Clear speech isn’t learned by listening alone—it’s learned by feeling accurate movements. That’s why many clinicians use speech therapy tools for speech clarity to give kids precise, repeatable tactile cues for tongue, lip, and jaw placement. When children can feel the target, they build motor memory that turns accurate practice into confident speech. (ASHA overview […]
A Modern Look at Van Riper’s Phonetic Placement Approach
by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP This poster was presented at the 2016 annual ASHA Connect Convention, Poster Session #PS02. Download the poster here ABSTRACT Presentation explores 1) traditional versus phonological therapy, 2) the sensory-motor system as it relates to speech, 3) the importance of tactile and proprioception in articulation therapy, 4) shaping placement of the articulators […]
COME & VISIT WITH US AT THE 2015 ASHA CONVENTION – BOOTH 417
The annual American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention is just around the corner and we are as excited as ever here at TalkTools. The 2015 convention will be in Denver, Colorado, November 12, 13, and 14. We will be there in full force with our tools, techniques, & training all be represented by our expert staff. TalkTools is […]
Podcast: A Case for Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)
Recently, TalkTools® Presenter Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP joined Jeff Stepen, MS, CCC-SLP on his podcast, Conversations in Speech Pathology. In the podcast, Robyn discusses common misconceptions about Oral Placement Therapy (OPT). Click below to listen to the podcast. We encourage everyone to add their thoughts for discussion in the comments section on the Conversations in Speech Pathology page.
Ask A Therapist: TMJ Sensory Feedback for Calming
Hey Sara, Recently you had a parent open question meeting in Corpus Christi, TX. I was there with my 8 month old baby. You were talking to a woman who’s 5-ish son with Down syndrome was repeatedly hitting his chin. You mentioned he was satisfying a feeling that was in his jaw by that action. […]
Ask A Therapist: Strong Gag Reflex
Tervehdys! I am speech pathologist from Finland, took your class about Feeding Therapy: a sensory-motor approach at Helsinki last May. I am sending you an e-mail, because I met a new client shortly after the class and this case really bothers me. I have asked permission from parents, to send this e-mail and pictures/short video when […]
ANNABELLE’S 1ST YEAR CONCLUSION
The past 12 months have taken us on a new and unexpected journey. We are so blessed to have the support of many as we reflect on Belle’s 1st year. At the top of our support list would be our inspiring Therapist, Whitney, as well as the knowledgeable staff at TalkTools. They have enabled us to […]
Ask A Therapist: A Therapeutic Alternative to Mouthing Habits
Hi Sara, It has been awhile since we have seen you in Richmond! James is doing well. His speech seems pretty normal to us at this point (maybe some subtle things remaining). I was emailing with a related question, and hoping that you can point us in the right direction. James has had some issues […]
Ask A Therapist: Biting & Feeding Improvement
Hi and good morning! I am writing from Israel. I participated in your course last November in Jerusalem and, thank goodness, have been using many of your techniques to assist my clients with success. I’ve been seeing Charlie (3.5 years old; developmental and cognitive delays with seizures) since mid-February. He presents as both hyper- and […]
Ask A Therapist: Pre-Feeding Suggestion
Hi, I was interested in a couple of your products and what would be suitable for both of my daughters. Anne is 5 and a half and has Autism. She has been doing a Son-Rise program for over a year. We have seen some great progress with her responsiveness and social skills, but […]