Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Purpose of Play

 Play (verb) to engage in an activity for enjoyment.



Why play with your child? 

Through play, children learn to communicate their thoughts & ideas and develop skills of social & emotional regulation. 


Play should vary based on your child’s age or developmental level. 


For the earliest language learners and for children with difficulty learning language, start by simply being with the child. Sit at the child’s level. Observe what toys or objects the child is interested in, then join in. Show the child that you’re interested in their ideas! 


Sensory-motor play is another way to engage with early language learners and children with language difficulties. Engage a variety of senses as you play with the child. For example, rub the child’s back, tickle the child, push the child on a swing, blow bubbles, sing, clap out a rhythm to a favorite song. Notice what the child likes! Which type of play gets the child’s attention? 


When playing, vary the play after you have done the same pattern a few times in a row. For example, some examples of varying play while opening and closing a door might be opening and closing with a song, playing peek-a-boo, pretending to hit your head then fall down “ouch.” Variations in play often get the child’s attention and they will likely ask for “more”!



As a child moves into the higher developmental levels, he should show a good awareness of intentional and 2-way communication. The child should also start using first words! Now the child is ready to engage in play to expand their language. When speaking TO the child, do NOT use baby talk! When speaking FOR the child, use words to express the child’s perspective. For example, if the child says “up” then you model “pick me up.” 


Children also learn feelings and empathy during play. Label the child’s feelings in the moment, “you’re mad that your sister took your snack!” Your child will also learn as others model identifying their own feelings “I feel happy that you played with me!”


As the child begins simple pretend play, you can model silliness and imagination! Pretend a towel is a puppet and say “what a mess! Let me clean you up.” Any objects that are part of your child’s routine can be included in pretend play (clothes, shoes, toothbrush, utensils, etc.). Use big gestures and silly voices!


What’s the role of the Speech Therapist in play?


At Building Blocks Therapy Services, each of our Speech Therapists is equipped with the skills and knowledge to help your child learn language through play! We care about your child’s ability to communicate at home, school and in the community. Please, visit www.buildingblocksgr.com or call (616) 570-925 to learn more about supporting your child’s language development through play. We look forward to building a relationship with you and your child!


Sources:


Thursday, February 29, 2024

From Scripts to Spontaneous Speech: An Overview of Gestalt Language Processing

 What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a way that language develops which begins with longer “chunks” of language, sometimes referred to as scripts, and results in the creation of spontaneous novel utterances. Though GLP is not specific to persons on the Autism spectrum, many individuals with ASD are gestalt language processors. This is likely why echolalia, the repetition of utterances produced by others, is commonly seen in Autistic individuals. Before language is broken down and mitigated into spontaneous utterances, it is produced as whole “chunk” gestalts. 


Gestalt Language Processing vs. Analytic Language Processing

When considering how young children acquire language, many people think of or are familiar with the concept of Analytic Language Processing. Analytic Language Processing is the acquisition of language that starts with sounds and single words which are combined into longer and more complex sentences as language develops. Think of how a baby learns to identify a ball by saying “ball”, then expands this to become “mommy ball” which eventually develops to be “Mommy is holding the ball.” While the early stages of gestalt and analytic language processing look quite different, the end result is the same: self-generated, flexible, and spontaneous speech.


What is Natural Language Acquisition?

Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) is a description of language acquisition in Gestalt Language Processors. It describes the process in stages, from scripted gestalts to creation of novel utterances. NLA is based on the work and research of Marge Blanc, Ann Peters, and Barry Prizant. The framework of NLA separates gestalt language development into 6 stages which assist parents and professionals in understanding and supporting children’s language development.


Signs of Gestalt Language Processing

Wondering if your child or patient could be a Gestalt Language Processor? Gestalt Language Processors may share some or all of the following characteristics. The following list provides clues which are helpful in determining how a child processes language (gestalt vs. analytic).

  • Your child uses some single words, but can’t put them into sentences

  • Your child uses rich intonation when speaking

  • Your child produces long, unintelligible strings of language

  • Your child uses long scripts and may repeat language heard from TV shows or songs


How to Support a GLP

  • Respond to their attempts to communicate, even if you don’t understand. This can be as simple as smiling, nodding, repeating what you heard, or simply saying “I hear you.” 

