The Speech Space Podcast

This episode focuses on top sleep tips for SLPs. The topic of sleep has a strong connection to the work that SLPs do, because being well-rested can support us in navigating complex clinical issues and managing stressful situations. The episode includes research-based tips from sleep scientists and experts, but it is not medical advice. The first part of the episode explores the importance of having a consistent sleep schedule and going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Next, the episode covers sleep tips that are applicable for both children and adults, with a focus on developing a nightly wind-down routine. The episode then moves into a discussion about maximizing light exposure in the morning, and minimizing light exposure in the evening. Next, the episode talks about the importance of getting out of bed if you're struggling to sleep. This tip comes from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, which is an effective insomnia treatment. The final section of the episode addresses the connection between anxiety and insomnia. One strategy in this area is to spend some time before bed writing down sources of stress and anxiety. 

This episode is about what SLPs need to know about reading comprehension. It begins by acknowledging that SLPs have a large scope of practice, and that they are not typically seen as the primary professionals who work on reading comprehension, especially in the school setting. It invites SLPs to make slight adjustments to their practice to ensure that students get the best support possible. The episode then emphasizes the idea that reading is an umbrella term composed of many sub-skills. It then moves into an overview of widely accepted reading models, including the Simple View of Reading, Scarborough's Reading Rope, and the Active View of Reading. Strategies and suggestions are woven through the discussion of each model. The final segment of the episode highlights important considerations related to reading comprehension for student populations that may be particularly relevant to SLPs. The episode closes with a reminder of the role that reading comprehension plays in many aspects of our lives.  

This episode is about sensory strategies for speech therapy sessions. It opens with an acknowledgement that OTs are the primary sensory experts, and offers resources for reviewing sensory basics. The episode then discusses the difference between being “sensory-defensive” and “sensory-seeking,” reviews the sensory system, and then moves into a discussion of strategies to support students with sensory differences or a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder. These strategies come from SLP and researcher Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin. The first strategy is addressing students' physical comfort, the second strategy is including movement in speech therapy sessions, and the third strategy is supporting students during transition times. The episode then discusses the connections between interoception and emotions, and offers three strategies to help students begin to notice and understand these connections in their own bodies. These strategies come from occupational therapist Kelly Mahler, and they are objective labeling, “I wonder” statements, and descriptive language.

This episode is about essential counseling skills for SLPs. It begins by acknowledging that even though counseling is a daily component of our work as SLPs, it's not necessarily something that we focus on. Research also indicates that counseling is an area where many SLPs lack confidence. The episode goes on to assert that counseling is simultaneously a bigger and a smaller part of speech-language pathology than we might think. It's bigger because it's part of everything we do, and it's smaller because it's not an additional task—it's embedded in our interactions. The episode then cautions that not every type of counseling is within the SLP scope of practice, and sometimes referrals to mental health professionals are necessary. According to ASHA, the two types of counseling within the SLP scope of practice are informational counseling and personal adjustment counseling. Research done by Dr. David Luterman indicates that most SLPs are less confident with personal adjustment counseling. The remainder of the episode focuses on personal adjustment counseling tips from Dr. Luterman's work. They include recognizing the role of grief, listening actively, and tending to our own personal growth.

This episode is about how to thrive as a preschool SLP. The episode opens with an acknowledgement that working as an SLP will probably never be easy, but it asserts that thriving is possible. It then moves into a brief recognition of the uniquely challenging and exhausting work that preschool SLPs do each day. The episode then goes on to offer three strategies to thrive as a preschool SLP. The first strategy is embracing authenticity. There's a common idea that preschool SLPs are bubbly all the time, but students value authenticity more than a specific personality type. The episode also notes the importance of encouraging our students to be authentic as well, and this may mean adjusting some of our behavioral expectations. The second strategy involves being willing to seek out preschool experts, especially because preschool intervention can be a niche area. It's difficult to thrive when we believe that we have to figure everything out on our own! The third strategy is about simplifying our therapy and focusing on activities that are backed by research and can target multiple skills at once.

This episode is about SLPs and conflict management. It opens with a discussion of Nonviolent Communication, an approach that focuses on using empathy during challenging interactions. There are four main components in Nonviolent Communication: observation, feelings, needs and requests. A core understanding within Nonviolent Communication is that everything we do is in service of our needs. This idea can help us understand why others do what they do—and why we do what we do! Nonviolent Communication also uses animal metaphors to describe different communication styles. Jackal communication is aggressive and judgmental, and operates with a limited perspective. Giraffe communication comes from the heart, and it uses a more expansive perspective. After exploring Nonviolent Communication, I talk about strategies from Harvard's Program on Negotiation. These strategies focus on finding common ground during a conflict. I close the episode with a reminder that listening can be one of our most powerful actions in a conflict. In his book Never Split the Difference, well-known hostage negotiator Chris Voss emphasizes that the listener is the participant who controls a conversation.

