The Speech Umbrella

Stepping into a job interview is intimidating for many of us, but  when you're a teen or young adult with a communication disorder, it can feel overwhelming.  On the Speech Umbrella podcast, we tackle this subject head-on, with my husband, Dan Stratton, bringing his IT management and interview expertise to the table. One of Dan's passions is helping young adults in their career searches and interviews. Together we demystify the interview process, transforming it from a daunting task into an exciting stage to spotlight your problem-solving abilities. We discuss the art of self-presentation,  the power of a well-told story,  and how to do networking interviews.

You'll hear firsthand how strategic networking and informational interviews can forge paths to unexpected job offers and meaningful professional relationships. From the impact of a thoughtful handwritten note to the nuances of asking the right questions, we delve into the details that can set you apart. We also examine how to make an impression in the interview itself, with tips on maintaining composure under pressure and using body language to your advantage.

 So plug in, listen up, and let's get you ready to nail that interview with grace and confidence.

Helpful Links
Amy Cuddy TED Talk
List of Skills.
Long List of Skills   
Sample Interview Questions and How to Answer Them 
More Interview Questions

To mark the 100th episode, Dan (our business manager) interviews Denise about her favorite episodes, the beginnings of the podcast, and what the future holds for The Speech Umbrella.

--- Useful Links ---
Free Resource Library
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Interview with Char Boshart
Interview with Dr. Shereen Lim
To Infinity and Beyond
The Power of Too
Follow the Narrative Road
The Conversation Game
Phonological Awareness Tracking Tool
Impossible R Made Possible
Simple Tools
Interview with Dr. Teresa Ukrainetz
Making Movies, Making Inferences
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Don’t we hear some of the funniest, wisest, all around best things from children? Here’s a collection of some my best moments with clients in 2023. Enjoy Kids Say the BEST Things, 2023.

--- Useful Links ---
Emoji Handout
Empowering Children with Autism Through Natural Language Acquisition
Essential Language for Autism 
Open Doors
A Parent, A Child, and Autism
Kids Say the Best Things 2022
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Unleash the power of storytelling on your child's developmental journey! Join us as we explore the transformative influence of family narratives on children. Based on the research of Robin Fivush and Marshall P. Duke, we reveal the multitude of benefits kids reap when they know their family tales. Their resilience, self-esteem, and social skills see a significant boost. More than that, we consider how these stories can be effectively integrated into therapy, serving as instruments to enhance episodic memory, predictable behavior, vocabulary, and critical thinking. You’ll also hear some of our personal family narratives and learn about the critical thinking triangle, a handy tool from the Story Grammar Marker people.

Take a step further into the world of stories with us. We share a heartwarming tale of a school physical therapist whose professional advice led a first grader's parents to seek help beyond the school's resources. We introduce you to Dan and his father's inspiring journey that was profoundly influenced by a teacher who spurred a love for reading. Yet, we also know that not every story has a happy ending, and we guide you on how to handle narratives that don't end well and finding ways to move forward.

Make no mistake - family stories are powerful, and so are the rituals that accompany them. As we delve deeper, we uncover how children comprehend the personalities of their family members via these stories and the rituals they observe. Persistence is the key to storytelling, and we've got useful tips on how families can tell their stories effectively. Drawing from our years of experience as SLPs, we offer guidance on how to help families share their narratives and put them into a physical form. So, what are you waiting for? Tune into the Speech Umbrella and start harnessing the power of family stories today!

--- Useful Links ---
emoji handout
https://storyintelligence.com/fivush-%26-duke
Story Grammar Marker , Do You Do Two?    
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Ever wondered how to effectively enhance language development in children with autism? The Speech Umbrella's 97th episode is here to illuminate your path! I'm Denise Stratton, and I'll be unpacking the power of child-centered approaches like Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), explaining how it helps build spontaneous and generative language. We'll decode complex terms such as Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs), Analytic Language Processors (ALPs), and Developmental Sentence Scoring (DSS) using relatable examples from my clinical practice, drawing from my wealth of experience to provide you with practical resources to kickstart this transformative therapy technique.