  • Become a detective. Listen to the child’s language, write it down, and think about what they could be trying to communicate.


  • Provide language models.
    Speak naturally and use rich intonation to narrate daily life. Some especially helpful phrases start with words like “let’s…” “I’m.” “it’s…” or “where…”

  • Follow your child’s lead. Support their interests and model language as you go.

  • Find a speech-language pathologist. An SLP knowledgeable in GLP and NLA can help support your child’s developing language and provide further education and support.


How we can help

In conclusion, fostering effective communication and language development is crucial for every child's growth. At Building Blocks Therapy Services, our dedicated therapists are trained in innovative approaches like Gestalt Language Processing to support your child's unique journey. If you're ready to empower your child's
communication skills and witness the transformative impact of our personalized therapies, take the first step today. If you are interested in learning more please visit
www.buildingblocksgr.com or call (616) 570-925. Your child deserves the best, and at Building Blocks Therapy Services, we're here to make it happen.




Sources: 

  • Meaningful Speech Course by Alexandria Zachos, MS, CCC-SLP

  • Communication Development Center by Marge Blanc, MA, CCC-SLP

  • Gestalt Language Processing Handbook by Kathryn Arnold, MCD, CCC-SLP


Thursday, June 2, 2022

When is it more than just being a picky eater?

 

We often hear the phrase “picky eater” being used as children grow up for those that tend to prefer certain foods and/or in specific ways.  Maybe you know of or have a heard of a child only eating certain brands of yogurt or only eating certain colors or shapes of fruit snacks. Mealtimes may be stressful, but when is this just a phase versus a disorder that needs intervention?

How prevalent are feeding disorders?

According to various studies, parents report “picky eating” at a prevalence rate of up to 50%! (The definition of picky eating varied across studies).  Additionally, only about on third to one half of these children will “outgrow” their picky eating in a 2-3 year time span.

 Surprisingly, 1 in 4 children are reported to have some sort of feeding disorder in their childhood.  This is also reported to be of higher prevalence for children with developmental disabilities. 

 

Signs of more than picking eating

Picky eating is a very common phase that children will go through anywhere during the 2-5 year old range.  This “phase” should not extend a lengthy period of time.  If the child was an adventurous eater and did not present with any mealtime difficulties prior, the child will likely increase their food repertoire. Here are some red flags of feeding concerns that may warrant a referral to a feeding specialist: 

·         Coughing throughout meal or when drinking

·         Abnormal bowel movements

·         Eats less than 20-30 different foods at 2.5 years of age

·         Gags with new or no nonpreferred foods

·         Limited variety of textures

·         Eating only easy to swallow foods

·         Food refusal

 

Influences of gut problems

There are many developmental stages that are important for a child to experience to build their feeding skills.  Influence on early feeding experiences can have an impact on the children’s feeding development.  Such as a history of reflux during infancy, their body experienced an adverse reaction to feeding.  Additionally, if the child is not completely emptying their digestive system, this can impact their hunger drive. 

Feeding disorders can have a basis in different area such as oral skills, sensory, or behavioral.  It is important for the skilled clinician to assess and determine the individual plan of care for the best approach for the child.

 

Ways to tackle mealtimes with a picky eater

Children who are going through a period of picky eating can make mealtimes stressful for them and their families.  Creating a structure to  mealtime is extremely important.  An example of this could be 1. Washing hands before the meal

2. Sitting in a well supported chair with feet supported

3. Presenting all foods to child on the plate without pressure to eat.  Can use an “all done” bowl

 4. Do not have distractions such as tv or toys.  Have conversations and engage with child

 5. Expect the child to stay at the table

6. Signal end of meal by washing hands or wiping area clean

 

How we can help

Building Blocks Therapy Services is a speech therapy clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan.   Our clinicians treat infants through adults with speech, language and feeding disorders.   We are highly trained in oral function and looking to treat the foundational deficits to improve the symptoms.  Many families are dismissed regarding their concerns with their child’s food intake or symptoms. Our therapy programs are individualized to the child and families needs.  Often, after initiating treatment, families report increases in willingness to try foods, calmer mealtimes, and increased food intake.   If you are interested in learning more please visit www.buildingblocksgr.com or call (616) 570-925.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Why a Pediatric Bladder and Bowel PT Encourages Proper Chewing

 



This is a guest blog post written by Dr. Katharine Cline, DPT from Purple Mountain Physical Therapy.  Purple Mountain PT specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction for women, men and kids.  You can learn more about their clinic at www.purplemountainpt.com or calling (616)516-4334

How Are Constipation and Chewing Issues Related?  