This episode shares communication tips to use during situations that tend to involve complex and nuanced conversations; e.g., at family gatherings over the holidays, and during meetings with parents or caregivers. The strategies that are included in the episode come from three recently released books about communication. The first book I discuss is Permission to Speak, by Samara Bay. The tips from this book include deep belly breathing and an intentional approach to glottal fry and upspeak. The second book I discuss is Supercommunicators, by Charles Duhigg. The tips from this book include knowing what type of conversation you are having, looping for understanding, and preparing for conversations ahead of time. The third book I discuss is How to Know a Person, by David Brooks. The tip from this book is all about working towards using communication to see the best in others. 

This episode discusses the reasons why it's important to support increased diversity in the SLP profession. I provide demographic information related to the SLP field, and then share results from two studies that indicate improved outcomes for patients and students when they have a shared racial or ethnic identity with their medical providers and/or teachers. I explain that in school settings, approximately 80% of students who receive SLP services are not white, and because 90% of SLPs are white, this mismatch could negatively impact student outcomes. Throughout the episode, I propose simple actions that SLPs can take to help make increased diversity a reality in our profession.

This episode covers the top five evaluation tips for SLPs. I discuss the difference between the terms “evaluation” and “assessment,” and offer five practical tips to help make the evaluation process easier for SLPs. These tips include learning about the student's strengths, making the language sample analysis process more efficient, using templates for reports, collaborating with families and teachers, and gathering baseline data during the evaluation process. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:___

This episode focuses on building belonging in speech therapy sessions. I share three different definitions of belonging, and then focus on simple principles and strategies to help our students and clients experience a sense of belonging in the speech room and beyond. These include fostering a sense of ownership and agency, establishing routines that encourage belonging, honoring student identities, having high expectations for students and helping them meet these expectations, addressing the challenges of transitions, and helping students connect to their core values. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:___

This episode is about finding simple ways to incorporate nature into speech therapy sessions. I share highlights from the research about how nature supports learning, and then explore a variety of strategies for helping students connect with nature as they work on speech and language skills. I focus on activities that don't require access to green spaces, including several variations of forest bathing, working with nature photography, using nature-focused books, and creating nature poems and art projects.  The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:___

In this episode, I discuss mental health basics for SLPs and their students and clients. I share why I'm passionate about this topic, and why I decided to focus on it in this episode. I talk about the variety of mental health crisis lines that are available, and encourage listeners to use them if needed. I also share basic information about common mental health warning signs, and highlight some of the communities that are at increased risk for mental health concerns. Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of reaching out for support from a mental health expert if you are concerned about yourself or others. The show notes for the episode include links to multiple resources and can be accessed here:___ 

This episode discusses the importance of hearing care and protection. I review the concept of decibels and the difference between sound intensity and sound loudness, and talk about how excessive noise exposure damages our hearing. I focus on how to educate students and clients about hearing protection, and share some hearing protection tips for a variety of age groups. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here: 

This episode is about neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy. I review the basic terminology of the neurodiversity paradigm, and explain what inspired the creation of this episode. I acknowledge the concerns that some SLPs have about the neurodiversity movement, and share why I'm excited to be a neurodiversity-affirming SLP. I also offer my favorite idea for getting started with neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy. 

This episode is about using music to support speech and language skills in our speech therapy sessions. I introduce some of the research that supports connections between music and learning, and then provide a variety of practical ideas for how to use music in speech therapy with both older and younger students. The episode concludes with a brief exploration of how music is experienced in the Deaf community. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:

This episode is about ideas for spring-themed speech therapy sessions. I discuss how to use nature in spring-themed speech therapy sessions, including observing the weather, going on nature walks, and planting seeds. I include options for adapting these ideas for different contexts, including teletherapy. I also share spring-themed picture book recommendations, and ideas for spring-themed speech therapy sessions with middle school and high school students. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:

This episode focuses on the important role that SLPs can play in helping their students and clients feel safe and ready to learn. I review basic information about trauma, and then cover topics related to trauma-informed speech therapy. The episode includes an explanation of the principles of trauma-informed care, and practical suggestions for how to put them into practice during your speech therapy sessions. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here:

