Discover how understanding your child's communication style can support healthy language development by understanding the difference between a late talker and a Gestalt Language Processor.
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Explore the connection between sensory needs and child behaviour, and discover how recognizing sensory cues can lead to more effective support at home and school.
Explore the key differences between speech and language delays, early warning signs, and how speech therapy can support your child's communication skills and confidence.
Explore the stages of the articulation hierarchy and find practical ways to support your child’s speech therapy progress through effective home practice.
Explore helpful tips and speech therapy techniques for conquering the tricky “R” sound and supporting your child’s speech development with confidence.
Explore how AAC therapy supports communication development, self-expression, and inclusive learning opportunities for children of all abilities.
Make a paper plate pumpkin pie craft—cut, paint, and glue to build scissor and pre-writing skills for Thanksgiving.
Help your child follow directions with confidence using proven speech therapy and motor planning techniques designed for everyday success.
Help your toddler build strong social skills with practical, play-based strategies. Learn how to support communication, connection, and confidence from an early age.
Help your child strengthen final consonant sounds with easy, engaging home activities designed to support speech clarity and communication growth.
Learn the signs of supportive child therapy and why honoring stimming, AAC, interests, and regulation can lead to more meaningful communication growth.
See how our neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy clinic can help your child thrive through sensory-safe rooms, playful connection, and parent collaboration.
Learn why accepting each child’s unique developmental path empowers neurodivergent voices and creates stronger outcomes for communication, connection, and growth.
Mastering the /s/ sound supports clearer speech and confidence. Explore common /s/ errors (frontal and lateral lisps) and get a family-friendly roadmap with our Ultimate /s/ Sound ebook.
Why trust and emotional safety matter more than data in pediatric speech therapy. A neurodiversity-affirming approach to helping children find their voice.
Learn why standardized testing fails our neurodivergent children—and how neurodiversity-affirming assessments offer a better path forward.
Learn practical ways to build social skills for children while honoring their individuality, comfort, and unique communication style.
Learn practical ways to build social skills for children while honoring their individuality, comfort, and unique communication style.
Make a heart hot air balloon with our free template using tissue paper and crayons—a quick preschool craft that builds fine-motor skills and pincer grasp.
Learn how to choose the best toys for toddlers—open-ended, cause-and-effect, pretend play, and movement picks to boost learning.
Popsicle stick snowman craft for kids. Build fine-motor skills with cutting, pasting, and painting—an easy winter decoration.
Make a handprint snowglobe craft with snowman fingertips—easy winter art, quick setup, and a keepsake kids love.
Easy penguin craft for kids with a template. Build fine-motor skills, add snowy details, or hang it as a winter ornament.
Easy ornament craft for kids with tissue paper and a free template. Build fine-motor skills and make a durable keepsake for your holiday tree.
Clear guidance on ABA and speech therapy—what each treats, when to see an SLP or BCBA, and how collaboration supports your child.
Make a paper plate pumpkin pie craft—cut, paint, and glue to build scissor and pre-writing skills for Thanksgiving.
Easy tissue paper pumpkin craft—sensory messy play that builds fine-motor skills. Glue, paint, and decorate a bright fall pumpkin.
Ease after-school transitions with 5 OT-approved tips: movement, snack, set homework time, flexible seating, and visual schedules.
Practical, sensory-friendly holiday tips to reduce overload, honor routines, and make Halloween and beyond joyful for neurodivergent kids.
Discover how SLP and OT co-treatment supports communication, sensory regulation, motor skills, and family-centered care.
Make a Thanksgiving corn craft with beads and pipe cleaners—mini corn cobs that build fine-motor and hand manipulation skills.
Easy Thanksgiving turkey craft using a printable template—cut, color, and glue to build fine-motor skills. Perfect classroom or home activity.
Easy cotton ball ghost craft—cute hanging decor that builds sequencing, fine-motor and tactile skills for kids.
Easy spider web craft with a paper plate and string—fun lacing activity to build fine-motor and motor planning skills this Halloween.
Make a handprint witch craft—build sequencing, fine-motor skills, and tactile play with a simple Halloween art activity for kids.
Easy Halloween pre-writing craft using shapes—build a spooky haunted house while practicing cutting, gluing, and fine-motor skills.
Simple play ideas and daily routines to boost toddler language development for analytic learners and GLPs. Actionable tips parents can use today.
Explore expert potty training tips for children with practical strategies from occupational and speech therapists to support confidence and independence.
Practical tips for supporting transitions in children, with strategies to ease sensory processing challenges and make changes smoother for families.
Holistic speech therapy treats your whole child—beyond labels—building skills through strengths, joy, connection, and daily life.
Understand Gestalt vs Analytic language processing in children and learn practical, affirming tips to support every child’s communication journey.
