Working With Children Who Are Diagnosed With ADHD

When working with children who are diagnosed with ADHD, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) must use therapy approaches that address attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, and language skills. ADHD affects attention, organization, emotional regulation, and social communication, so therapy should focus on these areas. Here are effective approaches, techniques, and carefully selected resources to support children with ADHD in speech-language therapy.

 

1. Executive Functioning Strategies

ADHD affects executive functioning, which includes organizing thoughts, remembering instructions, and completing tasks. SLPs can focus on helping children develop these skills to improve their communication.

TECHNIQUES:

• Graphic Organizers: Use visual aids (e.g., mind maps, story webs) to help children organize thoughts for storytelling or answering questions.
• Task Analysis: Break tasks into smaller steps and use checklists to guide children through complex activities.
• Visual Schedules: Provide structured visual timetables to help with task transitions and routines.
• Self-Monitoring: Encourage self-assessment through checklists (e.g., “Did I say all the key points?”).

RESOURCES:

Book:

“The Executive Functioning Workbook for Kids: 40 Fun Activities to Improve Memory, Flexibility, Self-Control, and More” by Sharon Grand, PsyD, provides practical strategies for improving executive functioning. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8WcXUaC

 

2. Behavioral Techniques

Children with ADHD benefit from structured feedback, reinforcement, and explicit rules for communication tasks.

TECHNIQUES:

• Positive Reinforcement: Use praise or token systems to encourage participation and attention.
• Token Economies: Offer tokens for completing tasks that can later be exchanged for rewards.
• Time Timers: Use visual countdown clocks to reduce transition anxiety and focus attention during tasks.
• RESOURCES:
• Time Timer: helps children manage their time and focus by providing a visual countdown. https://a.co/d/509rO9I

 

3. Attention-Enhancing Techniques

ADHD makes sustained attention difficult, so therapy should include strategies to help children stay focused during communication tasks.

TECHNIQUES:

• Chunking Information: Break information into smaller, manageable parts to help children process and retain details.
• Attention-Focused Games: Interactive activities like Simon Says, memory games, or sequencing tasks can improve listening and attention.
• Turn-Taking Activities: Structured turn-taking during conversations encourages active listening and focus.

RESOURCES:

App: GoNoodle offers movement-based activities to give children "brain breaks" that improve attention during therapy sessions. GoNoodle Website https://www.gonoodle.com/

 

4. Language and Communication Techniques

Children with ADHD often struggle with expressive language, word retrieval, and pragmatic (social) communication skills.

TECHNIQUES:

• Visual Supports for Vocabulary: Use pictures or word walls to help children improve vocabulary and word retrieval.
• Social Stories: Create personalized social stories to teach social rules and expected communication responses.
• Role-Playing: Use role-playing activities to practice social communication in various contexts.
• Sentence Builders: To develop expressive language skills, start with basic sentence structures and gradually add complexity (adjectives, prepositional phrases, etc.). 

RESOURCES:

Book: "The Incredible 5-Point Scale: Assisting Students in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling Their Emotional Responses" by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis. This book provides a practical framework to help children with ADHD and other social communication difficulties understand and manage their emotions and behaviors. Available on Amazon:  https://a.co/d/3w5PkRe

 

5. Metacognitive Strategies

Teaching children to think about their thinking (metacognition) helps them regulate their communication and problem-solving strategies.

TECHNIQUES: 

• Think Aloud: Model the thought process behind planning and organizing speech or tasks (e.g., “First, I’ll write down what I need to remember…”).
• Verbal Rehearsal: Encourage children to verbally rehearse their ideas before speaking.
• Goal Setting: Establish small, achievable communication goals for each session to promote focus and task completion.

RESOURCES:

Book: "The ADHD Workbook for Kids" by Lawrence Shapiro provides interactive exercises for improving focus, organization, and self-control. Available on Amazon: The ADHD Workbook for Kids https://a.co/d/9Y94dnl

 

6. Pragmatic/Social Skills Interventions

Children with ADHD often struggle with social communication, understanding non-verbal cues, and following conversational rules.

TECHNIQUES:

• Video Modeling: Show videos that model appropriate social interactions to teach conversational skills and non-verbal cues.
• Comic Strip Conversations: Draw out conversations using stick figures to illustrate turn-taking, emotions, and appropriate responses.
• Social Scripts: Provide scripts for common social situations (e.g., initiating a conversation) and practice them with the child.

RESOURCES:

Video Modeling: https://youtu.be/38y_1EWIE9I?si=4wLFFsf_2scNDQYZ

School Talk - Comic strip conversations: https://youtu.be/_laRP2-ZPZ4?si=AO62YyLzwB0r0BEu

Communication: https://autismteachingstrategies.com/communication/  

Interaction: https://autismteachingstrategies.com/interaction/

Emotions: Free downloads activities https://autismteachingstrategies.com/emotions/

 

7. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Children with ADHD benefit from mindfulness exercises that help them regulate their emotions and improve focus during therapy.

TECHNIQUES:

Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to help children calm down and manage impulsivity.

Mindfulness Games: To improve sustained attention, use activities requiring sensory input (e.g., focusing on sounds and textures).

RESOURCES:

• Website: GoZen! offers engaging animated videos, activities, and courses that teach children to manage their emotions, focus better, and develop mindfulness strategies. It covers topics like stress management, resilience, and self-regulation, which are beneficial for children with ADHD. https://gozen.com/

Book:

“Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)" by Eline Snel. This book provides simple, playful mindfulness exercises for children to help them develop focus, calmness, and emotional regulation. It’s easy to integrate into therapy sessions and helps kids manage their ADHD symptoms through mindfulness. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/27Pkw6v

 

Additional Resources:

Books:

“How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD” by Sandra Rief: A resource for managing attention difficulties and supporting communication in educational settings. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/38mEktc  

Websites:

The ADHD Foundation: Offers strategies and resources for ADHD management, including improving communication and social skills. ADHD Foundation Website https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

ADDitude: Articles, tools, and printable guides for managing ADHD, with a focus on communication, attention, and organization. https://www.additudemag.com

Social Skills Activities for Children with Autism, AutismTeachingStrategies.com by Joel Shaul

https://autismteachingstrategies.com/ in many languages, many great printouts.

Addressing Sound Discrimination, Pronunciation, and Working Memory in Children with Hearing Loss

In addressing sound discrimination, pronunciation, and working memory in children with cochlear implants or hearing aids, auditory-oral training remains one of the most effective approaches. Research in recent years has reinforced the importance of early and consistent intervention to develop speech and language skills. Here are key strategies and relevant resources that speech therapists can employ:

1. Auditory Discrimination Training

STRATEGY: Focused auditory discrimination exercises, a highly effective and confidence-boosting method, can help children with hearing devices differentiate between speech sounds. Exercises should involve contrasting minimal pairs (words that differ by only one sound, like “bat” and “pat”) to teach sound differentiation. Gradually increasing the complexity from simple sounds to more complex sentence structures helps children become better at distinguishing between speech sounds in connected speech.

• RESEARCH: Studies by Flexer & Madell (2019) emphasize structured auditory training for developing discrimination skills, noting that success is tied to how well children can map sound to meaning through repetition and exposure to varied auditory stimuli.
• EXAMPLE: As speech therapists, you can implement a game-like approach where children are asked to distinguish between similar-sounding words (e.g., /b/ vs. /p/) with increasing background noise, reflecting typical classroom conditions. Your innovative and resourceful use of both recorded and live voices to simulate real-world listening environments is crucial.
• RESOURCE: "Children with Hearing Loss: Developing Listening and Talking" by Elizabeth Cole and Carol Flexer. The book provides a detailed auditory-verbal therapy framework to improve auditory discrimination and sound detection. Available on Amazon https://a.co/d/5zI2eNa

2. Articulation and Pronunciation Practice

• STRATEGY: Improve articulation by practicing sound production and pronunciation in structured activities, a method that has been proven effective. Using auditory feedback through the child's device and visual feedback, such as mirrors or articulation apps, helps them understand how sounds are made.
• RESEARCH: Daniel Ling’s Six Sound Test, developed by Ling, has been widely used to assess a child's ability to detect and discriminate sounds across the speech spectrum, directly influencing articulation. https://www.advancedbionics.com/content/dam/advancedbionics/Documents/libraries/Tools-for-Toddlers/tools-for-parents/The-Ling-Six-Sound-Check.pdf The Ling-6 Sounds Test https://mss-p-007-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/eaac13c0430e45f98548580c27c5ee4c?v=b09ccc73&MOD=AJPERES
• EXAMPLE: To keep the child engaged, start by practicing isolated sounds (vowels and consonants) that the child struggles with, then progress with practicing the sounds in syllables, words, and sentences. This can be done in play-based settings.
• RESOURCE: "Auditory Verbal Therapy: For Young Children with Hearing Loss and Their Families, and the Practitioners Who Guide Them" by Warren Estabrooks. The book contains strategies for improving articulation in children with hearing loss through auditory training and oral practice. Available on Amazon https://a.co/d/1Nd8hKg

3. Memory Training to Strengthen Working Memory

• STRATEGY: Improving working memory is crucial for language development, especially for children with cochlear implants or hearing aids. Techniques like Auditory Sequencing Tasks and Repetition of Spoken Instructions help children retain and manipulate information in their working memory.
• RESEARCH: A study by Pisoni et al. (2018) found that children with cochlear implants showed significant gains in working memory when auditory-verbal therapy was coupled with memory-enhancing activities.
• EXAMPLE: Use auditory memory games where the child must recall sequences of spoken instructions, such as “clap your hands, touch your nose, then jump.” Increase complexity by introducing multiple-step instructions.
• RESOURCE: "Cognitive and Working Memory Training in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children" by David Pisoni et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3293211/ 

4. Incorporating Visual and Tactile Cues

• STRATEGY: Children with hearing aids and cochlear implants benefit from multisensory learning approaches, such as pairing auditory input with visual cues (e.g., lip-reading or gestures) and tactile feedback (e.g., feeling the vibration of their own voice).
• RESEARCH: Spencer et al. (2020) highlights the benefit of combining auditory with visual learning strategies, which improves speech perception and production in children with hearing impairments.
• EXAMPLE: Use visual aids alongside auditory activities, such as flashcards or interactive software. For example, if practicing /sh/ sounds, the therapist could model the mouth shape while the child mimics it, receiving both, visual and auditory feedback.
• RESOURCE: Hearing Loss: How It Affects Communication https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/h/hearing-communication Language and Communication of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Individuals https://apps.asha.org/EvidenceMaps/Maps/LandingPage/04c03287-8b12-ed11-8135-005056834e2b   

5. Repetition and Consistency in Language Exposure

STRATEGY: Regular and consistent exposure to speech sounds and structured auditory input is key to solidifying speech and language development. A language-rich environment is essential to encourage children to use their auditory skills consistently.

RESEARCH: According to Estabrooks et al. (2016), children benefit from daily auditory routines embedded in their school and home environments, which help them generalize learned speech sounds into everyday contexts. Create routines that involve storytelling, read-aloud sessions, or structured conversations in which the child is encouraged to use newly learned words or sounds. Daily practice and repetition help build memory and articulation accuracy.

RESOURCE: "Auditory-Verbal Therapy: Science, Research, and Practice" by Warren Estabrooks highlights strategies to ensure repetition and consistency in auditory learning for children with hearing loss. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9MHzrXu

Organizing Speech Therapy Materials for the New School Year

 

Getting organized before the school year starts can save you time and stress later on. Here’s a practical approach to organizing your speech therapy materials so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

1. Sort by Goals and Skills

Example: Start by grouping your materials according to the specific goals and skills you’ll be targeting, like articulation, language, social skills, or fluency. Use clear plastic bins or file folders for each category. Label them with specific skills like “/s/ Articulation,” “Vocabulary Development,” or “Pragmatic Language.” This way, when you have a student who needs to work on a particular skill, you can easily grab the appropriate materials.

2. Use a Binder System for Worksheets

Example: Gather all your printable worksheets and activities into binders organized by topic. For instance, have one binder for articulation, another for grammar, and another for social skills. Within each binder, use dividers to further organize by specific sounds or grammar targets. You can use sheet protectors to keep everything neat and reusable. Make sure to have a “go-to” binder for frequently used materials to pull out what you need quickly.

3. Create a Digital Resource Library

Example: For any digital resources you use, like apps, PDFs, or online games, create a well-organized folder system on your computer or cloud storage. Name your folders clearly, like “Speech Apps,” “Digital Flashcards,” or “Interactive Games.” Bookmark your favorite online resources in a dedicated browser folder. Consider creating a digital inventory list to find and access what you need during sessions quickly.

4. Develop a “Grab-and-Go” Kit

Example: Use a portable kit with essential items you use frequently, like a small mirror, articulation cards, a tally counter, and a dry-erase board with markers. Keep this kit in a tote bag or small bin near your desk so it’s easy to grab when you’re moving between rooms or working with different students. This way, you’re always prepared, even if you need to adjust your plan on the fly.

5. Color-Code by Grade Level

Example: Color-coding your materials can be a game-changer if you work with different age groups. Use different colored bins, folders, or labels for each grade level. For instance, red is for kindergarten, blue is for 1st-2nd grade, green is for 3rd-5th grade, and so on. This helps you quickly locate materials appropriate for each group.

6. Label Everything

Example: Invest in a good label maker or use clear, printed labels to mark your bins, folders, binders, and shelves. Be specific with your labels – instead of just “Articulation,” try “Articulation – Initial /r/.” This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for without digging through piles of materials.

7. Set Up a Rotating System

Example: For materials you use seasonally or thematically, like Halloween or winter-themed activities, set up a rotating storage system. Keep the current season’s materials easily accessible in your main storage area, and store off-season materials in a separate spot, like a closet or high shelf. Rotate them as the year progresses so they are always ready with fresh, relevant materials.

8. Create a Central Storage Area

Example: Designate a specific area in your therapy room as your central storage hub. This could be a bookshelf, a rolling cart, or a set of drawers. Keep all your most-used materials here, organized by category and clearly labeled. Consider using clear bins or baskets to see what’s inside at a glance. Ensure everything has a designated spot, so it’s easy to put things back after each session.

9. Plan a Weekly Reorganization Routine

Example: Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each week to tidy up and reorganize. Refile worksheets, restock your “grab-and-go” kit and make sure everything is back in its place. This routine helps you stay organized throughout the school year and prevents clutter from piling up.

10. Keep a Master Inventory List

Example: Create a simple spreadsheet or document that lists all your materials, including what you have, where it’s stored, and when you last used it. This is especially helpful for digital resources or items that might get lost in the shuffle. Review your inventory at the start and end of each semester to ensure you’re not missing anything important. 

By taking the time to organize your speech therapy materials now, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free school year. When everything has its place and is easy to find, you can focus on what really matters: helping your students succeed.

Advice To Help You Stay Positive And Energized In Speech Therapy Room

Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the school year as a speech therapist working with kids with special needs, such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, deaf or hard of hearing, or those with cognitive challenges, can be both rewarding and demanding. Here’s some advice to help you stay positive and energized: 

1. Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize and celebrate even the smallest progress your students make. These small victories are significant, whether it’s a new sound, a gesture, or an attempt at communication. Keeping a journal of these moments can help you stay motivated. Example: If a non-verbal child with Autism spontaneously uses a picture card to request a snack for the first time, celebrate this achievement! You could create a “Progress Wall” in your therapy room where you post small victories for each student. Seeing this wall grow can be a daily reminder of your impact.

2. Build Strong Relationships

Develop strong connections with your students. Understanding their unique personalities, strengths, and challenges can make your work more meaningful. The bonds you form can be a source of joy and fulfillment. For instance, spend the first few minutes of each session connecting with your students. This could be particularly beneficial for a child with Cerebral Palsy who enjoys music. Starting each session with a short song or rhythm activity can help build rapport and make the child feel more comfortable, setting a positive tone for the therapy session.