Embarking on the journey of language development, we'll delve into the critical role of Speech-Language Pathologists in breaking up gestalts and isolating words to ease children's understanding. I'll discuss the significance of 'stage four' in language development and how to recognize the signs of spontaneous language. . This episode promises to be an engaging exploration, perfect for parents and SLPs eager to make a difference in their child's linguistic journey. Tune in, absorb, and let's transform lives one word at a time.

--- Useful Links ---

Stage One Sentence Types

Communication Development Center 

Meaningful Speech

Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Do you ever wonder just what your data is telling you, and how to use your data to help your clients progress? If so, then this episode is tailor made for you! In part two of Leading and Lagging Indicators you’ll learn about some therapy ideas for measuring leading indicators. Leading indicators are so helpful, because they predict future success and help us chart the way forward with our clients.

--- Useful Links ---
Leading and Lagging Indicators, Part One
Body Awareness Fun Deck
Orange is a Carrot
Simple Poem Six Ways
Follow the Narrative Road
Permission to Play
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Are you curious about how leading and lagging indicators, concepts borrowed from the business world, can revolutionize your speech therapy practice? That's precisely what I explore in this episode. From predicting future outcomes to measuring past success, I'll guide you on how these indicators can boost your effectiveness and transform therapy results. We discuss relatable examples from various fields and how, with accurate measurements, these indicators can be harnessed for maximum impact.

--- Useful Links ---

Stage One Sentence Types

Institute For Evidence Based Change 

The Conversation Game 

Essential Language for Autism 

Phonological Awareness Tracking Tool 

Prime to Rhyme 

Nursery Rhyme Coloring Book 

Orange is a Carrot 

Cue the Move

Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Have you ever wondered how the simple word ‘too’ can shape a child’s comprehension of the world around them? Join me, your host Denise Stratton, as I delve into the unexpected depths of language and transform this overlooked adverb into a powerful tool for understanding, comparisons, and explanations.  I’ll be dissecting the multifaceted role of ‘too’ in language development and sharing practical ideas for employing it in speech therapy.

 Explore with me why mastering this word is vital for children, particularly those on the Autism spectrum and discover how the nuances of the English language can open up a world of understanding for children. 

--- Useful Links ---

To Infinity and Beyond 

Making Movies, Making Inferences 

Story Retelling Activity: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Tired of feeling perplexed by nasal air emission and phoneme-specific nasal emission? We’ve got you covered in this enlightening episode! We’ll unravel these complex issues that often trip up even the most experienced SLPs, providing you with a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies. Expect to gain a clearer understanding as we dissect hypernasality, nasal air emission, and phoneme-specific nasal emission, shedding light on how to distinguish and treat these conditions effectively. Through engaging case histories, we share our journey to resolution.

Two cases are discussed, along with the considerable it took to correct them: a case where a preschooler produced a pharyngeal fricative for S and Z, and a case of phoneme specific nasal air emission.  Tune in to get some tips on solving the puzzle of nasal air emission.

--- Useful Links ---
13K Podcast Download Giveaway!
https://www.instagram.com/dstrattonslp/
https://www.facebook.com/SpeechUmbrella

SpeechPathology.com
Impossible R Made Possible
Top 10 Toys for Speech and Language
PROMPT
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Prepare to unravel the mysteries of airway health as we journey into the realm of healthy sleep and jaw development with our distinguished guest, Dr. Shereen Lim, a dentist specializing in this unique field. We’ll shine a light on intriguing topics such as the impact of breastfeeding on muscle development and airway health, and the significance of early intervention. Harnessing Dr. Lim’s expertise, we’ll venture into discussions about common problems like breastfeeding issues, reflux symptoms, swallowing challenges, and speech troubles, and how they’re linked to airway health and tongue ties.

Discover the significant role that tongue positioning plays in neural transmission to the brain, guided by Dr. Lim’s insight. As we continue along this investigative journey, we’ll explore the potential risks associated with overlooking these problems, highlighting the importance of early intervention before they become a lifelong struggle.

But that’s not all, we’ll also be discussing the myomunchee appliance and its role in promoting lip seal and more normal swallowing patterns. These concepts are not just related to speech development, but can also help those grappling with thumb-sucking and posture issues. Also, Dr. Lim will be sharing valuable resources such as her book, “Breathe, Sleep, Thrive” and her professionals-only Facebook group “Airway Health 4 Kids”. Join us for this enlightening episode and gain an in-depth understanding of the significance of airway health and its far-reaching effects on both infants and adults.

