The Speech Link: A Speech Therapy Podcast

Ep. 64: Selective Mutism: Real-World Info & Answers for SLPs - Shari Gross, MA, CCC-SLP

Guest: Shari Gross, MA, CCC-SLP - -Selective mutism is an often misunderstood social pragmatic communication disorder.  For many children, within their selective silence, their social pragmatic issues mask additional communication disorders:  articulation, semantics, syntax, processing, and even autism spectrum disorders.  This course introduces SLPs to the evaluation and treatment strategies of children with selective mutism.

Ep. 63: Posture: The Missing Piece in Speech Production - Bryan Gick, PhD

Guest: Bryan Gick, Ph.D. - In this research studies and strategies episode, the importance of posture in speech production will be discussed. Posture is vital in motor systems as a precursor to all movements. Maintaining speech articulators in stable postures provides a motor foundation for all speech sounds and movements. Learn how lingual postures shape speech sounds, how postural positions can help in therapy, and how posture governs facial expressions, phonation, and velopharyngeal port control. Prepare to change how you view speech!

Ep. 62: The Art of Accessing & Applying Amazing Materials & Activities from the Library - Megan Panatier, MS, CCC-SLP

Guest: Megan Panatier, MS, CCC-SLP - After visiting all 72 branches of the Los Angeles Public Library with her daughter, Megan was blown away at the quality and quantity of the FREE materials and activities available for speech and language therapy and literacy use. She tells of their journey, what she learned and how she applies the rich resources in her therapy to enhance reading enjoyment and verbal participation.

Ep. 61: Essential Interdisciplinary Management of Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing - Nicole Archambault, EdS, MS, CCC-SLP, CLEC

Guest: Nicole Archambault, EdS, MS, CCC-SLP, CLEC - Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can jeopardize development, performance, and health. SDB is within the SLP’s scope of practice. We have knowledge of oral functions (speaking/swallowing/chewing), craniofacial structures, respiration, oral rest postures, and executive skills, SLPs can help mitigate SDB. We’ll cover research and management strategies within an interdisciplinary framework.

Ep. 60: Speak Up: How to Improve Speech Clarity for Those with Down Syndrome - Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP

Guest: Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech clarity is possible for many of those with Down syndrome. New therapy techniques in motor speech, voice, and executive functioning are emerging and present viable options. Several were discussed: How to generate active engagement, voice-based methods, and how to encourage frequent practice to accelerate speech and language used to improve comprehension for success and independence.

Ep. 59: Moving From Smart Guesses to Smarter Questions - Lisa Chattler, MA, CCC-SLP, Fellow

Guest: Lisa Chattler, MA, CCC-SLP - This course covers the concept of instructing “questions” in our 8+ year old students. Students’ perception of classroom involvement can impact their willingness to take question-asking risks. Ms. Chattler shares details on how to support our classroom teachers, and how to create relevant lessons to address the processes of understanding, answering, and formulating questions.

Ep. 58: Simple Strategies to Develop Cooperation & Engagement of Children During Therapy - Adina Soclof, MS, CCC-SLP

Guest: Adina Soclof, MS, CCC-SLP - This one-hour course provides practical information and strategies to successfully manage disruptive and challenging student behaviors during therapy sessions. Adina provides effective ways to motivate and engage students to create an inviting therapy environment to stimulate cooperation and more responsible and respectful behavior conducive to learning.

Ep. 57: Moving from Survival to Thrival in the Public School Setting - Melissa Burk DeLange, MA, CCC-SLP

Guest: Melissa Burk DeLange, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Melissa reaches out to school SLPs who are discouraged and burnt out. From experience and much reading and research, Melissa shares her Four Pillars for Thriving in the public schools. She discusses what is within the SLP's control, what is not, and what can be influenced even without control. She details suggestions for time management and how to create positive interpersonal relations.

Ep. 56: How to Effectively Supervise Future Speech-Language Pathologists - MariBeth Plankers, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP

This episode explained the ASHA supervision expectations as well as five additional, practical guidelines on how to effectively supervise practicum for graduate students in any setting.  Numerous details were provided regarding supervision of the evaluation/diagnostic process, treatment implementation, professionalism, and the importance of being flexible.

Ep. 55: EI: Maximize Communication, Minimize Behavior, and Empower Parents - Karyn Lewis Searcy, MA, CCC-SLP

This 1-hour course focused on practical and effective therapy techniques for the early intervention child with significant speech delays.  It provided numerous insights and ideas to work online as well as in person to improve the child’s communication skills.  Specific and doable strategies were shared to inspire and empower parental involvement.