From tongue-training to throat-scoping, learning and CEU-earning. What’s new at TalkTools? 1. FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION OF TOTS (BOOK) The dynamic duo Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP and Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, CLC have co-authored the new book, Functional Assessment and Remediation of TOTs. Robyn and Lori have developed a comprehensive, evidenced-based program, the Merkel-Walsh & Overland TOTs Protocol, to assist in the identification […]
“Stop & Teach”: Achieving Independence for Your Special Needs Child
I thought that maybe I would give everyone an update on how Elizabeth is doing in her life. ELIZABETH IS 20 YEARS OLD NOW. AND SHE IS IN A COLLEGE PROGRAM AT OUR LOCAL UNIVERSITY. The program is set up such that the students with special needs are have buddy/coaches who are also students at […]
A GLANCE AT THE PREMIERE OF OUR NEW TOTS WORKSHOP
The premiere of our brand-new live workshop, “Functional Assessment and Remediation of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs),” instructed by tongue-tie experts Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP and Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, CLC was held on Saturday, January 27 in Iselin, New Jersey. With 87 people in attendance, the workshop was a great success that enlightened and inspired audience members. Feedback from […]
5.3 YEARS: THE COOLEST SPEECH THERAPIST
You know how there are some people who you just click with? That’s how it is for Belle and Monica Mitchell, TalkTools speech therapist. Belle adores her. Not only does Monica have the absolute coolest toys, she is also super patient and fun. Our two hours together this month flew by, and Belle was sad to leave. […]
OUR FIRST LIVE Q&A + “A WEEK IN THE LIFE”
TalkTools is thrilled to present our first Live Q&A and Instagram takeover! TalkTools Level 4 Therapist Vanessa Anderson-Smith will be hosting a Q&A Facebook Live video on the TalkTools Therapy Facebook page on Thursday, February 1, 2018. Vanessa will also take over TalkTools Instagram for A Week in the Life of an SLP from Monday, January 29 – Friday, February 2, including demonstrations with patients, success stories and […]
Setting Goals & Defining Independence for Your Special Needs Child
I wanted to write about finding strength and the positive. I feel like I need to write about this because so much of the time, when you have a child with special needs, you can find yourself working hard towards a goal. What goal? It is different for all of us. But we know that […]
5.2 YEARS: COMPLEX THOUGHTS
5 Years 2 Months Hello! Belle is cruising along with dance classes and school this fall. I feel like her articulation is holding steady, but I do see an improvement in her complexity of thoughts. She will say things like, “It is already past my nap time, so me not have to take one today, right […]
3 WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT TOTS
Tethered Oral Tissue(s) or TOTs is a topic that has been more frequently discussed in the fields of lactation, speech pathology, oral surgery, orofacial myology and otolaryngology. Organizations such as the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) have been highlighting this diagnosis and implications for therapy and surgery. There […]