Ready to uncover the magic of playtime and how it can fuel your child’s language development? Join me, Denise Stratton, an experienced pediatric speech-language pathologist, as I reveal my top 10 toy picks for therapy with the preschool/kindergarten age group. These game and activities are perfect for both articulation and language therapy better, and they meet my three criteria for therapy toys and activities:

• Lots of attributes to talk about
• Plenty of opportunities to talk about location and use prepositions
• Stimulate the imagination

 So, whether you’re a parent looking for guidance or a speech-language pathologist aiming to add more zest to your sessions, get ready for some practical advice on toys that enrich speech and language development. 

Imagine transforming the world of speech therapy by bringing it outdoors and combining it with the joys of preschool! That's exactly what Lisa Boyce has done with her unique outdoor preschool, Garden Gate Preschool.

When Lisa moved her preschool outdoors during Covid, she discovered how much better children became at self regulation. In fact, the results were so fantastic she decided to keep her preschool outside. 

Here are some topics we explore in this interview:

• Outdoor learning environments and emotional regulation
• The power of child lead unstructured play 
• Teaching phonological awareness in preschool 
• How to set up an outdoor preschool

That’s only a small sample of what we cover. You’ll want to hear how Lisa utilizes real-world experiences – like the annual grape harvest at the preschool — to promote learning. And her use of glitter jars for social emotional learning is something I can’t wait to try in my practice! Tune into episode 90 of The Speech Umbrella, Harnessing the Power of Play in Speech Therapy with Lisa Boyce, and come away inspired

Do you ever wonder how closely motor and language development are intertwined in children? Discerning the subtle ties between these two fundamental areas can be profoundly insightful, especially for those of us in the field of pediatric speech-language pathology! I am Denise Stratton, bringing you episode 89 of the Speech Umbrella, as we delve deep into this fascinating correlation, especially concerning children with autism. Drawing from a wealth of research, we underscore the reality that language impairment often goes hand-in-hand with motor skill development issues.

Let's dive into how motor skills might actually be the first domain where developmental divergence appears in children diagnosed with autism. We bring light to the valuable resource - the 16 actions with objects by 16 months - developed by the First Words Project. This tool has innovatively changed the game for me in my practice, and I can't wait to share it with you! Understanding and fostering the development of motor skills can lead to future gains in communication. So join me as we celebrate the power of simple therapies and their potential for improving outcomes in our young patients' lives.

Ever wondered how a deeper understanding of brain plasticity could revolutionize your language therapy sessions? Join me as I share my key takeaways from Norman Doidge's eye-opening book, "The Brain That Changes Itself", and how we can harness the power of brain plasticity to create more effective and efficient therapy practices. Discover how roadblocks can pave the way for new brain maps, the significance of clear signals in information retention, and why focused attention is indispensable for molding and reshaping our brain maps.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of auditory processing and its connection to language and speech impairments. Learn how I use pictures and descriptors to aid clients in naming exercises, and a shopping activity that helps improve word retrieval. We'll also explore the challenges language-impaired children face in perceiving the fast parts of speech and shed light on David Kilpatrick's "Equipped for Reading Success" program, which has been a game-changer for me as a clinician. Don't miss this enlightening episode that will transform the way you approach language therapy and help you unlock the full potential of the brain's plasticity!

--- Useful Links ---

The Brian that Changes Itself 
Picnic Fun
That Thing That Isn’t APD
Equipped for Reading Success
Phonological Awareness Tracking Tool
Whole Body Listening
Impossible R Made Possible

Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Having a stash of fun and effective games for therapy you can turn to at a moment’s notice is standard practice for pediatric SLPs. 

But sometimes we end up buying a game that’s not so great—it’s not fun, takes too long to set up, doesn’t have enough practice opportunities, is finicky to play . . . the list goes on. Those games get shoved to the back of the closet quickly. 

To save you time and money investing in not-so-great games, I’ve rounded up nine of my favorite games. In this episode I describe these games plus how to incorporate target words in a way that promotes carryover from day one. 

