The Speech Umbrella

Don’t we hear some of the funniest, wisest, all around best things from children? Here’s a collection of some my best moments with clients in 2023. Enjoy Kids Say the BEST Things, 2023.
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Emoji Handout
Empowering Children with Autism Through Natural Language Acquisition
Essential Language for Autism
Open Doors
A Parent, A Child, and Autism
Kids Say the Best Things 2022
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Sometimes you need your client to buckle down, pay attention and work hard, but that’s the last thing they want to do. Here’s a way to motivate a reluctant child to try their hardest.

Starting hard conversations with parents and clients is so much easier when you know how to say difficult things honestly and gracefully. Here’s where the right turn of phrase, examples, and analogies smooth the way.

What this episode has to offer: finding the right words to introduce difficult topics

Join me under the umbrella for tips on talking about

• Frequent absences and no-shows
• Insurance issues
• Dismissal
• Parents in the therapy room
• Suspected co-morbid conditions (like autism)
• Realistic time frames for progress
• Clear feedback to clients

Unleash the power of storytelling on your child's developmental journey! Join us as we explore the transformative influence of family narratives on children. Based on the research of Robin Fivush and Marshall P. Duke, we reveal the multitude of benefits kids reap when they know their family tales. Their resilience, self-esteem, and social skills see a significant boost. More than that, we consider how these stories can be effectively integrated into therapy, serving as instruments to enhance episodic memory, predictable behavior, vocabulary, and critical thinking. You’ll also hear some of our personal family narratives and learn about the critical thinking triangle, a handy tool from the Story Grammar Marker people.
Take a step further into the world of stories with us. We share a heartwarming tale of a school physical therapist whose professional advice led a first grader's parents to seek help beyond the school's resources. We introduce you to Dan and his father's inspiring journey that was profoundly influenced by a teacher who spurred a love for reading. Yet, we also know that not every story has a happy ending, and we guide you on how to handle narratives that don't end well and finding ways to move forward.
Make no mistake - family stories are powerful, and so are the rituals that accompany them. As we delve deeper, we uncover how children comprehend the personalities of their family members via these stories and the rituals they observe. Persistence is the key to storytelling, and we've got useful tips on how families can tell their stories effectively. Drawing from our years of experience as SLPs, we offer guidance on how to help families share their narratives and put them into a physical form. So, what are you waiting for? Tune into the Speech Umbrella and start harnessing the power of family stories today!
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emoji handout
https://storyintelligence.com/fivush-%26-duke
Story Grammar Marker , Do You Do Two?
Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

Stepping into a job interview is intimidating for many of us, but when you're a teen or young adult with a communication disorder, it can feel overwhelming. On the Speech Umbrella podcast, we tackle this subject head-on, with my husband, Dan Stratton, bringing his IT management and interview expertise to the table. One of Dan's passions is helping young adults in their career searches and interviews. Together we demystify the interview process, transforming it from a daunting task into an exciting stage to spotlight your problem-solving abilities. We discuss the art of self-presentation, the power of a well-told story, and how to do networking interviews.
You'll hear firsthand how strategic networking and informational interviews can forge paths to unexpected job offers and meaningful professional relationships. From the impact of a thoughtful handwritten note to the nuances of asking the right questions, we delve into the details that can set you apart. We also examine how to make an impression in the interview itself, with tips on maintaining composure under pressure and using body language to your advantage.
So plug in, listen up, and let's get you ready to nail that interview with grace and confidence.
Helpful Links
Amy Cuddy TED Talk
List of Skills.
Long List of Skills
Sample Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
More Interview Questions