This episode discusses how to be an anti-ableist SLP. In the episode, I talk about the importance of recognizing ableism's influence, and then actively pushing back against it by using inclusive language, being thoughtful about our goal choices, supporting accessibility for disabled SLPs, and addressing ableist microaggressions. Go here to access the show notes ==> https://www.thedigitalslp.com/podcast/how-to-be-an-anti-ableist-slp/

This episode is all about new perspectives on stuttering and it's the second half of a 2-part series. Make sure to listen to part one first so it all comes together. In this episode, I address topics like stuttering gain, concepts of stutter-affirming therapy, key elements of effective self-disclosure, and intersectionality. The show notes from this episode can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/TSSEP126

This podcast episode is all about new perspectives on stuttering. This is the first of a two-part series, so be sure to tune in for part two in two weeks. Listen to part one to learn more and don't forget to check out the links and resources by accessing the show notes here: https://bit.ly/TSSEP125

This episode's topic focuses on embracing imperfection. Join our podcast as we explore the liberating journey of pushing back against perfectionism, fostering growth, and celebrating the beauty of authenticity. Go here to access the notes = = > https://bit.ly/3H1Cr4L

This episode's topic involves a lot of complexity and nuance. We'll talk about what a growth mindset actually is, and why it could be beneficial to have one. We'll also discuss some of the criticisms and caveats when it comes to a growth mindset, and explore healthy ways to cultivate growth mindsets, both with our students and in ourselves. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP123

This podcast episode is all about how NOT to use digital resources. I wanted to mention that this isn't the first time we have talked about this topic on the podcast. In 2019, I recorded an episode called “How Not to Use Technology in Speech Therapy.” I'll be covering some of the same themes today, and expanding on some of the ideas that were mentioned in that episode. I'll also bring some new suggestions into the mix. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP122

In this episode, I'll be talking about some simple strategies to minimize overwhelm during the holiday season. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP121

In this episode, we'll be exploring the emotion of awe - what it is, why it's important, and how to help our students access it - and hopefully access it ourselves, too! Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP120

This episode is all about anxiety. I will focus on how anxiety impacts learning, and what SLPs can do to support their students and clients who experience anxiety. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP119

Previously, I published two podcast episodes about the eight parts of speech, different types of phrases and clauses, sentence types and classifications, and the most common syntax issues we might see with our students. In this episode, I'll be discussing evidence-based grammar interventions for speech therapy. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP118

In this episode, we'll be talking about lateral lisps. A lateral lisp affects sounds that require centralized airflow, like /s/ and /z/. When a client exhibits a lateral lisp, the airflow isn't centralized - it's lateralized. This results in a distortion that causes the sound to be “slushy” or “mushy.” Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP117

In this episode, I will be talking about how to integrate virtual reality, or VR, into speech therapy. Essentially, VR involves using computer technology to create a simulated 3D environment. In general, I think VR can be incredibly useful for many different scenarios in speech therapy. It's especially helpful in terms of generalization of skills, because it allows the student or client to have experiences that go beyond the walls of the school or clinic setting, although of course they're not physically going anywhere at all. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP116

In today's episode, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips for surviving scary meetings. Meetings can be especially tricky, because they're so time-consuming, and often we don't control the scheduling. Meetings are also challenging for those of us who are introverts or struggle with anxiety. There are also some meetings that are just rough, no matter how confident or extroverted we are. Those are the types of meetings we'll be talking about today. We can't always change the meetings, but we can change our experience of them. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP15

In this episode, I talk about executive function basics for SLPs. I mostly focus on covering what executive function skills actually are and what we use them for. I also spend sometime discussing how they connect to language skills and how SLPs can support executive function skills with their students and clients. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP114

What is mindfulness? How can mindfulness make you a better SLP? According to UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center, mindfulness is simply “paying attention to our present moment experience, with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be with what is.” In this episode, I'll discuss what mindfulness is and isn't and share some easy ways to incorporate mindfulness into our lives. I'll also look at some exciting research related to mindfulness and cover a few ways that mindfulness can help us become better SLPs. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP113

In today's episode, I talk about sensory processing basics for SLPs. Currently, the American Occupational Therapy Association recommends that providers use the full term "sensory integration and processing." This refers to how our brain and body use information from sensations to understand the world. This information comes in through our eight sensory systems, which are smell, taste, touch, visual, auditory, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoception. I also discuss the different types of disordered sensory integration and processing that we might see in our students and some tips to help SLPs. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP112

In this podcast episode, I talk about Design Thinking and how it can be a valuable tool for SLPs. So what is Design Thinking? Design Thinking is a mindset, an approach, and a framework all in one. It prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and experimentation. Design Thinking has been around for over 50 years. Historically it has been mainly used in the business world, especially in product development. But it has become an increasingly popular tool in education and healthcare in the past few decades. Design Thinking can be helpful in any situation where innovative solutions are needed. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP111

