Summer is the perfect time to slow down, cool off with water, and create FUN opportunities for your child to learn language through play. The best part? You don't need to buy expensive sensory bins or materials! Some of the most language-rich activities for sensory bins use everyday items you already have sitting around in your kitchen, bathroom, or toy box - along with some water or ice! As pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists, one of our favorite ways to support increased

Tips for Increasing Communication During Story Time & Through Local Libraries This Summer Summer is the perfect time to slow down, snuggle up with a good book, and create meaningful language-learning opportunities with your child. In fact, reading and playing together are two of the most powerful ways families can support their child’s speech, language, literacy, and social communication skills over the summer break. As pediatric Speech Language Pathologists, we are passionat

One of the most powerful communication tools that parents can use with their young children is the ability to make choices. For toddlers and preschool-aged children — especially those with limited verbal skills, delayed language and speech development, or emerging communication abilities — having the opportunity to make choices with picture supports throughout their day can significantly increase communication attempts, reduce frustrations, and build their independence. Simpl

April is World Autism Month —the perfect time to celebrate the many ways children communicate and connect with others around the world. Autistic children have a wide range of communication styles and abilities, from non-speaking to highly verbal, and many move along that continuum over time to develop their own communication styles and preferences. Communication doesn’t look the same for every child, and that diversity is something that we recognize and celebrate at Sunny Spo

Research has shown that meaningful interactions through play builds approximately 90% of a child’s early language skills. In an earlier blog post we described the six developmental stages of play and the foundational communication skills that are acquired during each stage, from birth through four years old. Speech Language Pathologists have an educational background that includes strategies for teaching foundational communication skills through play. However, we believe tha

Play is hands-down the best way to teach young children speech and language skills at home. Research has shown that meaningful play with caregivers or other children builds approximately 90% of a child’s early language skills. In addition, developmentally appropriate play significantly contributes to a child’s overall cognitive and social-emotional development and their future academic success. Learning through play is a principle that drives our private pediatric Speech and

In an earlier blog post we highlighted some introductory signs and visual aids we often use with non-speaking children and with infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children as part of a Total Communication approach to speech and language therapy . Research has shown that the use of a Total Communication approach can effectively increase the communicative abilities and vocabulary comprehension of nonspeaking children as well as for children with complex speech, language and

Research has shown that the use of a Total Communication approach can effectively increase the communicative abilities and vocabulary comprehension of nonspeaking children, as well as for those with complex speech, language and communication needs. This intervention approach embraces all forms of communication , including the use of gestures, signs, symbols, sign language (ASL), objects, pictures, verbal approximations, and aided AAC (e.g. communication boards, speech generat

‘Tis the season for giving and we have some excellent toy suggestions for last-minute Holiday shoppers, that help promote speech and language development for toddlers and preschool-aged children. Our Los Angeles based team of Speech Language Pathologists and Speech Language Pathologist Assistants have compiled a list of our ‘go to’ toys we frequently use to engage, motivate and interact with children with speech and language delays between the ages of 1-4 years. We specializ

Speech and language delays in preschool aged children often go unnoticed and untreated until they are school-aged for a variety of reasons. Many parents of 3-5 years olds are simply not aware of the early signs of speech and communication delays. Others might have been told by family or friends that their child is simply a ‘late talker’ who will ‘catch up’ once they start school. However, the reality is that recognizing speech and language delays EARLY and implementing appro

We love to incorporate children’s books into our pediatric speech therapy sessions. Did you know that Speech Language Pathologists play a critical role in the development of emergent literacy skills for young children with communication disorders? As children begin to learn speech and language skills, they are simultaneously learning skills that are essential for the development of reading and writing. This ‘emergent literacy’ stage of development begins at birth and contin

FACT: the fastest period of growth for the acquisition of speech and language skills occurs in the FIRST THREE YEARS of life! Three-year-olds fall within this ‘critical period’ for speech and language development , meaning it’s a time when a child’s brain is BEST suited to learn and absorb language(s). This is a crucial period to provide your child with frequent and rich language learning experiences throughout the day. It's also a time when parents should carefully observe

FACT: the most intensive period of growth for the acquisition of speech and language skills occurs in the FIRST THREE YEARS of life!...

Goodbye baby, hello toddler! Now that you’ve passed the big leap into toddlerhood, it’s a great time to track your child's communication...

Although parents of infants and toddlers usually receive basic communication screeners and developmental milestone checklists during...

May: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and it’s a time with Speech Language...

Spring is here, and we're thrilled to share some of our favorite Spring activities for children that enhance their speech and language...

We are continuing our “SLPA Spotlight” month to celebrate our incredible team of bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants...

We could not be more excited to feature our growing team of Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) at Sunny Spot Speech and...

Historically, popular children’s books in the U.S. have not featured characters with disabilities, communication differences or speech...