Starting solids is exciting; however, gagging can make meals feel tense. Fortunately, occasional gagging is a normal part of learning new textures, and most babies improve as skills mature. According to the CDC, many babies can begin solids around 6 months, and gradual texture changes help them succeed—especially when portions are small and developmentally appropriate […]
Ask A Therapist: Speech & Language Delay with Straw Kit & Horn Kit
Hello! I am Maria and I live in Singapore. I have just purchased the parent kit and started with the Horn #1 and have not seen any major problem so far. I am concerned about the Straw #1. When I started my son (he has some speech and language delay), he seemed to stop learning how to drink with a […]
Ask A Therapist: Down Syndrome & Feeding
Hello, my daughter is almost 2 years old and has Down Syndrome. We had the opportunity to meet Lori Overland when my daughter was about 9 months old. I feel so fortunate to have found TalkTools while my daughter was very young, although we still have some struggles. Our OT is familiar with TalkTools and […]
Ask A Therapist: Thickened Liquids & Straw Hierarchy
I am using your straws for therapy with several of my students. When we get to the thickened liquid steps I am not sure what food to use at the puree and pudding consistencies, as my student is allergic to wheat and dairy products. Can you offer suggestions or guidance? This is a great question and one […]
Success Story: Kamdyn & Vanessa
3 years ago I was seeing a little boy named Kamdyn who had just turned 2 a couple months prior, through our state’s early intervention program. I was presented with some general background info such as scores, goals of the family, and his limited verbal productions. Also, he had 18 documented ear infections! All signs […]
Success Story: Colter & Vanessa
In April of 2015, I received an e-mail about a little boy with Down syndrome named Colter. His mother was desperately seeking help…he couldn’t chew his food and she was at her wits end trying to figure out how to teach him. Even though this is “speech therapy,” his actual speech was not an issue […]
19 MONTHS: 18 WORDS & 18 SIGNS
Belle is starting to imitate words more which I am excited about. To date, she has approximately 18 words and 18 signs. She is very animated and quite dramatic at times 🙂 Annabelle continues to eat well and is doing great with her new Straw #4. She has improved tremendously with her “chomping” exercises in the […]
15 MONTHS: ANNABELLE’S CHRISTMAS UPDATE!
Annabelle has seen incredible improvement over the past couple of months. Since her last update, Annabelle is continuing to eat table foods and drink from her Straw Cup using the Straw #2 in the Straw Hierarchy. As many of you know, her progress and work with the Straw Hierarchy is right on track. Using the hierarchy appropriately will teach […]
Ask A Therapist: Straws & Tongue Placement
Hi Sara, I have taken your Oral Placement course and you currently have devised a plan regarding this program for my son Cole. I have a question however it is regarding something I am seeing in treatment (I am an OT) when using the straw program. I have a patient who has down syndrome, 6 months ago could […]
Ask a Therapist: Cleft Palate & Feeding Therapy
Lori, I’ve taken your courses for Down’s syndrome and Assessment and Planning. I’m fairly new to feeding, but am having some success with Down’s clients (thank you and they thank you :). I just got a 15 month old with cleft on my caseload. He’s had lip repair and his palate only has a small hole after surgery […]