In today's podcast episode, we will discuss the top equipment recommendations for teletherapy that help SLPs be at their best during their speech sessions. Before diving into therapy equipment recommendations, it is essential to emphasize that the most crucial element of teletherapy will always be us as the SLPs and our rapport with our students and clients. Whether we are doing teletherapy or in person, relationships will always be at the heart of our work. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP110

In today's episode, I'll be discussing stridency deletion and how to address it in speech therapy. Stridency deletion is one of the phonological patterns often seen in highly unintelligible children. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP109

We've probably all written goals addressing multiple-meaning words at some point in our careers as SLPs. Working with multiple-meaning words is challenging for kids who have language-based learning disabilities, and this is a common area to target in language therapy, especially for our middle school and late-elementary-age students. In this episode, I discuss fun ways to work on multiple-meaning words. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP108

In this episode, I talk about the best advice for teletherapists. There's a lot of information and resources floating around regarding teletherapy, so today's episode highlights some of the essential core recommendations to keep in mind. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP107

In this episode, I discuss where to find digital reading passages, which can be a valuable addition to our speech therapy toolbox. If you're in school, reading passages allow you to align your therapy materials with the classroom curriculum, and they can also be a great way to engage with students' interests. You can also use digital reading passages to target almost any goal, especially with older students. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP106

This episode talks about the important topic of protecting student privacy online. Digital privacy is a crucial part of serving our students and clients, especially now that digital tools are more common than ever. As SLPs and educators, we need to use these tools safely and responsibly. Go here to access the show notes =====> https://bit.ly/TSSEP105

Today's topic is both challenging and important. We'll be focusing on how childhood trauma affects language and communication, and how SLPs can use trauma-informed principles in their treatment. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP104

In this episode, I'll be discussing gestalt language processing, and how to effectively and respectfully support our clients who are gestalt language processors. I'll be focusing more on the developmental stages of gestalt language processors, and some ideas for how to work with learners at each stage. I'll also talk a little bit about what NOT to do with gestalt language processors. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP103

Today, I'll be discussing how to use picture scenes for mixed groups in speech therapy. I think it's important to acknowledge that mixed groups are really tough, and I hope today's episode gives you some new ideas and encouragement. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP102

In today's episode, we're focusing on how to be effective collaborators as SLPs. We'll mostly be using examples from schools, but my hope is that the ideas we discuss could be useful in almost any setting. Go here to see the episode's show notes ====> https://bit.ly/TSSEP101

Today, we're discussing a challenging question. We'll be asking, “Are digital resources bad for kids?” I admit that this topic is probably surprising. I haven't changed. I'm still passionate about digital materials. But it's important to acknowledge that there can be some controversy and fear around using digital resources in speech therapy with kids. Tune in to Episode 100 to learn some of the common concerns that come up around digital resources. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSS100EP

In today's episode, I'll be discussing the latest research about articulation norms. The topic of research related to articulation norms is one that I think many SLPs have questions about, and it affects many aspects of our profession – from our assessments to our caseload sizes, to the intervention strategies we choose. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP99

This episode is a follow-up to an episode I did a few weeks ago. Part one focused on where to find free digital books online. In Episode 97, I shared how I love using digital books in speech therapy because they are so flexible. So in today's episode, we'll talk a little more about how to maximize that flexibility and how to use digital books to address many different intervention areas. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP98

Digital books are some of my favorite speech therapy tools. You can use them to target almost any goal. There are some wonderful options out there that are completely free for educators. In today's episode, I'll be discussing where to find digital books to use in speech therapy. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP97

Today, I'll be sharing my three favorite back-to-school tips for SLPs. The core theme of this episode is the importance of self-compassion. The beginning of the school year is a great time to commit to treating ourselves with compassion, and I hope this episode gives you some ideas for how to put that compassion into practice. To access the show notes, please click this link ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP96

Providing summer services might be something you've signed up for to provide continuity of services for your students, or perhaps the recession has put you in a position where you can't afford to take time off. It is essential to plan your sessions to minimize prep time. In this episode, I talk about some of my favorite ways to set yourself up for a low-prep summer. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP95

The month of May is Better Hearing & Speech Month, which is a time for us to promote the field of Speech-Language Pathology and to help educate others about the valuable work that we do. This year's theme is Connecting People and today I'm going to share with you some ways to celebrate better hearing and speech month! Go here to access the show notes ==> https://bit.ly/TSSEP94