Tumbling Tower , Jenga , Kerplunk , Connect 4 , Suspend , Dominoes , Pick up Sticks , Spot It , R Memory Cards , Impossible R Made Possible 

Even with the many AAC resources out there, the pathway for those with complex communication needs is not always clear cut.

 We all want our clients who use AAC to make that leap to becoming proficient communicators. Understanding more about how they learn is one way to help them progress, and that’s what this episode is about. It covers:

 •    Core and fringe vocabular

•    Stages of motor learning

•    Meeting sensory and language needs simultaneously

•    Descriptive teaching

 By the way— descriptive teaching is awesome—even if you don’t have clients who use AAC!

--- Useful Links ---
Stage One Sentence Types
Understanding Motor Learning Stages Improves Skill Instruction by J Huber
The Center for AAC and Autism
Sensory Books by Lizzie
Descriptive Teaching
Ready, Set, Go! with AAC
Get Set with AAC: Mythbusting
Everything Has a Name
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

As speech therapists we know the value of early intervention, and judging by the increase in toddlers on my case load, parents understand the value too. But—therapy with a two year old ain’t no picnic!  A cranky two year old who wants to do things their way, doesn’t want help, and can’t communicate well makes for a trying therapy session. 

 What can help us understand two year old behavior better? Play schemas! Play schemas help toddlers make sense of the world, and they involve a fair amount of bashing, banging, pushing, pulling and general destruction testing. Because schemas seem like an obsession when the child is in full throttle mode with them, it helps to understand what schemes they are exploring. That way you can structure therapy to satisfy their needs and meet therapy goals.
--- Useful Links ---
A Guide to Schema Play in Toddlers
Quote Investigator
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Great ideas for speech therapy materials abound, time to make them does not. That’s why The Speech Umbrella has a Free Resource Library for SLPs on the front lines. In the ever growing library you’ll find material for articulation, autism, clinic management, early listening and phonological awareness, fluency, and oral and written language. 

 This episode takes you on a tour of some of my favorite resources in the library. Tune in and find the resource you’ve been looking for to make your clinical life easier!

--- Useful Links ---
 Simple Tools for Optimal Outcomes
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
To Infinity and Beyond
Essential Language for Autism
Challenges in Early Intervention
First Words Project 16 by 16
Real Changes in Spoken Language with Sketch and Speak
Simple Tools: Phonemic Awareness for Parents
Youtube The Speech Umbrella
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

I used to have this burning question when I starting working with young autistic clients—

How do I get an interaction going when this little human clearly wants nothing to do with me? Sound familiar? Let’s face it, young children on the spectrum are a tough crowd, and that old uninvited friend, the imposter syndrome, returns. 

 The saying “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink," applies here—you can set up a great therapy session but you can’t make them interact or attend. So what can you do? 

 The great news is, we can get interactions going and we can engage them. This episode discusses how to use the simplest tools for optimal engagement using bubbles, balloons, balls, and bodies.

--- Useful Links ---
Hanen More Than Words Overview 

Opportunity Cost 

First Speak Their Language 

Simple Tools Balloons

Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

This episode describes using movie making to teach inferencing and perspective taking. Just learning the language to express different perspectives is challenging, let alone understanding theory of mind. One way to tackle this gordian knot is through movie making and narration. Clients get a kick out of making movies, and SLP’s get a kick out of the extensive learning taking place. The episode covers: 

 •    Choosing the book to turn into a movie

•    Setting- promoting a thorough understanding

•    Narration and Rehearsal

•    An unexpected finding

•    Who is this for?

•    Tips for a smooth process and progress monitoring

•    Results

 The good news is, it’s not that difficult or time consuming once you have a process down. Tune in for all the tips and tricks to make this work in your practice, then watch the magic of learning commence. 

 Take a look at this complete movie activity package for the delightful book, Gregory, the Terrible Eater, by Mitchell Sharmat, available at The Speech Umbrella. 

--- Useful Links ---
Climbing the Social Detective Ladder
Choose Your Books Wisely
No Roses for Harry!
Thinking About YOU Thinking About ME
Gregory, the Terrible Eater
Gregory, the Terrible Eater Story Activity
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission