Speech Therapy Adventures

And that’s a wrap on Day 2 of the DIR 101 class in Mandarin! 🎉 It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so excited to share some highlights:

Active Participation: By the second half of Day 2, keen participants were opening sharing their thoughts on the sample videos! Questions were flying, this level of engagement (for the Chinese crowd) was off the charts!

Eager Learners: Here’s the best part—nearly 30% of the participants want to dive into the DIR 201 class! I’m seriously blown away by their enthusiasm and commitment to keep growing. Lifelong learning at its finest! 🌱

Seeing how dedicated these participants are to their education makes me feel like we’re not just teaching them—they’re teaching us, too!

Can’t wait for more adventures with this awesome China/Taiwanese crew as we keep learning and growing together. 🚀

We’ve just wrapped up Day 2 of the DIR 101 class in Mandarin, and the experience has been truly rewarding. Here are some key highlights and reflections:

1) Active Participation:
By the second half of Day 2, participants were eagerly answering questions and sharing their insights on the sample videos they watched. The level of engagement was remarkable.

2) Eagerness to Learn:
Impressively, nearly 30% of participants have expressed interest in continuing with the DIR 201 class. This level of enthusiasm is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and I’m amazed by their commitment to continuous learning.

Reflecting on this, it's clear why the Singapore Government emphasizes skill acquisition and lifelong learning. Seeing the dedication of these participants highlights how seriously other nations approach continuous education. While they gain technical skills from us, we can certainly learn from their attitude toward ongoing self-improvement.

I am excited about future engagements with this China/Taiwanese group and look forward to learning together as we move forward.

Just wrapped up Day 1 of the 2-day DIR 101 class in Mandarin! 🎉 The participants were came from all over China, with a few from Australia and Taiwan too. 🌏

Putting this content together in Mandarin has been a wild ride. I’ve been getting creative to keep everyone engaged, especially since speaking up isn't always easy for this crowd. 😅

And oh, there were definitely moments when I had a total "tip-of-the-tongue" situation. Imagine me about to drop an English word and then scrambling to find the Mandarin equivalent. Talk about linguistic gymnastics! 🤸‍♀️

Looking forward to Day 2! 🚀

I am thrilled to announce my newest adventure: teaching DIR Floortime 101 in Mandarin! 🎉

It's been a while since the last 101 class was taught in Mandarin, and I feel privileged to take on this role after such a long hiatus. This opportunity allows me to reach a different audience and share the incredible principles of Floortime in a new language.

I am immensely indebted to the wonderful individuals (Which included my mom Jenny Teo ) who are far more fluent in Mandarin than I am. They taught me the different terminologies related to autism in China and Taiwan, as well as the various terms surrounding Floortime. While it may surprise some that 'random strangers' are keen to help, I appreciate them as authentic individuals who truly embrace the relationship-based model in their everyday lives. Their support has been invaluable in helping me put together this 13-hour course.

I am looking forward to engaging with a new community and making a positive impact! If you know of anyone who may find this course helpful, here is the sign-up link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/g17MLOPwuVWDT4ZjLrpfww

Yesterday was an absolute blast with the entire staff team of the Happee Hearts Movement at the Singapore Zoo! 🦁🐒 This amazing group is dedicated to serving adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, understanding deeply that the well-being of their clients is intricately tied to that of their caregivers.

The Introduction to Floortime course brought a fresh perspective on Autism through the realms of Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based (D, I, & R) models. The condensed content helped them reframe their thinking and highlighted the importance of interaction and relationships in fostering development, even within the unique population they serve.

There were moments of deep reflection and insight, alongside plenty of candid photo ops. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and some seriously fun times! A big thank you to everyone for making it such a memorable experience. 🌟

I frequently receive referrals for children who are not making progress in therapy. In these cases, there are usually a few factors that need to be examined more closely. For example, the child's ability to express what they want to say may not be clear, which can lead to communication problems. This podcast is about that missing ingredient: intentionality.

Nurturing Intentionality as a Bridge to FEDC 4 - Affect Autism: We chose play, joy every day Facebook Twitter

I am so excited to be featured in Affect Autism's podcast. The topic is on "Nurturing Intentionality as a Bridge to FEDC 4" is a spin off from my Presentation (about FEDC 3) at the ICDL - Home of DIRFloortime 's New York Conference in March earlier this year.

The link to the Podcast is here:

Nurturing Intentionality as a Bridge to FEDC 4 - Affect Autism: We chose play, joy every day Facebook Twitter

The International Council of Development and Learning (ICDL), the organization that champions Floortime, is offering a complimentary course specifically tailored for parents like you.

As someone deeply involved in Floortime practices, I've had the privilege of working with ICDL, and I can attest to the invaluable knowledge they provide. This course, spanning a total of 12 hours, will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding Floortime and its profound impact on your child's development.

Led by Colette, a seasoned expert whom I personally trained under at the beginning of my Floortime journey, this course promises to be enlightening and enriching. You can rest assured knowing you're learning from one of the best in the field.

For your convenience, here are the course details in Singapore time:

May 22nd (Wednesday), Vesak Day: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
May 23rd (Thursday): 8:00 am - 10:00 am
May 29th (Wednesday): 8:00 am - 10:00 am
May 30th (Thursday): 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of Floortime and enhance your ability to support your child's development. Best of all, it's completely free of charge. Reserve your spot today and embark on this Floortime journey.

PS: Let me know if you do, then we can talk about what you learnt and how to apply that to your child.

Check out this FREE DIRFloortime introductory course offering specifically and only for parents!

Register Here: https://fs30.formsite.com/ICDL/2024T2101CR-PARENTS/index

Note: This course is not for professionals. It is an 8-hour introductory course specifically and only for parents. It does not qualify as a DIR 101 for professionals and cannot be used as the prerequisite requirement for DIR 201. If you are both a parent and professionals, you must join a 12-hour DIR 101 offering as a professional!

If you are a professional and would like to take DIR 101, check out upcoming DIR 101 courses here: https://www.icdl.com/courses/101

I am glad to have the opportunity to go to New York to speak at the Floortime Conference. Andrea and I talked about FEDC 3: INTENTIONALITY- where Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy meet to enable communication. It was a great turn-out with great questions.

- Home of DIRFloortime

👂✨ Unlock the Power of Hearing Aids: 3 Compelling Reasons to Invest!

As our bodies gracefully age, some wear and tear are expected. One aspect often overlooked is age-related hearing loss 👂. We readily grab reading glasses, but surprisingly, less than 15% of U.S. adults benefiting from hearing aids use them (Chien and Lin, 2012). The stat drops to a mere 8% for cochlear implants (Holder et al., 2018). 🧐

Here's the twist: those who seek treatment often do so 7–10 years post initial hearing loss (ouch!). Even in Singapore, where a mobile hearing van increases accessibility, only 5% of potential beneficiaries actually get hearing aids. 🌍

My blog sheds light on why investing in hearing aids is a game-changer! 🎉 Check it out! Let's spread the word to ensure our loved ones stay socially active, happy, live longer, and have sharper brain functioning for years to come. 💙 Feel free to share! 🔄

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PS: I do not dispense hearing aids.

3 Reasons Why You Should Invest In A Hearing Aid Whether you’re a chiropractor looking to rent a treatment room, a personal trainer seeking gym space rental, below are some key factors to consider as you scout for your new space in Singapore.

👂✨ Unlock the Power of Hearing Aids: 3 Compelling Reasons to Invest!

