attention. I've had an exceptionally busy spring...(read more)

Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower and Peas

2013-05-03T13:03:00Z

Now that the chilly weather is finally beginning to break and the sweet smell of spring is in the air, it is the perfect time to visit your local farmer's market and see what is in season. From time to time on this blog I explore the juicy world of fresh fruits and vegetables and in the process, educate myself and others about how to: 1. BUY SEASONAL PRODUCE and 2. COOK SEASONAL PRODUCE. The website, CUESA.org offers extensive lists of both vegetables and fruits that are in season during the month...(read more)

Better Speech and Hearing Month

2013-04-30T15:03:00Z

Today is the last day of April and tomorrow begins May, or what SLP's across the globe lovingly refer to as "Better Speech and Hearing Month"! This year the slogan for BSHM is "Helping People Communicate". In order to properly kick off the month, today's post offers a list of ideas and resources for speech therapists to utilize during OUR special time of year! To begin, here is the link to ASHA's Better Speech and Hearing webpage , \which offers several wonderful resources to help therapists promote...(read more)

Making Yogurt Edible

2013-04-26T12:24:00Z

My older daughter who just recently passed her 3 ½ birthday remains quite the picky eater despite many attempts on my part to help her taste and enjoy different foods. One of the foods she continually refuses is yogurt. I first introduced yogurt when she was a baby. I would sit her up in her comfy cushioned high chair, face to face and spoon feed her various flavors of yogurt specially made for babies. It was smooth and creamy. No chunks or added texture, just silky baby yogurt. In those early years...(read more)

Speech Consultations and Home Care

2013-04-23T17:36:00Z

Last week I shared that I would be back on the road joining our Early Intervention homecare team once again for a few visits a week. I am still working in the preschool for the majority of my week; however I have added several Birth to 3 homecare families to my caseload as well. I also shared that since I left homecare roughly 3 years ago, some changes have occurred in our county. One of these new practices is utilizing speech consultations as part of the child's therapeutic plan. This has become...(read more)

Cooking the Alphabet

2013-04-19T12:24:00Z

Next week is "E" week at our school, meaning we will be talking and learning about all things "E"! So today at our teacher planning meeting we brainstormed on all the Exciting E-based Events we could plan for the upcoming days. Some of our ideas included: Egg-shell painting, making scrambled-Eggs, Exercise activities outside in the spring air and Eating the alphabet! Last spring in May I wrote several posts about Lois Ehlert's book "Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z". It is a...(read more)

On the Road Again!

2013-04-16T12:51:00Z

Due to changes at the workplace, which are mainly fiscally driven, my current work position is expanding and I will no longer treat children solely in the preschool. Now, some of my days will be split as I will be back on the road in homecare therapy for a few hours a week. It's been more than 3 years now since I left homecare and the birth to three program; and although it will be a big change from the preschool scene, I am excited about reconnecting with my Early Intervention roots. Earlier today...(read more)

Recipe: Crispy Broccoli Bits

2013-04-12T12:16:00Z

Today I am posting a recipe that a friend recently shared with me. It is easy, healthy and delicious! The main ingredient is broccoli, " the most nutritious of all its cabbage family members " according to the Whole Living website. According to the Food.com "Home of the Home Cook" website , the word "broccoli" comes from the Italian word 'Brocco' meaning arm branch and is a relative of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. It is said to contain as much calcium, gram for gram, as milk . Broccoli...(read more)

Feeding Therapy for Children Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

2013-04-09T12:47:00Z

This week I am exploring feeding issues found with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The information surrounding this topic is very vast and extensive. My goal for this post is to provide useful information and resources for both therapists and parents. Let's begin with WHO is capable of addressing feeding issues with young children. Although speech language pathologists are sometimes the main therapist addressing feeding, there are other professionals who can add expert advice and assistance....(read more)

The Best Part of the Muffin!

2013-04-05T13:52:00Z

For me, the yummiest part of any muffin whether made at home or fresh from your local bakery is usually the top of the muffin. The upper half of any good muffin is often sprinkled with some extra flavor, adorned with toppings such as crystalized or powdered sugar, cinnamon, mini-chocolate chips. Really the possibilities are endless and each option adds that extra pop of flavor to every bite! So, when I found a muffin-top pan (yes they do exist) and muffin-top baking cups that fit the pan perfectly...(read more)

Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy

2013-04-02T12:21:00Z

As I began my search for helpful information regarding cerebral palsy and how it affects feeding and oral motor function, much of what I found included various cases that have been conducted on this very topic. Oral motor therapy has become quite controversial in our field of speech therapy over the past 10-15 years; therefore some of the literature that I found seemed somewhat confusing and maybe even contradictory. One fact I think any speech therapist who has worked with a child with CP can attest...(read more)