Recently our team of physical therapists had the pleasure of meeting with Building Block Therapy's owner speech language therapist, Courtney Joesel.   We enjoyed discussing some of the common themes that both her team at Building Blocks, offering speech therapy services, and our team at Purple Mountain PT, offering bladder and bowel services, have identified.  Digestion begins in the mouth, where chewing begins and speech therapy focuses.  But it finishes in the gut where nutrition is absorbed and waste is excreted and our physical therapy focuses. 

Is your child struggling with constipation?  Could eating breakfast improve your child's constipation?

Chewing and swallowing play a vital role in regulating digestion, particularly at breakfast time.

I don’t remember the first time I heard “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but I know it was in childhood. I’m also sure that in my teen years that comment from my parents was met with an eye roll from me. But, there are many valid reasons parents have been making the argument for breakfast for decades. Let’s investigate how breakfast, and in particular chewing your breakfast, impacts digestion.

Digestion is a complicated process that begins in the mouth.

Proper chewing and swallowing are essential for maintaining a healthy gut and may prevent constipation and other functional gut problems, like irritable bowel syndrome.

If your child is receiving speech therapy services, it is possible that your child may also struggle with constipation.  Not all children who need speech therapy do have constipation, but definitely it is a possibility.  This is because the muscles of the tongue and mouth that help us create speech also are used to help us chew food, which is necessary for healthy digestion.

If you are unable to chew your food properly, then digestion may not be optimal, which can lead to constipation, belly aches or bloating.  Many children experience was is called "A functional gut problem", which means that there is nothing damaged in the tissue of the gut.  This is great news, there's nothing damaged!   But, these kids are experiencing gut problems and often missing school due to abdominal pain or cramping.  Non-functional gut disorders, such as Celiac’s disease or Crohn’s disease, are accompanied by identifiable tissue changes in the digestive tract. Sometimes, when people hear “functional”, they think “not real”. In reality, most gut disorders fall into the functional category.  These issues and their consequences are very real.  Our bowel and bladder program, for both adults and children, is designed to help optimize your pelvic health, which includes resolving constipation, straining and abdominal pain. 

Did you know that Constipation in children is linked to bedwetting, daytime loss of urine and stool?  

Constipation in children does not show up with the exactly the same problems that adults have.  In particular, a child who is constipated is likely to experience nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), enuresis (daytime bladder leaks), and encopresis (stool leaks or smearing).   When we are working with children to restore their bladder control, we always assess and treat all constipation.   We also notice that children also often experience bloating and abdominal pain when they are constipated.  If you are interested in reading more about childhood bloating, you may enjoy this article we wrote:  https://purplemountainpt.com/2022/01/30/why-is-my-child-bloated/

In adulthood, constipation tends to manifest as different symptoms.  Most adults do not wet the bed, for example.  But, a constipated adults may experience pain, bloating, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and increase your likelihood of colon cancer. These problems should be taken seriously. 

What is a Functional Gut Problem?  Could my child, who struggles with chewing and swallowing, have a functional gut problem?  

A functional gut problem indicates that there is discoordination within the digestive system. The various muscles of the gut and your nervous system are not working together correctly. You can think of your digestive system like an assembly line in a factory. In an assembly line, every phase has to be timed correctly and consistently to make a product without backing up the line or slowing production. Disruption at any point in the digestive “assembly line” can lead to uncomfortable bowel symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, pain, and bloating.

How Does Chewing and Eating Breakfast Help Improve a Functional Gut Problem? 

Chewing and eating breakfast are like the power switch that turns the whole assembly line on. If you are not chewing and swallowing in the morning your digestion is effectively not getting “turned on” for the day. If there is dysfunction in how you chew and swallow there may be mixed messages going to your gut about whether digestion is on or off!

The Gastrocolic Reflex is your gut's friend!  Take advantage of it by eating breakfast that includes foods that are chewed!