As our bodies gracefully age, some wear and tear are expected. One aspect often overlooked is age-related hearing loss 👂. We readily grab reading glasses, but surprisingly, less than 15% of U.S. adults benefiting from hearing aids use them (Chien and Lin, 2012). The stat drops to a mere 8% for cochlear implants (Holder et al., 2018). 🧐

Here's the twist: those who seek treatment often do so 7–10 years post initial hearing loss (ouch!). Even in Singapore, where a mobile hearing van increases accessibility, only 5% of potential beneficiaries actually get hearing aids. 🌍

My blog sheds light on why investing in hearing aids is a game-changer! 🎉 Check it out! Let's spread the word to ensure our loved ones stay socially active, happy, live longer, and have sharper brain functioning for years to come. 💙 Feel free to share! 🔄

hashtag
hashtag
hashtag
hashtag

PS: I do not dispense hearing aids.

3 Reasons Why You Should Invest In A Hearing Aid Whether you’re a chiropractor looking to rent a treatment room, a personal trainer seeking gym space rental, below are some key factors to consider as you scout for your new space in Singapore.

Really honored to be invited to Bangkok to share with rehabilitation doctors about the DIRFloortime approach.

I thoroughly enjoyed conducting a workshop at to educate physiatrists about the connection between age-related hearing loss and dementia, emphasizing the crucial role of hearing aids in preventing decline in this demographic. A noteworthy aspect of the workshop was a segment dedicated to assessing our auditory memory through instructions of varying complexities. The participants gained a heartfelt appreciation for the significance of listening in our daily functioning.

I had an awesome dinner and a stroll by the river with Dr Kingkaew Pajareya in Bangkok.

We start our DIR Floortime workshop tomorrow. 😊 Looking forward to it!

ICDL - Home of DIRFloortime

We had an engaging and fruitful conversation last Thursday. The talks were well-received. Both the Doctor and the Thai Speech therapists were happy they have learnt a lot from the session.

This conference has been truly fantastic thus far. I'm eagerly looking forward to gaining more knowledge from the other speakers and engaging with the audience in my capacity as a speaker. It's been an honor to share insights with like-minded individuals.

Had a great presentation last Monday evening.. The crowd was spontaneous and it was loads of fun.

Ready for the next installment this coming up in less than 24 hours!

DAY 4 IS OFF TO A FANTASTIC START!

Today's Schedule:

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM US ET
Unlocking the Playful Path: Revealing the hidden power of toys in child development
- Naomi Wong, BSpPath, AHPC, DIR-Expert | Diane Townsend, BOccTher, DIR-Advanced

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM US ET
“What Did You See?” – A DIRFloortime® Video Review Conversation
- Colette Ryan, MSEd, MA, IMH-E, DIR-Expert

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM US ET
DIRFloortime® Within the System: How to bring DIRFloortime® into your traditional school system (and get away with it)
- Ann-Bailey Lipsett, MEd, DIR-Expert | Davina Soleyman, MA, DIR-Expert

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM US ET
Stress in Learning: The positive impacts of reducing stress in the classroom
- Jesica Baron, Child Development Specialist, DIR-Proficient

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM US ET
An Introduction to DIRFloortime® from a DIRFloortime® Speech Language Therapist Expert Training Leader, and Parent Guests: Video illustrations, stories, and conversations of DIRFloortime®
- Bridget Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP, DIR-Expert | Parent Guests

8:00 PM - 9:30 PM US ET
DIRFloortime® in Public Schools: Practical application of the DIRFloortime® philosophy
- Todd Miller, MA, DIR-Advanced

Really honored to be invited to share with people in Thailand about DIR Floortime and Speech therapy. How the both complement each other to help our clients improve at a faster rate.

I will be presenting on 2 topics:
1) A Journey through Multifaceted Speech and Language Development in a Complex Pediatric Case

2) Navigating Intervention Priorities in Complex Pediatric Cases - Unraveling the Clinical Decision Between Play and Speech

Looking forward to the event!

Building Babies' Brains Through Play: Mini Parenting Master Class Serve and return interactions are critical for children's brain architecture. Learn how daily interactions--including play--can build young brains.

