The Speech Umbrella – Details, episodes & analysis

If narrative language intervention is one of the pillars of your therapy, then you’re going to love what I have for you. As much as I love teaching  narrative language, I always struggled to find enough stories to feed the therapy machine. A couple of years ago, in a somewhat desperate state of mind, I took pencil in hand and drew my own stories, featuring Wanda Witch. My clients loved the Wanda stories, despite my rudimentary drawing.

Wanda Witch was soon followed by the Tony character, then Peter Pig, Tess, and Danny Dinosaur. In all I ended up with 50 stories—more than enough to get me through an entire year of therapy.

Eventually I found an artist who brought my stories to life and now you can have them too! Each character has 10 stories, and they are geared for the earliest story tellers. 

Tune into this podcast to learn more about the Simple Tales collection of 50 illustrated stories. This is a tool I use multiple times a day, and all I have to do is hit print. Talk about simple tool for optimal outcomes!

Podcast Links
Follow the Narrative Road 
Where Everybody Knows Your Name 
To Infinity and Beyond 
Interview with Doug Petersen part 1 
Interview with Doug Petersen part 2

No doubt you've noticed how our role as SLPs overlaps with other professions.  Collaboration is highly desirable of course, but sometimes roles overlap so much as to be almost indistinguishable. It can be a disconcerting feeling - as though the earth has moved beneath your feet! Today, Denise Stratton, a veteran pediatric speech-language pathologist, tackles the confusion and frustration that can arise in this multifaceted field. Join us as we explore the root causes of speech and language disorders, helping us understand why multiple diagnoses and professions often converge at the same point. We'll confront the professional uncertainty many young SLPs feel about their scope of practice and compensation, and reveal simple but powerful interventions that can help navigate these professional lanes more effectively.

In the second part of this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between auditory processing and memory, shedding light on the importance of targeting root causes rather than just applying labels to language disorders. Denise shares a treasure trove of effective interventions and tools.  By honing in on these root causes and understanding the progression of interventions, we can achieve significantly better outcomes for our clients. Don't forget to explore the wealth of materials available on The Speech Umbrella website and the value of sharing knowledge within our professional community.

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

Do you have clients stuck at the rhyming stage of phonemic awareness? In this episode we talk about how to get clients moving up the ladder of phonemic awareness, and how phonemic awareness effects more than reading.

--- Show Notes
Phonemic Awareness in Young Children by Marilyn Jager Adams, Barbara R. Foorman, Ingvar Lundberg & Terri Beeler

(non-affiliate link)

Prime to Rhyme: CV Rhyming Cards and Vowel Lip Shapes

https://www.thespeechumbrella.com/offers/YFHHufzz/checkout
(affiliate link)

The first few minutes of an autism group can be critical. How can you turn these few minutes into the most valuable social interaction time? Denise walks you through a simple activity that will supercharge your autism groups. 

--- Links from the show
Sample Hello Time Goals

Client will draw something that represents a past experience and relate that experience to another person. 

In a group setting, client will remember details about other group members. 

In a group setting, client will remember details about other group members and make related comments or ask related questions.

Non-affiliate links

Pencil grips

Plastic Brain Jello Mold

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

The R sound can be one of the most challenging therapy experiences. Have you struggled to get consistent elicitations? Tried everything you can think of and you still have these cases that won't progress? You're not alone! Denise walks you through an overview of the three pillars of R therapy. This episode is a must-listen if you have R clients.

--- Show links
Impossible R Made Possible Video Course

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

We hear about mindfulness all over now. What role does mindfulness play in speech therapy? Is it possible to get a wiggly child to practice mindful techniques in therapy? Instead of getting wrapped up in complex methods and tools, develop your super powers of observation and listening. Simple tools provide optimal outcomes. This episode is the beginning of your journey to becoming a Mindful SLP.

--- Links from the show
PROMPT   https://promptinstitute.com/page/WIPforClincian

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