Megan Gallant, Speech Language Pathologist

Sometimes location, pandemics/ immune systems, travel, comfort and busy schedules impact the ability to receive services. Virtual therapy can be a great option for these reasons as well as many others. Don’t hesitate to reach out regarding virtual services!

FACT: Kids cry!!! Sometimes ALOT! As parents or caregivers our brains might be screaming STOP CRYING!! Try some of these phrases that are more helpful in al...lowing children to identify how they are feeling and then learning the language associated with those feelings. #smallkidsbigemotions #languagelearning #selfregulation See more

We always recommend that you speak the language you are best at with your child so that they hear rich vocabulary, correct grammar and a variety of sentence str...uctures. these infographics from jrc_theslp that remind us there are many, many more reasons why speaking your native language to your children is important. #speechhearbc #slpeeps #Multilingualkids #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagetherapy

If you have questions or concerns about your child's Speech and Language Development, give our office a call to book a visit with a Speech Language Pathologist. 1-877-492-8255

Did you know some AAC learners may ‘babble’ with a speech output device as they experiment, make cognitive connections and recognize symbols and words? They are learning. We never take away their voice. #speechhearbc #AAC #slpeeps #speechlanguagepathology

What do speech language pathogists actually do? Thanks for a fun infographic @gracefulexpression.slp #speechhearbc #audpeeps #slpeeps #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagetherapy

These are also great times to model AAC - Augmentative & Assistive Technology (low tech or high tech)! Thanks Graceful Expression, Speech-Language Pathologist

Language is truly so much more than speaking and listening. #speechhearbc #slpeeps #speechlanguagetherapy

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about this and I think it’s time to revisit: Which language should we use when talking about those on the autism spectr...um- autistic or person with autism??? Like many of you, person first language was drilled into my head in graduate school. A person is more than their disability, so we say they are a person first and it’s just wrong to say otherwise- makes sense, right? I thought so too UNTIL I really started listening to adults with an autism diagnosis. And while it’s not true for all, many many adults will say they prefer to be called autistic. This is because they say Autism is not a disease- like you would refer a person who had cancer... Many feel autism is a part of who they are and nothing to be ashamed of (because there’s literally nothing to be ashamed of). Kind of like I’m a white person- not a person with whiteness. This actually isn’t a new concept- the Deaf community has been very outspoken about this as well! I think this is something that needs to be talked about and shared- we should be listening to autistic voices! Also, I think it’s best practice to ask what the person you are speaking about prefers- This is obviously easier in adults or older adolescents. If it’s for a child, I recommend using the language used by the family.

Yes Graceful Expression, Speech-Language Pathologist! SLPs do so much more than play and work on R!

Yess! And for kids who struggle with communication- we need to MODEL the words for these big feelings- and let them know their feelings are ok! Big Little Feelings

Today I am teaming up with Theresa from @montessoriinreallife to talk about developing more complex language with the one up strategy! This is when the parent... or adult models more complex language by adding one thing to what the child says. The one up helps children to speak in longer phrases and use more complex vocabulary. One up can be applied to many ages and stages. Children learn new words and language best by listening to what others around them say. The one up is a simple strategy adults can use during everyday routines and play with kids to help them speak in longer phrases or sentences, as well as increase their vocabulary. It can be used at varying levels including children who aren’t yet speaking, toddlers who say single words, and all the way to children who speak in complete sentences! How does it work? The adult simply repeats the word(s) a child says and then adds a verb, adjective, synonym, antonym, pronoun, or preposition! This validates what the child has said (by repeating) and then models a more complex concept all in one. Adults can exaggerate their intonation for the target words: Ball! Yes! BIG BALL and then say the complete sentence, It is a BIG BALL. They can also give lead in phrases with wait time to encourage children to participate as well as help them build confidence in these skills Ball! Yes! BIG BALL! I see a BIG Ball! Always fill in the blanks if the child doesn’t say anything as we don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the child to speak. Check out @montessoriinreallife Instagram stories where I talk about what age kids should be able to use two word phrases, what prerequisite skills kids need before they are ready to combine words, and to see this strategy used in action!

A great visual!

SO MUCH LANGUAGE in routines!!! Thanks @gracefulexpression.slp

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know this is still the page for "Coastal Communication" but the page's name was changed to allow people to find me easier. I hope everyone is having a great Sunday! :)