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"Play-Based Learning: Unlocking Communication Skills in Young Children"
In the world of pediatric speech-language pathology, we're constantly exploring innovative ways to help young children develop their communication skills. One approach that stands out for its effectiveness and natural appeal is play-based learning. Play is not just a fun activity for children—it's a powerful tool for fostering communication, social interaction, and cognitive development. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into the importance of using a play-based approach
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Feb 18, 20243 min read


Copycat Chronicles: Supercharging Your Child's Language Development through the Magic of Imitation!
Hey there, amazing parents! Have you ever noticed your little one imitating your actions or trying to repeat the words you say? Well, buckle up because you're in for a treat! I'm here to spill the beans on the fantastic world of imitation and its direct link to your child's language development. Imitation is like the secret sauce in the recipe of language acquisition. When kiddos imitate, they're not just mimicking; they're building a foundation for communication that goes be
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Nov 21, 20232 min read


Decoding Dyslexia in Children: Understanding, Identifying, and Treating
Today we’re diving into a topic that affects countless children across the globe: dyslexia. Dyslexia is more than just difficulties with reading and writing; it’s a unique learning difference that needs our understanding and support. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s explore what dyslexia is, how it presents in children, when it can be diagnosed, and the evidence-based treatment approaches that can make a world of difference for your child or those that you serv
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Oct 14, 20233 min read


10 Everyday Experiences to Build Language
Repetition helps children learn language. In fact, did you know that the average child needs 12-15 exposures before learning a new word, and that children with the learning differences need between 40-100 exposures before learning and remembering a new word? Everyday routines create the perfect opportunity to expose your child to a variety of vocabulary words and language concepts. A routine itself is built on the foundation of predictability; in that you complete the task th
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Apr 2, 20236 min read


Using Time Delay to Fade Prompts
When teaching children new skills, it is not unusual that they will initially require some support in the form of prompts and cues. Prompts can prove to be very effective to help reduce frustration, can ensure progress towards targeted goals, and provide support with difficult tasks to make the learning process easier. To learn more about the different types of prompts that are commonly used when teaching children, be sure to check out my previous blog, “ A Guide for Using Pr
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Feb 26, 20233 min read


5 Tips for Parents of Young Children Who Are Not Yet Talking
Seeing your child reach their developmental milestones is a rewarding and exciting time for parents. But when they are slow to develop language, it can leave one feeling worried and wondering what to do. This often can lead to pressure, not just pressure we as parents put on ourselves, but also pressure that we place on our child by asking too many questions or telling them to say specific words. Unfortunately, these techniques do very little to kindle the language learning f
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Dec 9, 20223 min read


Choose Your Words Wisely: Tips to Help Your Child Combine Words
Do you remember hearing your child’s first word? What a wonderful milestone! And as your child says more and more you start to feel a deeper connection with them. After all it is exciting to get a glimpse into what they know, what they think, what they are interested in, and what they want. But what happens as they reach closer to 18-24 months, and you are not hearing any two-word combinations yet? Should you worry or be concerned? Typically, children will not start to combin
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Oct 30, 20224 min read


Communication Temptations: How & Why
Your child wants something, so they stand in the kitchen with you while you show them item after item, trying to figure out what it is...
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Mar 25, 20223 min read


Key Strategies for Late Talkers
Is your child or client a late talker? Do you need to increase their vocabulary? There are a lot of effective and evidence-based...
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Feb 21, 20223 min read


Enhanced Milieu Teaching: A Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Intervention for Promoting Language
Young children who have deficits in communication and language skills are not only at risk for academic failure but are also at risk for...
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Jan 23, 20225 min read


Tips to Help Your Toddler Start Talking
We all want to see our children thrive and meet their developmental milestones. But what happens when your child is a late talker or...
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Sep 5, 20213 min read


5 Ways to Create Communication Opportunities
Let’s face it, is really easy when you have a child that is a late-talker or is language delayed to instinctively know what they want even when they can’t tell you. Because we become so good at anticipating our littles one’s needs unfortunately, they don’t always have a reason to talk. Even if they eventually do acquire a few words, or can imitate words they hear modeled to them, children often will not use those words unless they have a reason to do so. Therefore, sometimes
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Nov 9, 20202 min read


Bring Out the Books!
Books can be a great tool for expanding your child's language. But, what if your child isn't interested in books, or can't sit long enough?
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Oct 27, 20203 min read


Screen Time & Language Development
Want to know how screen time impacts language development?
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA
Oct 3, 20203 min read
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