3. Practice Self-Care

Prioritize your well-being. Regular breaks, physical activity, and hobbies outside of work are not just essential, but they are a way of showing respect to yourself. Self-care helps you recharge and maintain a positive mindset. Example: Establish a routine that includes daily self-care. This could be a 10-minute walk during lunch, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy, such as reading or painting. Set aside time at least once a week to do something just for yourself, like taking a yoga class or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

4. Collaborate with Colleagues

Surround yourself with a supportive team. Share experiences, challenges, and successes with other therapists and educators. Collaboration provides new perspectives and fosters a sense of connection and support, reducing feelings of isolation.  Example: Organize a monthly meeting with other speech therapists and special educators at your school to share strategies, resources, and successes. For instance, if a colleague has found a successful way to engage a child with a hearing impairment, they can share that method with the group.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Understand that progress may be gradual. Setting realistic, achievable goals for your students will help you stay positive and avoid frustration. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Example: Break down larger goals into manageable steps. For a student with cognitive delays, instead of aiming for complete sentence formation immediately, focus first on two-word combinations. Use visual aids like a “Goal Ladder,” where each rung represents a small step toward the ultimate goal, making progress visible and motivating.

6. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

Each day can bring new challenges, and being adaptable is key. Flexibility in your approach will allow you to meet your student’s needs more effectively and reduce stress. Example: If a therapy session isn’t going as planned, be ready to switch gears. For example, if a child with Autism becomes overwhelmed by a task, switch to a sensory activity like playing with a fidget toy or taking a short walk. Being adaptable reduces frustration for both you and the student.

7. Seek Continuous Learning

Engage in professional development to keep your skills sharp and stay inspired. Learning new techniques and approaches can reignite your passion and provide fresh ideas for your practice.   Example: Attend workshops or webinars focused on the specific needs of your students, such as communication strategies for children with hearing loss. Implement one new strategy you’ve learned each month, and track how it affects your students’ progress. Share your findings with your team.

8. Focus on the Bigger Picture

Keep in mind the long-term impact of your work. You are crucial to your students' development, helping them communicate and connect with the world. This perspective can be a powerful motivator. Example: When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself of the long-term benefits of your work. For instance, helping a child with severe speech delays eventually communicate more effectively can improve social interactions and academic performance. Consider writing a personal mission statement that you can refer to on challenging days.

9. Practice Gratitude

Regularly reflect on the positive aspects of your job. Gratitude for the relationships you build, the progress you witness, and the difference you make can significantly boost your attitude. Example: Start a “Gratitude Journal” where you write down one thing you’re grateful for at the end of each day. It could be a smile from a child, a positive interaction with a parent, or a breakthrough in therapy. Reflecting on these moments helps keep a positive mindset.

10. Know When to Ask for Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support, whether it’s through supervision, counseling, or peer support groups. Knowing you have a support system can make a big difference. Example: If you struggle with a particular case, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a more experienced colleague or supervisor. For example, if you’re working with a non-verbal child with severe Autism and feel stuck, reaching out to a specialist for guidance can provide new insights and relieve stress.

11. Keep the Joy Alive

Infuse your sessions with fun and creativity. Whether through games, music, or play, keeping therapy enjoyable for both you and your students can maintain a positive atmosphere. Example: Incorporate fun and creativity into your sessions. If a child loves superheroes, use superhero-themed activities or games to teach speech sounds or vocabulary. For a child who enjoys art, integrate drawing or painting into your therapy to make learning enjoyable. Keeping sessions playful and engaging benefits the child and makes your work more enjoyable.

By staying mindful of these strategies, you can maintain a positive attitude throughout the school year and make a lasting impact on the lives of the children you work with.

Brainstorming Students' Ideas in a Speech Therapy Room

Brainstorming can be a powerful tool in speech therapy, helping students express themselves, think creatively, and engage in the learning process. Here’s how to effectively brainstorm ideas with your students:

1. Create a Welcoming Environment

Example: Start by arranging the room to feel inviting. Sit in a circle on the floor or around a table to create a sense of equality and openness. Let the students know that all ideas are welcome, and there’s no wrong answer. You might say, “Today, we’re going to share our thoughts, and every idea is a great idea!”

2. Use Visual Prompts

Example: Use picture cards, objects, or storybooks to spark ideas. For instance, if you’re working on a theme like “Animals,” show a picture of a zoo and ask, “What animals do you think live here? What sounds do they make?” Encourage each student to share their thoughts.

