Year: 2018

I know that most of you know our story. I know that most of you know that our beautiful Elizabeth has two disorders. And I know you know that our journey has been quite winding and amazing. But how about an update about Elizabeth? Right now Elizabeth is 19 years old and is graduating from […]

So hard to believe that Elizabeth is finishing her first year at her college program. I am so proud of her and all she is doing and all she is pushing herself to do. For the child who once feared the loudness of the cafeteria at high school, it is wonderful to know she heads […]

Annabelle has had a good month. Her wheels are always turning, and it is so funny to listen to her answer questions and tell stories. Some of which are very fictional. However, in most cases, she is very capable of answering questions and telling stories appropriately and truthfully. For example, yesterday I asked her what she […]

Coach Mel & Doctor Yum discuss feeding problems, picky eating and more as well as answer some audience questions.   The TalkTools team is thrilled to sponsor the course “Feeding Therapy: It’s Not Just About Swallowing,” presented by Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP. 100% of your registration fee benefits The Doctor Yum Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing […]

Over 3 years ago I began working with Andrew who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Anyone that knows Andrew will tell you that his personality and smile lights up every room that he is in. Each time I arrive for therapy I am greeted with squeals of laughter and a wave from the hardest […]

Josh is a 15-year-old with cerebral palsy who has been seen for speech and feeding therapy for the past 12 months. Josh’s mother initially sought out speech therapy services due to increased concerns with his safety and independence during drinking and eating, along with poor saliva management. The initial evaluation revealed moderate to severe oral motor […]

This April, TalkTools is hosting 4 live webinars so that you can earn ASHA-approved CEUs directly from your office. Or the park (weather permitting). Or your local coffee shop. Or even at home in your pajamas! Wherever you want, really (internet connection required

Our month began by visiting family out of town for more than a week, so needless to say our oral motor exercises took a ‘back seat’. Shortly after we settled back in at home, Annabelle began to be very sick with a fever, lots of drainage, croup, and eventually a sinus infection for 8 days. She was […]

Heather Vukelich, MS, CCC-SLP, TalkTools Level 4 therapist and owner of Happy Kids Therapy in Danville, CA specializes in treating speech and feeding issues in individuals with Down Syndrome. She started seeing her client Anna, who has Down syndrome, three months ago and already Anna has made progress. Here is what Heather writes about Anna: “What does an […]

This is a repost from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), with permission from the author. By Robyn Merkel-Walsh I was happy to read Melanie Potock’s recent blog, “Three Structures in a Child’s Mouth That Can Cause Picky Eating.” The post sparked a considerable amount of discussion on social media. I also appreciated ASHA’s response about professional experiences, and […]