The gastrocolic reflex is activated by chewing in the mouth and stretching of the stomach. It signals the large intestine to begin peristalsis. Peristalsis is the smooth muscle contractions of your gut. Peristalsis moves digestive material through your system. The gastrocolic reflex also helps prepare your rectum for the upcoming bowel movement. This is often accompanied by an urge to defecate. You may have noticed that you are more likely to poop after eating. This is why!

Do most people have a bowel movement in the mornings?  ...Turns out, yes, this is the case!

As humans we are biologically hardwired to have a bowel movement in the morning, typically after our first meal. Giving yourself enough time to eat breakfast and to have a bowel movement in the morning can be essential to prevent a back up in your digestive system. This goes for adults and for children!  And, this also means that you and your child need to learn what the urge to defecate feels like and take yourself to the toilet when this presents.  Ignoring the urge is a bad habit that leads to constipation.  

Don't rush through breakfast.  It takes time to chew and swallow!

If you are rushing through the morning routine and quickly chewing food (or not eating breakfast at all!), then you are not giving yourself enough time to relax, rest, and digest. The morning bowel movement is unlikely to happen.  Parents, if your child is struggling with any bladder control problems or constipation problems, please set their morning up for success by having them eat a breakfast that involves chewing food and also having enough time afterwards to use your toilet to defecate when they experience an urge!  

What happens if I don't have my morning bowel movement?  Well, stool gets backed up.

If you don't have access to the toilet, because you are commuting to school or because school rules prohibit unscheduled bathroom breaks, you may miss your opportunity to defecate.  The urge will go away, often until tomorrow morning.  Without a morning bowel movement, stool remains in your rectum for a longer period of time. More stool may accumulate as your day progresses This means that when a bowel movement does happen, your rectum may not empty completely, may contain a larger stool that requires straining, or the stool may become hard and pebble-like. All of these symptoms can indicate constipation.  

Quite often our patients do not empty their rectum completely!  This is very common in the children we treat.  

Even if you are having bowel movements daily, if your rectum is not emptying completely, then you are constipated. 

This is especially true in children. In children, the rectum is more easily stretched as kiddos are still growing and developing. As mentioned before, when kids are constipated and have a stretched rectum it can lead to other issues with bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), daytime urinary incontinence (enuresis), and fecal smearing or fecal leaks (encopresis). 

Taking time to eat breakfast, chew your food and use the toilet when you experience an urge is one of the most important things you can do to help your child's constipation.  

 You and your child might be surprised what adding just a few more minutes to your morning routine can do for your doo-doo.  

The Autonomic Nervous System also influences digestion! 

When we think of promoting chewing, swallowing, healthy digestion and preventing constipation it is also crucial to think of your autonomic nervous system. Your autonomic nervous system is “automatic” meaning it’s the part of your nervous system that you aren’t necessarily aware of. Throughout the day you don’t have to think “stomach start to churn” “small intestine keep working”, etc. This is the brain-gut connection which is now being investigated for it’s impact on mental health, the immune system, and more. How do we influence something we are not consciously aware of? Good question!

The Fight or Flight Nervous System

You may have heard your autonomic nervous system described before as having two components sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response which includes sweating, elevated heart rate, heightened arousal, and blood rushing to the muscles in your legs and arms. It primes your body to escape from a threat.  

The Rest and Digest Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest'' response. When the parasympathetic nervous system is more active, then your heart rate slows, breathing deepens, blood returns to the digestive tract, and you feel more relaxed. It is crucial for healthy digestion that the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems be in balance.

Stress causes your rest and digest  nervous system to not be activated.  This is another reason why the “morning rush” can be detrimental to the morning bowel movement and increase the likelihood of a functional gut problem.

Heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and sweat are all indicators of how active and/or balanced your sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous systems are.

When your heart is racing, you have sweaty palms, and you’re breathing quickly your sympathetic nervous system is in the driver’s seat. When you are taking deep breaths and have a low heart rate, then your parasympathetic nervous system is more in the driver’s seat. This state is also what supports healthy digestion. It is very beneficial for your gut to be in a relaxed headspace while you are eating.

The Vagus Nerve is Stimulated when you chew!  Isn't it cool that using your mouth can help your digestion?  

