Expressive Connections

Today is Down Syndrome Awareness Day! 📢🧦 We've been celebrating this week by making festive socks with our clients, like these ⬆️
The significance of socks on this day are to grab people's attention, start the conversation about Down Syndrome, and share what you know. The more awareness, the better! 🧦🩷

Speech therapy helps with so much more than speech alone 🗣 While an SLP can treat speech-sound disorders (like trouble with /r/ or a lisp), they can also help with a variety of disorders relating to the brain 🧠 and language! ⭐️

OT's really do it all! 💥💪 The goal of occupational therapy is to make it easier to get through all of life's daily activities. This can include tying shoes 👟 and handwriting ✏️ (which might be what you think of when you hear OT), but this versatile field covers so much more.

Kids are absorbing all the words we say- including how we talk about our feelings! When little kids have big feelings, it can be really hard for them to talk about what's going on. Even if we can't fix an issue right away, labeling their emotions can be a powerful way to show our kids that we understand how they are feeling, while giving a model of what they can say during similar moments in the future!

Next time you see your child experiencing an emotion, use the opportunity to describe what you see! For example...

"I know, it makes you mad that we have to leave the park." 😡
"We're both so happy right now!" 🥰
"You're sad because we don't have your favorite snack today." 😔

No toys? No problem! ✨
You don't need anything to create meaningful interactions with your child. Engaging in these fun, simple routines are a great way to play together without getting out (and then having to clean up) a bunch of toys!

💙💙💙

Part 4 of our meaningful play time series takes us to the grocery store! 🍇🥦🥕

This daily activity doesn't have to be a chore- it's the perfect opportunity for language development and play time! Next time you and your toddler are shopping for groceries, try a game of "I spy" or learn some new categories right from the cart! 🥑🍞

We'll see you on Monday! Give us a call if you need to reschedule your session or switch to telehealth 📞💕
(626)799-7955

Part 3 of the meaningful play time series: bath time! 🛁🐤🫧
Bath time is a daily task that is perfect for intentional play. There are no distractions, you and your child are one-on-one, and it's built in to your daily routine! Don't miss the opportunity to make this task a fun learning experience for your little one.

Children develop on their own individual timeline, however, there are some general milestones that they are typically expected to meet 🧍‍♀️🏃‍♂️👨‍👧 If you have concerns about your child's motor development, consider an occupational therapy evaluation. Our OTs are ready to help you and your child meet their goals ✨

Now for part 2 of our meaningful play time series: how to turn a walk into quality play time! 🚶‍♀️🧍
There are endless possibilities for play when you get outside. Exploring with your senses can turn a simple walk into your child's new favorite playtime activity! 🌳🌼

Communication is complex, and using verbal speech is truly the tip of the iceberg! 🗣🏔 While your child learns to use words to communicate, keep in mind that they are working on these foundational skills, as well. 📈 Quality face-to-face and play time are simple but crucial steps on their journey to talking! 💕

When it comes to playtime, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. There are so many activities that you already do in a day that can be turned into meaningful play time! We're going to be sharing some of our favorites, and if you have ideas of new ways to turn chores into play, let us know in the comments! ⬇️

First up is meal prep. There are so many ways to involve your toddler in the kitchen and create playful learning opportunities! Children's brains are curious by nature, and it is so important for their development that we nurture their curiosity by giving them fun experiences throughout their normal daily activities. 🧠

Next time you're headed to the kitchen, bring your toddler with you and try one of these strategies! You might be surprised at how much fun you both have, with no toys necessary 😉

🎉 This cutie just graduated from OT! 🎉 We are so proud of our hardworking clients 💕 It's amazing to be part of the journey toward their success!

Communication temptations are simple changes you make to your child's environment to encourage them to start talking. The goal is to tempt them to use language by offering their favorite things (think: 🚂, 🏐, 🍼) in an unexpected way. Temptations aren't meant to frustrate your child! If they can't yet say what they want, then we can model it for them. 🤗Use good eye contact and waiting time so they can process what they are trying to say. 👨‍👧

After a stroke, the brain isn't working as well as it used to when it comes to understanding and producing language. An SLP will help to identify your difficulties and use functional, real-life activities to regain the independence and skills you need to communicate. Speech therapy also focuses on educating and supporting your loved ones who help you on your recovery journey! 🧠❤

If you or someone you know are looking for stroke support, give us a call today!

We are so touched when our clients leave us a lovely review! 💕 The real gift is making a difference in the lives of the families we serve and watching our clients reach their goals. We are grateful to all our families for the opportunity to work with them! If you're ready to start your speech or OT journey, call us today!

Ever wondered what speech therapy looks like for an adult? 🤔 It all depends on what you need help with! SLPs support adults with aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, stuttering, voice, and more. We use functional activities to support your clear communication in your professional and personal life! Call us today to see if we can help you or someone you know 🧠❤️

While every child's speech skills develop differently, sounds are generally acquired within these age ranges 👆 If you are concerned that your child is not gaining the speech sounds that are expected for their age, contact us today! A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will evaluate your child's speech skills and provide you with the knowledge and strategies to help them improve.

From the EC family to yours, we wish you a happy New Year! 🎊✨ We are so excited to welcome in the new year with our amazing clients, and we hope to help even more kids in 2024! 🌟

Tiare received her M.S. in medical speech-language pathology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Thus far, she has enjoyed her experience in a variety of settings but is most passionate about working with school-aged children, families via early intervention, and adults with aphasia. Tiare has a passion for working with the pediatric population and focuses on a family-centered approach that incorporates child-led and play-based therapy to help the child and their caregivers incorporate various strategies into their everyday lives.

We're so happy that Tiare is a part of our team! 🎉

Another fun and cozy pajama day for the books! 💕

The holiday season can be really overwhelming for little kids, especially when we visit new places with new people and new food! 🤯 Try these tips to help your child (and yourself!) stay calm this holiday season. ❄️⛄️🎄

🚨 Pro tip alert! 🚨
Keeping a small box or bag of activities in your car (or purse, diaper bag, etc.) can help keep your child stay entertained on the go, especially if you fill it with things that they don't play with all the time. Fill it with whatever your child is interested in, and be mindful that they can play with the toys safely while you're driving or taking care of other things!

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has posted its new version of communication and feeding milestones, including tips for parents! Click here for more information: https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones-19-to-24-months/

Reminder that we are closed on Monday, 12/25 and Monday, 1/1! If your sessions are normally on Mondays, please reach out to us so we can help you reschedule!
(626)799-7955
[email protected]

Our OT's know how to help even the pickiest of eaters! Check out our latest blog post to learn tips about exploring new foods that are OT-approved. 🥦🥕🍟🍗

No winter blues here! ❄️💙 When you're looking for some fun activities to embrace the season with your little ones, check out some of these ideas! Let us know ⬇ if you have other winter play ideas to share!

We love when parents share their success stories! ✨ This cutie has made amazing growth in a short period of time, and the family thanks Andrea for her kind, patient, and loving personality 💕 Congratulations!

Happy thanksgiving, everyone! 🧡🍂 We are so thankful for our clients, each other, and the opportunity to serve our wonderful community. ❤

We are closed for the holiday, but we're open on Friday, 11/24. Please let us know if you can't make it to your normally scheduled session!