THROWBACK: The One About Early Developmental Milestones with The Speech Sisters

In this podcourse episode, Dr. Tara McAllister, an Associate Professor at NYU, discusses the impact of biofeedback on speech therapy, particularly for children struggling with the /r/ sound. She explains key findings from a recent randomized controlled trial, highlighting how biofeedback can enhance speech learning. Dr. McAllister also introduces the staRt app, designed to make biofeedback more accessible and affordable for clinicians. The conversation delves into the ongoing debate between motor control and phonological explanations for children's speech patterns, advocating for a balanced understanding of both factors. Additionally, Dr. McAllister shares her research on expanding biofeedback to other speech sounds and the potential of AI in supporting speech therapy.

In this podcourse episode, we interview Dr. Genesis Arizmendi about flipping the traditional script on bilingual assessment and practice. Dr. Arizmendi introduces FLiP (Functional Language Proficiency), a methodology she developed to better capture bilingual children's communicative competences in real-world contexts. She shares her background and journey in speech-language pathology, bilingual education, and implementation science. The discussion delves into the key features of the FLiP methodology, its design, and the study's conclusions, highlighting how FLiP can inform culturally responsive practices and reduce misdiagnosis of bilingually developing students. Dr. Arizmendi also emphasizes the need for more asset-based frameworks in assessment and the importance of understanding bilingualism as a resource rather than a risk factor. Key takeaways include the practical applications of the FLiP task in various settings and the ongoing work to make it more accessible to practitioners.

In this podcourse episode, we interview Alice Williams, an experienced Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and entrepreneur, about the challenges and opportunities within the SLPA field. The discussion covers ethical challenges faced by SLPAs, the importance of proper supervision, and the mutual benefits of collaboration between SLPs and SLPAs. Alice shares her journey into speech pathology, the founding of the SLPA Network, and her vision for a more unified and empowered SLPA profession. She also sheds light on the disparities in SLPA certification and the need for better educational and professional support. This episode is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the SLPA role, aimed at fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for all speech-language pathology professionals.

In this podcourse episode, we celebrate the show's 10th anniversary by welcoming back Amy Graham from Graham Speech Therapy as we explore the relationship between oral facial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and speech sound disorders (SSDs). Amy offers insights from her 25 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, discussing the importance of differential diagnosis, evidence-based practices for treating SSDs, and debunking myths about the effectiveness of OMD therapy in treating speech issues. This comprehensive discussion includes practical advice for SLPs, highlights from Amy's extensive career, and specific strategies to improve speech therapy outcomes.

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Dr. Olivia Jensen, one of the most popular guests ever on the show. We celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Speechie Side Up with an in-depth discussion about evolving as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) over the past decade. Dr. Jensen shares her journey from hands-on clinical work to a successful career in content creation while balancing life as a mother of three. Listeners will learn strategies for maintaining a sustainable work-life balance, the importance of self-compassion, and setting effective boundaries. Dr. Jensen also shares resources for SLPs considering career pivots and emphasizes the importance of community and peer support.Register ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ to earn ASHA CEUs and visit Speechie Side Up to learn more about this episode.

In this podcourse episode, we welcome back Dr. Kelly Farquharson to discuss her new Apples Project—a comprehensive study funded by the NIH to explore the link between phonological processing and speech sound disorders. Dr. Farquharson sheds light on the project's goals, expected outcomes, and the critical role of school-based SLPs in providing therapy to children with speech sound disorders. She also shares her experiences in obtaining the NIH grant for the project and offers valuable advice for SLPs interested in participating in research. The podcast delves into the complexity of speech sound disorders, the methods used in the Apples Project, and how the findings could significantly impact therapy practices in academic settings.Register ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ to earn ASHA CEUs and visit Speechie Side Up to learn more about this episode.

In this podcourse episode we had an insightful conversation with Danielle Kent, a licensed SLP with over 14 years of experience, as she delves into the importance of co-regulation before self-regulation. In celebration of Speechie Side Up's 10th anniversary, Danielle revisits and expands on topics from her popular episode, discussing recent research on behavior management and the developmental relationship between co-regulation and self-regulation. Learn practical strategies for supporting co-regulation in educational or therapeutic settings, and discover signs that indicate when a child needs more co-regulation support. Danielle also shares valuable resources and references for further exploration of these critical topics.Register ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to earn ASHA CEUs and visit Speechie Side Up to learn more about this episode.

In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie Lo-Presti, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist,as she introduces a comprehensive and innovative Speech and Language Protocol and Assessment Tool. Designed to merge developmental psychology with speech-language pathology, this tool is particularly powerful for evaluating and treating children with diverse needs, including those who are clinically untestable. Stephanie shares her extensive background and the motivation behind creating a dynamic assessment model that empowers SLPs to make intuitive, evidence-based clinical decisions. The discussion provides an in-depth look at the protocol's unique features, such as its dynamic and flexible approach, its ability to identify a child's zone of proximal development, and its effectiveness in tracking and fostering real-world communication skills. Stephanie also hints at future plans for digitalizing the tool into an app to further aid clinicians in their therapeutic endeavors.Visit Speechie Side Up to learn more about this episode.

This episode is part of the SLP Business Connect Series, we share our top 10 favorite business books and discuss key takeaways and personal insights that can help entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses. We also talk about practical tools and resources like profit calculators and name checkers to help entrepreneurs with branding, marketing, finances, and staying motivated despite challenges.Ready to learn more? Visit ⁠SLPBusinessConnect.com⁠ to sign up to attend live for FREE, or unlock the full experience starting at just $57—including ASHA CEUs, full video replays, the Speechie Side Hustle program, and exclusive resources to help you take the leap with confidence.

This episode is part of the SLP Business Connect series, where we explore 30 different side hustle ideas for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to utilize their degrees beyond traditional roles. We discuss various categories such as physical and digital products, service-based businesses, startups, and more. We also cover opportunities in creating educational materials, private practice, virtual assistance, consulting, podcasting, and innovative ideas in AI and technology. Through personal anecdotes and examples of successful SLPs, we aim to inspire listeners to explore diverse avenues that can help reignite their passion and prevent burnout.Ready to learn more? Visit ⁠SLPBusinessConnect.com⁠ to sign up to attend live for FREE, or unlock the full experience starting at just $57—including ASHA CEUs, full video replays, the Speechie Side Hustle program, and exclusive resources to help you take the leap with confidence.