Your path to helping your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems remain balanced is through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a main regulator of your parasympathetic nervous system. It is also referred to as your 10th cranial nerve. Its path is long and wandering. It extends from the brainstem to the neck, thorax, and down to the abdomen. The vagus nerve controls most of the muscles in the pharynx and larynx required for swallowing and vocalization. In this way, the vagus nerve impacts gut function from the very moment food enters your mouth! 

Improving Vagus Nerve activation is one thing that has been studied to help improve people's stress response.  The Vagus Nerve essentially calms us down and, in so doing, can help our digestion to improve.  A recent report out of Harvard Medical School highlighted that chewing gum stimulates the Vagus Nerve.  They are even suggesting that giving gum to patients post-operatively can be helpful to stimulate bowel activity.   

How Boxed Breathing Practice Can Improve Vagus Nerve Activity.  

Wondering if your vagus nerve is active? The vagus nerve also plays a critical role in controlling heart rate and respiratory rate. You can help improve the activity or tone of your vagus nerve through controlled breathing exercises. One example of this is a boxed breathing technique.  In this method of breathing you will:

Inhale over the course of 4 seconds,

Hold your inhale for 4 seconds,

Exhale for 4 seconds,

Hold your exhale for 4 seconds.

Repeat this for several rounds can help stimulate your vagus nerve, improve your parasympathetic drive, and therefore your digestion!

Is Your Speech Therapist working on your Posture?  Chances are Yes!  Well, your bladder and bowel physical therapist will also work on Posture! 

A healthy gut requires good coordination throughout the digestive tract. This means healthy swallowing, healthy nervous system, healthy breathing, and a healthy pelvic floor. Posture plays an essential role in all of these functions. For example, a slouched posture places the muscles of chewing and swallowing on stretch, restricts the motion of the diaphragm, impairs muscle activation in the core, and contributes to tension in the pelvic floor. Maintaining an active lifestyle with both intentional movement (exercise) and unstructured active play is one of the best ways to help prevent issues with posture and promote a healthy gut!

Pelvic PTs are Always Talking to Our Patients About Constipation and Chewing Because they are Crucial to Bowel and Bladder Health.  

There are strong ties between chewing and swallowing and overall digestive health. Taking time to eat in the morning, to breathe with the diaphragm, to exercise, and to play are essential for a healthy gut and a healthy life! Remember functional gut problems like irritable bowel syndrome and many forms of constipation are real health problems with significant health impacts. They should be taken seriously and there is help.

Purple Mountain Physical Therapy is a specialty PT clinic located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  We treat women, men and kids who have bladder, bowel and pain conditions.  Our specialty pediatric PT program improves kids' self esteem, capacity to control their bladder and bowels and sets them up for lifelong good habits for bladder and bowel care.  We are trained in pediatric specific and developmentally appropriate interventions that are positive, play based and help a child learn the complicated process of controlling their bladder and bowel muscles.  Quite often the adults we treat tell us that their bladder problems developed back in childhood.  It is our mission to reduce childhood embarrassment related to toileting challenges and to help ease stress amongst parents who so often worry their child may be made fun of by other kids.  If you are interested in learning more about our bladder & bowel programs you can check us out at www.purplemountainpt.com  or call our office at (616)516-4334

Dr. Katharine Cline, DPT is a pelvic health physical therapist who treats adults and kids.  She enjoys working with children and their parents to help empower kids to enhance their bladder and bowel control and to improve their self-esteem while doing so!  Her greatest reward is a smiling and talkative child who expresses happiness over their "wins" related to bladder and bowel control.  Parents often tell us this physical therapy has eased stress and laundry in the home!   


Friday, March 22, 2019

Navigating the World of Insurance

A common story: You take your child to the doctor and the doctor recommends speech or you ask for a referral.  You set up an appointment, see the speech therapist and later find out speech therapy is not covered! It might not make sense, the doctor recommended it and your child has a speech and/or language disorder! Unfortunately this can be an all too common story.

As a policy holder, it is your responsibility to know your insurance plan. But this can be challenging with the many terms that they use throughout the policy.  Lets explore some of the common terms that might be used when describing coverage with speech.