3. Incorporate Movement

Example: For younger students or those with high energy, incorporate movement into your brainstorming. Use a “talking stick” or a small ball that students pass around. Only the person holding the stick or ball can speak. This not only gets them moving but also gives each student a chance to think before they speak.

4. Use Open-Ended Questions

Example: Ask questions that can have multiple answers, such as “What could we do if we were stuck in a jungle?” or “How many ways can we say hello?” This approach encourages students to think creatively and come up with a variety of responses.

5. Draw It Out

Example: Provide paper and markers for students to draw their ideas. For instance, if brainstorming ways to tell a story, ask them to draw what happens next in a sequence. Then, have them share their drawings with the group and explain their ideas. This helps students who may struggle with verbal expression but can communicate through art.

6. Use Technology

Example: If you have access to a smartboard or tablet, use it to display images, videos, or interactive apps. For example, show a short video clip and pause it at a key moment. Ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the character is feeling?” Let students come up to the board to draw or write their answers.

7. Create a Word Web

Example: Start with a central word or idea on a whiteboard, like “Summer Vacation.” Ask students to shout out words or phrases related to it, and draw lines connecting them to the central idea, forming a web. Words like “beach,” “sun,” “ice cream,” and “swimming” might come up. This visual method helps students see connections between ideas and expand their thinking.

8. Role-Playing Scenarios

Example: Set up a role-playing scenario related to a theme you’re working on. For example, if the topic is “Going to the Doctor,” have students brainstorm what might happen during a visit. One student could be the doctor, another the patient, and the rest can suggest what each should say. This not only generates ideas but also practices social communication skills.

9. Group Storytelling

Example: Start a story with a simple sentence like, “Once upon a time, there was a cat who…” and then go around the room, letting each student add a sentence. Encourage them to think of what could happen next and be ready to support them with prompts if they get stuck. This helps with narrative structure and creative thinking.

10. Use a Brainstorming Box

Example: Create a “Brainstorming Box” filled with random objects, pictures, or word cards. Let each student pick an item from the box and use it as a prompt. For instance, if a student pulls out a picture of a rocket, you could ask, “What would you take with you if you went to space?” This makes the brainstorming process fun and unpredictable.

11. Involve Students in Goal Setting

Example: At the start of a session, ask students to brainstorm goals they want to work on. You could say, “What do you want to get better at?” or “What do you want to learn today?” Write down their ideas and revisit them at the end of the session to see how they’ve progressed.

Brainstorming in the speech therapy room is all about encouraging creativity, building confidence, and making sure every student feels heard. By using these techniques, you can turn your sessions into a collaborative, dynamic experience that supports both language development and self-expression.

Finding Fresh Inspiration: Creative Strategies for Speech-Language Pathologists to Innovate Therapy

 

Ways a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can find new ideas for therapy:

1. Attend Professional Development Workshops and Conferences

Why: Workshops and conferences are excellent opportunities to learn the latest research, strategies, and tools in speech therapy.

How: Look for local, national, or international conferences on speech-language pathology, special education, or specific areas like Autism, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), or dysphagia. Organizations like ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) often host events.

2. Join Professional Organizations

Why: Professional organizations offer many resources, including journals, webinars, and networking opportunities.

How: Join organizations like ASHA, the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), or other relevant groups. These organizations often provide access to cutting-edge research, online forums, and expert-led discussions.

3. Engage in Online Communities and Forums

Why: Online communities allow SLPs to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and share resources with peers from around the world.

How: Join online forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn groups specifically for speech-language pathologists. Websites like The Speech Room News, SLP Now, or Teachers Pay Teachers also offer forums where you can exchange ideas and find inspiration.

4. Read Professional Journals and Blogs

Why: Keeping up with the latest research and trends ensures you’re using evidence-based practices.

How: Subscribe to journals like the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology or Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. Additionally, follow blogs by experienced SLPs who share creative therapy ideas, tips, and resources.

5. Collaborate with Colleagues

Why: Working with other professionals can provide new perspectives and strategies that you may not have considered.

How: Schedule regular meetings with other SLPs, special education teachers, or occupational therapists in your school or district to share ideas. Collaboration often sparks creativity and leads to new approaches that can benefit your students.

6. Explore Online Resources and Apps

Why: Technology can offer innovative and engaging tools for therapy.

