Speech of Light

Have you tried using a visual schedule at home with your child? Visual Schedules are supports that provide your child with information around what will happen ...during various times throughout the day. They can include a variety of formats, such as cartoons, pictures, and written lists. Visual schedules can outline the activities happening throughout an entire day, during specific routines (e.g., morning or bedtime), or display steps required to complete a task (e.g., washing hands or getting dressed). Visit our website to download a guide to help you create your own: http://ow.ly/aaaF50AXzqm

Join us for this week's free Wellness Events! Here’s the list: June 8 & 10: Self-Regulation and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Module 2... June 8, 9, 10 & 11: Using an Independent Activity Schedule (IAS) to Promote Independence June 9: Match & Link Process for CPS Agencies June 9: Reading and Writing FUNdamentals June 9: Visuals: Creating a 'First-Then' Board June 9, 11 & 12: Zumba June 9 & 11: Visuals Module 2: Visual Schedule June 10: Creating and Using Visuals June 10: Finding Moments of Respite June 10: Self-Regulation and the Autism Spectrum June 11: Resource Clinic [0-5 years] June 11: Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder June 11: Resource Clinic [6-17 years] June 11: Technology to Support Independence June 12: Caregiver Meditation to Release Stress June 12: Caregiver Coffee Chat Register here: www.surreyplace.ca/wellness

What a fantastic way to help students get in their physical activity, as well as prevent negative behaviours from arising in the classroom!

Imagine having so much to say - your joys, fears, jokes and telling people that you love them - but your body just doesn't let you. Here's how technology and a mother's love helped a 14-year-old unleash his voice. READ MORE: https://cna.asia/2gVe67X #Cerebralpalsy #SeeTheTrueMe

Do you know anyone who may be struggling with fluent speech? Here is a summer program offered for children between 9-14 who are experiencing stuttering:

It's often confusing to differentiate symptoms that are due to "normal aging" versus signs of an underlying impairment. Check out this great fact sheet so you are in the know! A speech-language pathologist is trained in recognizing and helping to overcome these signs related to speaking and swallowing.

Toronto parents upset with delays for free preschool speech-therapy program /via @globeandmail https://t.co/hmFqnhhl22

York Region's Special Needs Information Fair is coming February 11th! Everyone welcome: parents, families, caregivers, teachers, therapists and youth with speci...al needs ages 0-21. Get connected and access information on various topics like recreation activities, family resources, transition planning, funding and therapy options and more. Details here- http://www.ctnsy.ca//CTN-Special-Needs-Information-Rec.aspx See more

Did you know #mentalhealth disorders affect young children as well? Extreme behaviours are often interpreted as growing pains, and usually, that is all they are. However, it's good to be aware of certain signs that may indicate something else is going on. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America describes some common Childhood Anxiety Disorders, here: https://www.adaa.org/living-w//childhood-anxiety-disorders On that note, today is Bell Let's Talk day - check out their page to find out how you can help end the stigma around mental health. They are donating to mental health initiatives all day, and contributing is as easy as sending a text or watching a video! #BellLetsTalk

I love that books are mentioned here - You would be surprised how motivated kids can feel when they are interested in a book! I'll be talking about some of my favourite books for encouraging speech and language in an upcoming post. Try to find books that have interactive components, like flaps or textures. And, don't forget to be ANIMATED! If you're worried about buying books that will later be outgrown, check out discount or thrift stores, such as Value Village. I've found some classics there in great condition, for just a few dollars!

A very common question I get asked from parents, answered! In short, repeating your child's speech and grammar mistakes back to them once in a while isn't going to ruin their language development. Encourage them to use their words, give them good language models, and pay attention to communication milestones :)

Happy Friday everyone! Looking for activities to do with the kids this weekend? Check out Speech in Motion's blog for ideas to add language into your winter fun. I especially like the "frozen bubbles"! http://speechinmotion.com//winter-speech-and-language-act/

Are you concerned about your child's communication development? Have a look at the milestones outlined by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada. If you answer "no" to many of the items at or below your child's age level, it may be helpful to consult a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) are regulated health professionals trained to assess and treat a broad range of disorders or difficulties related to communication and swallowing, from infancy to old age. This includes, but is not limited to: - Speech - Language (comprehension and expression) - Fluency, including stuttering... - Voice - Swallowing and feeding - Cognitive-communication (e.g. social skills, problem solving, executive functions) - Pre-literacy and literacy skills Visit Speech-Language & Audiology Canada's website to learn more about what SLPs do and how we can help you or your loved ones today! http://www.sac-oac.ca//what-do-speech-language-pathologist