Habilitative/Rehabilitative: These terms can be two very important terms when it comes to treatment coverage.  Habilitative care is a type of treatment that is for helping a client obtain or improve a skill they did not develop on their own.  For example, a child who cannot say their "r" would be considered habilitative.  The child did not develop this skill and needs to be gained though treatment. Rehabilitative care is a type of treatment for helping clients regain a skill or function that was lost due to illness or injury.  For example, a child who suffers a head injury and is having difficulty expressing thoughts or ideas.  It is not uncommon for insurance companies to not cover habilitative services and this would be important to understand with your insurance policy.

Exclusions: This indicates diagnosis or procedures that are excluded from coverage.  Some insurance policy's state that developmentally based diagnosis are excluded from coverage.  Some insurance coverage's reasoning behind this can be due to the fact that these types of services are provided through the local school district.

Preauthorization/precertifications: This refers to the need for the insurance company to indicate that the evaluation or treatment is medically necessary.  It should be noted, even if prior authorization was given, this does not guarantee the insurance company with cover the costs.

Co-insurance/Copay/Deductible: These terms refer to policy holder's responsibility for costs. Deductible is the fixed amount you are responsible for before your policy begins paying.  However, after your deductible is met you might have co-insurance or a copay.  Co-insurance refers to the policy holder being responsible for a percentage of the costs billed.  For example, if the bill is for $100 and you have a 10% co-insurance, you would be responsible for $10.  Copay's refer to a fixed rate paid for health care services.  These can change based on the service being used.

In network/out of network: These terms refer to the service provider providing the care.  In network providers have a contracted rate with this insurance company and are preferred providers.  Out of network providers do not have a contracted rate.  Many insurance policy's have different deductibles and cost sharing responsibilities for the policy holder if using out of network providers.

Navigating the insurance world can be overwhelming.  It is important to find a provider who is willing to help understand your coverage and provide you with resources as needed.  At Building Blocks Therapy Services, it is important for us to spend time to help the clients understand their coverage as much as possible from the start.



If you find yourself wondering more about speech and language services contact Building Blocks Therapy Services at (616) 666-6396 or visit www.buildingblocksgr.com

Courtney Joesel MA CCC-SLP is the owner and clinician at Building Blocks Therapy Services in Grand Rapids, MI.  

Images courtesy of canva.com





Monday, January 28, 2019

5 Ways to Support Your Child's Language Development




Every parent wants to provide the best opportunities for their child to reach their highest potential.  Children typically say their first word around 12 months of age and rapidly increase their vocabulary and use there after.  Let's chat about 5 ways to support the development of their language before and after 12 months of age

1. Narrate your day

  • The more the words the child hears in their early life the better.  Narrating your day provides multiple opportunities for the child to be exposed to a variety of vocabulary words.  Examples might be "I put the ducky in the water" while giving a bath or " I want yellow bananas" while at the grocery store.  Great times to narrate are while cooking, driving in the car, grocery shopping, dressing the child, sorting the laundry 


2. Create Routines

  • Creating routines provides consistent language and predictability throughout their day. Routines gives a great way to teach the child new words and phrases.  Establish routines with consistent actions and words into smaller steps.  As the child learns the routine, wait to see if they complete the next step with an expectant pause.  


3. Use more statements than questions

  • It can be so easy to find yourself asking many questions to your child, " What is that?", "What are you doing?", "What did Elmo say?".  By changing these into statement "That is a cow.", "You are jumping high." or "Elmo said GO!" This encourages vocabulary development and the use of language.  The child will also be more likely to repeat what you said 


4. Don't give them everything they need at once

  • A great example of this would be playing with a puzzle.  Provide one puzzle piece at a time or have them ask for each puzzle piece.  This can provide the opportunity to learn new vocabulary or practice using the vocabulary.  During meal times, having the child request for "more" is a great introductory skill


5.  Give choices

  • Providing the child with choices inherently implies they are to respond.  At the same time, this is a great time for vocabulary development and practice for using the vocabulary by providing them with the name of the items.  A great example of this would be with food, "Do you want the apple or cracker?" while showing the items as you name them.  


If you find yourself wondering more about these strategies and curious of other ways to support your child's language development feel free to contact Building Blocks Therapy Services at (616) 666-6396 or visit www.buildingblocksgr.com

Courtney Joesel MA CCC-SLP is the owner and clinician at Building Blocks Therapy Services in Grand Rapids, MI.  



The Purpose of Play

  Play (verb) to engage in an activity for enjoyment. Why play with your child?  Through play, children learn to communicate their thoughts ...