How: Explore educational apps, websites, and software designed for speech therapy. Apps like Proloquo2Go for AAC, Articulation Station for speech sounds, or Whisper for auditory processing can be excellent additions to your therapy toolkit.

7. Observe and Reflect

Why: Reflection on your own practice can help you identify areas where you need new ideas or approaches.

How: After each session, take a few minutes to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Over time, you may notice patterns that suggest new areas to explore. Additionally, other therapists should be observed in action whenever possible to see different techniques and strategies in use.

8. Participate in Research Projects

Why: Engaging in research keeps you at the forefront of the field and exposes you to innovative methods and practices.

How: Reach out to local universities or research institutions to see if they have any ongoing projects related to speech-language pathology that you can participate in or contribute to. Being involved in research can also provide access to the latest findings before they’re widely published.

9. Use Social Media

Why: Social media platforms are rich with ideas, resources, and communities of practice.

How: Follow SLPs, special education experts, and related hashtags on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. For example, hashtags like #SLPeeps or #SLPtherapy can lead you to new resources and ideas.

10. Experiment with Creative Arts

Why: Integrating creative arts can make therapy more engaging and effective.

How: Incorporate music, art, drama, or storytelling into your sessions. For example, role-playing games can be used to work on social communication, or students can draw their responses to prompts to reinforce language concepts. Sometimes, thinking outside the box and blending different disciplines can lead to breakthroughs in therapy.

11. Attend Interdisciplinary Meetings

Why: Interdisciplinary meetings expose you to different perspectives and approaches.

How: Attend IEP meetings, case conferences, or team meetings with other professionals who work with your students. This might include occupational therapists, physical therapists, special education teachers, or psychologists. These professionals may have insights or strategies that can enhance your therapy sessions.

12. Utilize Teletherapy Resources

Why: The rise of teletherapy has led to the development of many online tools and resources that can be adapted for in-person sessions.

How: Explore platforms and resources that were developed or expanded during the increase in teletherapy, such as Boom Cards or interactive PDFs. These can often be adapted for in-person use, bringing a fresh dynamic to your sessions.

Guide to Having Crucial Conversations with Your Child's School

Crucial conversations with your child's school are essential for effective family engagement. These conversations often involve significant topics, differing opinions, and strong emotions. Here's a guide to help you navigate these conversations with confidence and success.

Understanding Crucial Conversations:

1. Definition: Crucial conversations are discussions where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.

2. Recognizing Signs: Pay attention to signs of silence or violence within yourself and from the other party.

3. Importance: Holding crucial conversations effectively can lead to better understanding, collaboration, and outcomes for your child.

Handling Crucial Conversations:

1. Approaches:

   - Avoidance: Ignoring the issue can lead to unresolved problems.

   - Poor Handling: Facing the conversation poorly can worsen the situation.

   - Effective Handling: Facing the conversation well can lead to positive outcomes.

2. Making it Safe:

   - Establish Mutual Purpose: Show that you care about the goals and well-being of your child and the school.

   - Maintain Mutual Respect: Demonstrate respect for the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved.

3. Effective Strategies:

   - Start with Heart: Clarify your intentions and what you want for your child and the relationship with the school.

   - Master Your Story: Recognize and challenge unproductive narratives based on assumptions or emotions.

   - State Your Path and Explore Others' Path: Share your perspective while inviting the school to share theirs to achieve shared understanding.

   - Make a Plan: Collaboratively decide on actions and timelines to address concerns and achieve goals.

Additional Techniques:

1. Emphasize the Goal: Keep the focus on the essential goal, such as the safety and well-being of your child.

2. Respond with Empathy: Acknowledge and validate emotions to foster understanding and connection.

3. Use Paradoxes: Sometimes, unexpected responses can defuse tension and open new perspectives.

4. Expand the Problem: Consider broader contexts or issues if the root cause lies beyond immediate concerns.

5. Know When to End: If a conversation becomes unproductive, it's okay to pause or end it to regroup and revisit later.

Conclusion:

Effective communication with your child's school is crucial for their success. By mastering crucial conversations, you can build stronger relationships, advocate effectively for your child, and work collaboratively with the school to ensure their well-being and academic achievement.