Discover why naturalistic therapy helps your child thrive through play, connection, and authentic expression—supporting growth their way.
Learn how the articulation hierarchy supports your child's speech development with expert guidance from speech therapists every step of the way.
Discover the best books for toddlers and neurodivergent kids to spark growth, connection, and joy through inclusive and engaging stories.
Help your child overcome speech sound delays with early detection, therapy & support. Book a consult today!
Childhood Apraxia of Speech affects a child's ability to speak. Learn symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and effective therapy options.
Discover handwriting tips for parents to boost kids’ letter formation, sizing, grip, and focus—fun, expert-approved, and easy to try at home!
Explore effective evaluations for occupational therapy to improve treatment plans, monitor progress, and support patient-centered care.
In this blog, we invite you to discover effective strategies to enhance your child's communication journey, fostering confidence and stronger connections in a way that fits into everyday life.
Book an initial speech therapy evaluation at Valued Voices to assess your child's communication skills and create a personalized treatment plan.
Learn effective strategies to boost your child's attention span during playtime, fostering better focus and engagement.
Discover effective homework strategies to enhance student success and make learning more engaging.
Learn essential do's and don'ts for writing effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support student success.
In this blog, we invite you to explore the importance of tracking your child's development, recognizing progress, and embracing each step forward in their communication journey.
As a parent, understanding how to navigate the world of speech and language therapy can significantly impact your child's progress and development.
The IEP process is designed to cater to the individualized needs of children who require specialized services to reach their full potential.
The IEP process is designed to cater to the individualized needs of children who require specialized services to reach their full potential.
Should you opt for school-based services, or invest in private speech therapy? This decision can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you weigh the positives and challenges to make […]
The IEP process is designed to cater to the individualized needs of children who require specialized services to reach their full potential.
In this blog article, we take a closer look into some information to help guide you in determining if your child may be a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP).
Stage 4+ is when a child is mainly using self-generated, flexible language. Your child is in the later stages of gestalt language development, now what?
In Stages 1 and 2 of gestalt language development, children are mainly using language that they have picked up from media and communication partners.
In this blog, we delve into the incredible journey toys and using a single toy to encourage and enhance speech and language skills in young ones.
At Valued Voices, we strongly believe that when we focus on a child’s strengths and interests, this is where all the magic happens!
Child led sensory motor play doesn’t have to stay in the clinic, so here are my top three favorite child-led sensory activities for home.
Early intervention speech and language development matters as those early communication skills are the foundation for later academic and social success.
Fourth of July is such a fun, family friendly holiday but the traditional celebrations (fireworks, parades, etc.) can be difficult to tolerate for some.
In this blog post we will be unraveling the magic of toys in fostering speech, language, and motor development in children.
This blog post is your compass, guiding you through the serene yet profound waters of conscious parenting from speech delay strategies to navigating the tumultuous waves of tantrums with a […]
In this blog we will be talking about Gestalt Language Development Stage 1. If you are already a bit familiar with GLP or know your kiddo is in Stage 1 […]
In this blog article, we will be providing 3 ways to help your child with speech and language therapy. This comprehensive guide includes multiple tips.
Earth Day activities that will not only teach your kids about protecting the planet but also encourage their development in various areas.
In this blog, we will break down the difference of Occupational Therapy in the scope of practice depending on the setting.
This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing.
Reading to your children is a way for them to learn about the world and a way to empower them to dream of a future they can build.
In this blog, I will break down for you some important areas of your kiddo’s development: Speech and Language, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, Feeding Skills.
We must embrace neurological differences and implement practices that affirm and uplift these children, ensuring they feel acknowledged, listened to, and valued.
We must embrace neurological differences and implement practices that affirm and uplift these children, ensuring they feel acknowledged, listened to, and valued.
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a valid form of communication where language is acquired through meaningful chunks or delayed echolalia. [...]