🧠💡 Building Your Children's Brains: Unlocking the Power of Play! 💡🧠

Hey there, fellow parents and caregivers! 👪 Are you eager to discover the secret to nurturing your children's developing brains? 🤔 Look no further! Check out this incredible video on how to stimulate your little one's cognitive growth through the magic of play! 🎉

📹 Video Link: [https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/building-babies-brains-through-play-mini-parenting-master-class/?fbclid=IwAR0EppthbcAyNGhQAdP0GJjdzDRNZymC-me6i8z5zv7qbthEyzrWxckIDaI]

In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with marketing claims, especially regarding what we should feed our children for optimal brain development. 🍼 However, Harvard's experts reveal an essential truth: it's not about excessive DHA intake, but rather the meaningful interactions and engaging play moments we share with our kids! 🤗

By dedicating quality time to play, we create a rich environment for our children to explore, learn, and thrive. 🌱🌟 Their young brains are like sponges, absorbing information and forming connections at an astonishing rate. And guess what? Play is the key to unlocking their full potential! 🔑💪

So, let's embrace the power of playtime and make the most out of these precious early years! 💖 Whether it's building with blocks, imaginative storytelling, or simply getting silly together, every moment counts. 🎈 Let's foster their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills through the joy of play! 🧩🎨

I highly recommend watching this insightful video 🎬 to learn more about the science behind building babies' brains through play. It's an eye-opener that has transformed my approach to parenting, and I'm sure it will do the same for you! 🌈

Remember, fellow parents, the bonds we forge and the memories we create with our children are priceless treasures that shape their futures. 🌠 Let's embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood together! 🚀💕


Speech Therapy Adventures



Speech Therapy Adventures

Building Babies' Brains Through Play: Mini Parenting Master Class Serve and return interactions are critical for children's brain architecture. Learn how daily interactions--including play--can build young brains.

"Did you know that the most important interactions you have with a child can happen through play?"

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/building-babies-brains-through-play-mini-parenting-master-class/

Play is so much more. In a typical asian mindset, it is the opposite of learning and working. But play is really the vehicle in which learning can take place at a faster pace and (ironically) with less effort. 🤩

"Did you know that the most important interactions you have with a child can happen through play?"

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/building-babies-brains-through-play-mini-parenting-master-class/

The Self-Reg View: Willpower Is Not the Secret to Success We are in the midst of one of the most exciting and profound revolutions ever seen in our understanding of human functioning and development. As a result of striking advances in neuroscience, physiology and psychology, we are unravelling the complex interrelationship between the prefrontal cortical....

I have been studying about Self-regulation and this article I am sharing is just about the biggest irony of life.

What if you have gone through half your life thinking that 'will-power' and discipline is the only way to be successful and then you realized that there's a different way? The discovery I made through my research on self-regulation completely upended my understanding of success and personal growth.

In this eye-opening article, the author challenges the widely held belief that willpower and discipline are the sole keys to achieving success. Instead, they introduce the concept of self-regulation—a powerful and transformative approach to achieving our goals and thriving in all aspects of life.

Self-regulation, as I've come to understand, is not about suppressing our desires or forcing ourselves to stick to rigid routines. It's about recognizing and understanding the underlying factors that influence our behavior, emotions, and decision-making. By gaining insight into these factors, we can create a harmonious balance in our lives, leading to increased resilience and improved overall well-being.

The article emphasizes the significance of recognizing stressors and triggers that can lead to moments of self-regulation breakdown. It highlights the need to address the root causes rather than relying on sheer willpower to overcome challenges. This perspective fundamentally shifts the way we approach our personal and professional aspirations.

Personally, this revelation couldn't have come at a better time. Reflecting on my journey, I can now see instances where I pushed myself or kids to achieve certain goals, only to feel burned out and unfulfilled in the end. This new understanding has empowered me to embrace a more compassionate approach towards myself and others, allowing room for growth, learning, and adaptation.

As I delve deeper into the realm of self-regulation, I find myself wondering why this concept isn't more widely discussed and embraced. Perhaps it's the allure of the traditional narrative—the idea that hard work alone guarantees success—that keeps many of us tethered to the old ways. But as I embark on this new path, I'm eager to share my findings with the hope of inspiring others to question these conventional notions and explore the power of self-regulation.

In conclusion, I invite all of you to read this thought-provoking article and join me in this journey of self-discovery. Let's challenge the status quo and embrace a more holistic approach to success—one that honors our individuality, acknowledges our struggles, and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

The Self-Reg View: Willpower Is Not the Secret to Success We are in the midst of one of the most exciting and profound revolutions ever seen in our understanding of human functioning and development. As a result of striking advances in neuroscience, physiology and psychology, we are unravelling the complex interrelationship between the prefrontal cortical....

I have been studying about Self-regulation and this article I am sharing is just about the biggest irony of life.

What if you have gone through half your life thinking that 'will-power' and discipline is the only way to be successful and then you realized that there's a different way? The discovery I made through my research on self-regulation completely upended my understanding of success and personal growth.

In this eye-opening article, the author challenges the widely held belief that willpower and discipline are the sole keys to achieving success. Instead, they introduce the concept of self-regulation—a powerful and transformative approach to achieving our goals and thriving in all aspects of life.

Self-regulation, as I've come to understand, is not about suppressing our desires or forcing ourselves to stick to rigid routines. It's about recognizing and understanding the underlying factors that influence our behavior, emotions, and decision-making. By gaining insight into these factors, we can create a harmonious balance in our lives, leading to increased resilience and improved overall well-being.

The article emphasizes the significance of recognizing stressors and triggers that can lead to moments of self-regulation breakdown. It highlights the need to address the root causes rather than relying on sheer willpower to overcome challenges. This perspective fundamentally shifts the way we approach our personal and professional aspirations.

Personally, this revelation couldn't have come at a better time. Reflecting on my journey, I can now see instances where I pushed myself or kids to achieve certain goals, only to feel burned out and unfulfilled in the end. This new understanding has empowered me to embrace a more compassionate approach towards myself and others, allowing room for growth, learning, and adaptation.

As I delve deeper into the realm of self-regulation, I find myself wondering why this concept isn't more widely discussed and embraced. Perhaps it's the allure of the traditional narrative—the idea that hard work alone guarantees success—that keeps many of us tethered to the old ways. But as I embark on this new path, I'm eager to share my findings with the hope of inspiring others to question these conventional notions and explore the power of self-regulation.

In conclusion, I invite all of you to read this thought-provoking article and join me in this journey of self-discovery. Let's challenge the status quo and embrace a more holistic approach to success—one that honors our individuality, acknowledges our struggles, and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

The Self-Reg View: Willpower Is Not the Secret to Success We are in the midst of one of the most exciting and profound revolutions ever seen in our understanding of human functioning and development. As a result of striking advances in neuroscience, physiology and psychology, we are unravelling the complex interrelationship between the prefrontal cortical....

Parents are the child's first teachers. When involved in therapy, they are one of the sharpest tool a therapist can work with.

Happy Mother's day!

I am sharing this special bouquet that was given to me by my little friend to all mothers out there. You the only reason they able to do what they do. ☺️

After teaching with ICDL for 2 + years, I’m so glad to finally meet the people that I have worked with and known for so long. I have only seen them through the little ZOOM frame, and in person meetings are always more amazing! Other than inspiring talks from the ICDL conference, and discussing its contents with fellow like-minded people. We spent time discussing how different clinicians from various corners of the globe implement the DIRFloortime® Framework into their practices despite the different constrains they face. These are always inspiring. Thank you for the joyful conversations and relationship forged during this short period of time. 😍

While I was in New York, I visited the Rebecca school as well. It was an eye-opening experience to see how Floortime can be implemented into a school setting.