If your child is struggling to communicate, consult a speech-language pathologist right away. Don’t just “wait and see.” Delaying therapy may contribute to increased delays in skill-building, behavior problems and an extended time needed to achieve age-appropriate communication. Starting early, while a child is most receptive, will have the most benefit on their development.

Speech is how we say sounds and words, and features several factors such as articulation of sounds (“wabbit” vs. “rabbit”), volume and pitch, fluency (the rhythm of our speech), and pausing or stuttering issues. Language involves the words we use and how they work to share ideas and express ourselves. What a word means, how words combine into a sentence, and how to use words are components of language and expression may come verbally or by writing, signing, or making gestures. Language development includes putting words together to ask a question or retell a story. Language and speech develop together, and our therapists are experts in determining your child’s strengths and weaknesses with each

At Babbles, we tailor individualized therapy to each child’s personality, strengths and needs. Younger children learn best through play. You will likely see your child engage in play with a therapist on the floor or at a table. We use motivating toys and movement activities to model new words or sounds and encourage functional communication. We believe in giving children as many ways to communicate as possible. This means you may see us using signs with our hands, picture cards, or app-based communication devices. Therapists will help children find what mode of communication works best for them, and empower families to use these modes at home. For older children, speech therapy typically involves more in-depth education, more structured practice using flash cards or worksheets, and a larger focus on independence and self advocacy, while still using motivating games and activities to practice skills, of course!

Although many people may tell you that “all kids are picky eaters,” the reasons behind your child’s pickiness may be due to oral-motor difficulties and/or sensory aversions. Our therapists are trained to identify the underlying causes and provide individualized strategies both in therapy and at home.

If your child struggles to transition to table foods and resists a variety of foods, your child will benefit from a feeding evaluation. Our therapists specialize in assessing and treating sensory-based feeding disorders and oral motor delays. We work on improving oral motor skills and sensory processing skills in a happy, positive way, to help children learn about and explore new foods. We collaborate with parents on ways to implement effective strategies into mealtimes at home.

Learning through play extends to feeding therapy! Whether it’s imitating silly faces in the mirror, balancing foods on our tongues, or conducting food science experiments, feeding therapy at Babbles makes developing the sensory and motor skills needed for a healthy diet fun and engaging. By combining purposeful play with a strong family collaborative approach, your therapist will tailor a plan that fits you and your family.