Unless you have a child who is in speech therapy or who has difficulties with feeding, you may never have heard of oral motor skills before. Although the term is […]
When your child is first referred for speech therapy by their pediatrician or teacher, or if you just have that parental instinct that your child is delayed in their speech […]
Handwriting is one of the most common areas parents ask me about in my practice. It is such a necessary occupation for classroom tasks, general fine motor development, and visual […]
As an occupational therapist, the number one question I get from parents, caregivers, and even other professionals is “What is occupational therapy?”. The name really doesn’t provide a lot of […]
Have you ever wondered at what age your child should be making certain sounds? Or maybe you have wondered why your child is mispronouncing some sounds but not others. Maybe […]
Your little baby just turned one year old! This is a wonderful moment to cherish and celebrate! It is also a time when your little love is absorbing even more […]
With the holidays upon us, there are so many wonderful ways we can celebrate and show each other love. If one of your ways to show love is by giving […]
As a parent or professional working with little ones, I am sure that you have noticed how much children love to mimic what we say and what we do. Sometimes, […]
One of the most common questions I get asked by parents is “how many words should my child be saying?” As a parent, you are so eager for your little […]
Getting your child dressed and getting ready in the morning can be difficult, especially when you are also trying to make breakfast, load the car, pack the lunches, etc. There […]
The Skills Your Baby Develops BEFORE Talking As soon as your little one is born, they begin developing prelinguistic skills. These prelinguistic, or nonverbal skills, help in supporting later language […]
Dysregulation and an increase in arousal level doesn’t always happen during visits to the park or while playing at home. It is more likely that an increase in “silly behavior” […]
Learning language is a process that starts during your baby’s development in the womb. And from the moment your baby is born, they begin expressing themselves. First through cries and […]
October is here and it is officially the start of Halloween celebrations! Whether it is dressing up in costume for trick or treating, or for celebrating at a neighborhood party, […]
Now that school is in session and schedules are getting busier and busier, sharing a meal with your little ones may be more important than ever. It is so lovely […]
Does Hand Strength = Handwriting? Handwriting is one of the most common areas parents ask me about in my practice. It is such a necessary occupation for classroom tasks, general […]
Tips on How to Increase Your Kiddo’s Word Combinations The moment your little one says their first word is filled with magic, so much excitement and a whole new world […]
Setting your Child Up for Success Are you at the beginning stages of getting your little one set up for speech, occupational, physical or behavioral therapy? If you answered YES, then […]
One of the hardest things to deal with as a parent may be having to make the apology rounds to your child’s classmates, parents, and teachers after a biting incident. […]
Amongst all of the mountains of solicited (and unsolicited) advice parents of toddlers receive, someone down the road has likely mentioned something along the lines of, “Whatever you do, don’t let […]
Addressing the misconceptions and commonly asked questions. As an occupational therapist, the number one question I get from parents, caregivers, and even other professionals is “What is pediatric OT?”. Occupational […]
Let’s be real, we all know what a temper tantrum is. Whether you are a parent, teacher, therapist, or just someone at the grocery store, we have all seen a […]
As school is winding down, and the weather is warming up the first thing on my mind is heading to the beach. Is there really anything more relaxing than a […]
A Month-by-Month Guide to Speech, Language and Communication Development Your little baby turned one! This is a huge moment to cherish and celebrate! This is also a time when your […]
Child speech, language and communication development can be so complex yet so rewarding! That moment when your child looks up at you to be picked up, puts her arms up […]
The moment you found out you were going to welcome a new human into your life, you must have been filled with so many emotions! Becoming a parent is such a […]
It was about two years ago, I was in invited to do a speaking event for a room full of parents and preschool teachers, my topic was of course my […]
First off, let me say that thumb sucking is a completely natural reflex. In fact, babies have a natural rooting and sucking reflex that sometimes even begins in the womb, […]
Let me start off by making a confession: I don’t own an iPad. When it comes to technology and therapy, I am a bit old school, however, despite my opinions […]
I get asked this question all the time, and the answer is YES! Raising your child to be bilingual can actually be beneficial for your little one’s brain development, language development, and cognition! In fact, just hearing two […]
What do I Need to Know? Introducing solid foods to your baby can be such an exciting moment in your parenting journey, while at the same time being one filled […]
How Much is too Much? Should I allow my toddler to use an iPad? Are apps okay to use for teaching? Is it okay to give my child my phone […]
What To Do & How To Do It Reading to your little one is critical, but with toddlers, it may not always be as easy as it was once before. […]
How to Use Dollhouses to Develop & Increase Speech, Language, & Communication Skills Many parents often ask me, “should I put my child in a more structured preschool or play-based […]
Communication comes in so many forms. Nonverbal communication includes our body language, eye contact, signs, gestures, and so much more! Verbal communication includes babbling, spoken words, and the use of a device, When our […]
What is babbling and how to encourage your child to babble? One of the greatest gifts as a parent is having a front row seat to all your child’s successes! […]
Parenting doesn’t start when your baby is born, it happens the moment you realize you are pregnant. The bond is instant! When we think of communication, we often think of the […]
Your Child is Talking But You Just Don’t Understand Them: Why? “I cant understand what my own kid is saying” “Nobody can understand her except me” “Other kids his age […]
Use the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learning: Learning Piggy Bank to encourage your little one to discover, explore, learn and grow through play! The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learning: Learning Piggy Bank […]
Use the I Spy Dig In to encourage your little one to discover, explore, learn and grow through play! Every game has it’s set of directions to follow, but there […]
Use the Junior Ramp Racer to encourage your little one to discover, explore, learn and grow through play! Once your little driver gets a hold of this toy, they will […]
