Not every child is ready for speech therapy the moment it’s recommended. Research shows that family buy-in, engagement, and emotional readiness are key to success—without them, therapy can feel frustrating and ineffective.

Instead of years of unfocused sessions, the right approach at the right time can lead to faster progress and lower long-term costs. Therapy works best when it’s a collaborative, meaningful process—not just a box to check.

In this post, I explore the evolving view of the Appalachian dialect and regional dialect within speech therapy, from outdated notions of “disorder” to a celebration of linguistic diversity. Drawing on my personal journey as an Appalachian English speaker and educator, I delve into the deep-rooted biases against nonstandard dialects, the rich history behind them, and the impact these perceptions have on identity and communication. Join me in advocating for a future where every voice is respected and every dialect is valued.

The fear of immigration raids can leave lasting scars on children, filling their lives with terror and uncertainty. From the possibility to of interrogation in public spaces to the constant dread of separation, these experiences weigh heavily on young hearts. Yet amidst the turmoil, there is also hope: hope for safety, understanding, and a brighter future. By focusing on humanity and choosing to believe in resilience, we can offer these children the reassurance they need, it’s going to be okay. Let’s work together to turn fear into hope and ensure every child has the chance to feel secure and supported.

Loneliness shapes our choices, often unconsciously, and for neurodivergent individuals, it becomes central to therapeutic goals like learning social skills. However, the deeper solution lies not in fitting in, but in embracing authenticity. Speech-language pathologist Meghan Gallardo highlights the power of self-love through practices like joy inventories and “me parties,” helping clients rediscover their unique light. Drawing from personal experience and lessons from clients, this article explores how true connection begins with accepting ourselves. Learn how to shift from fear to friendship and celebrate the beauty of being real

Feeling like your career as a speech-language pathologist is an endless marathon? You're not alone. In this heartfelt post, I share my journey from burnout to finding balance—juggling the demands of work, family, and self-care. Discover how I redefined success, embraced joy, and made intentional changes to prioritize what truly matters. If you're ready to move from surviving to thriving, this is your invitation to take the first step toward a more meaningful, balanced life.

Discover how relationship-based approaches like Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) can transform speech therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. We can redefine communication beyond behaviors and data by prioritizing connection and emotional growth.

What if we stopped seeing children as blank slates waiting to be filled and instead recognized the innate wisdom they already carry? In speech therapy, our perspective shapes how we guide growth and nurture self-belief. When we assume a child needs to be “fixed,” we risk overlooking their unique strengths and potential.

Drawing from philosophy, science, and spirituality, this post challenges traditional approaches to therapy, inviting a shift toward honoring each child’s inner light. By becoming partners in discovery rather than instructors, we create deeper connections and empower children to find their voices not just in speech but in life.

In this post, I explore the concerns of parents wondering, "Will my child ever talk?" It’s common for children with autism or other developmental challenges to remain nonverbal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. Learn how nonverbal communication, early intervention, and patience are key in your child’s journey.

Caregivers of disabled children and adults often face daily challenges in supporting communication, whether verbal or nonverbal. As a speech-language pathologist, I've seen firsthand how empowering caregivers with the right tools and strategies can transform not only the lives of the individuals they care for but the entire family.

While traditional therapy focuses on direct treatment, coaching caregivers provides continuous, personalized support that can reduce frustration, improve communication, and create more peaceful interactions. In this article, I share why caregiver coaching is essential and how it can lead to lasting improvements in daily life and family dynamics.

Discover how supporting caregivers of disabled children and adults helps unlock their loved ones' communication potential and enhances the quality of life for everyone involved.