Thumb and finger sucking is common in babies and toddlers for self-soothing, emotional regulation, and comfort, especially during stress, fatigue, or transitions.

However, when digit sucking continues past age 4 or becomes frequent and intense, it can start to affect oral development:

• Teeth misalignment or open bite

• A high, narrow palate

• Changes in tongue posture

• Mouth breathing and airway concerns

• Potential speech sound differences

When to help your child stop:

Most children naturally outgrow the habit, but support is recommended around age 4 or before permanent teeth begin to erupt (around ages 5–6).

How a myofunctional therapist can provide a compassionate plan to:

Support habit elimination without shame or punishment

Address underlying sensory or oral-motor needs

Retrain tongue posture, breathing, and swallowing for long-term success

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing—including those with hearing aids or cochlear implants—can develop strong spoken language skills with the right support. A Listening & Spoken Language (LSL) approach focuses on helping children learn through listening during everyday routines at home, school, and play.

Families play a powerful role by talking throughout the day, reducing background noise, highlighting key words, and giving children time to listen and respond. These small, consistent strategies build big language skills over time.

For school-age children, continued listening support, classroom accommodations, and collaboration with teachers help promote success in learning and communication.

✨ With early access to sound, intentional strategies, and family involvement, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can thrive in listening and spoken language.

#ListeningAndSpokenLanguage #DeafAndHardOfHearing #CochlearImplants #SpeechTherapy #EarlyIntervention #ParentSupport #SLP

🌟 How Can I Help My Child Who Stutters? 🌟

Stuttering can be a normal part of learning language — and there’s a lot you can do to support your child! 💬✨

✔️ It’s okay to stutter!
Show your child they are heard and valued — whether words come out smooth or bumpy.

✔️ Make stuttering easier
Slow your own speech, keep eye contact, and respond calmly. This helps take the pressure off!

✔️ Be a patient listener
Let them finish their thoughts without rushing or filling in words.

If you have concerns, early support makes a big difference. A licensed speech-language pathologist can help guide both you and your child with practical tools. 💛

🗣️ Every voice deserves to be heard — just as it is. 💪✨

Is My Child’s Speech on Track?

Ever wonder if your little one is meeting typical speech and language milestones? From first coos to full conversations, every stage of communication development matters!

Check out our latest blog post to learn what’s expected at each age—from birth to 5 years—plus tips for encouraging language growth and links to trusted ASHA resources

Many parents worry when their toddler says only a few words—or none at all. If your child uses fewer than 5–10 words or is hard to understand, you’re not alone. There are simple, everyday strategies you can use to encourage language growth: expansions and extensions, parallel and self-talk, giving choices, wait time, and playing, reading and singing together!

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool, strategy, or system that supports a person’s ability to communicate when speech alone is not enough. This can range from simple methods, like gestures, pointing, or picture boards, to high-tech solutions such as tablet-based speech-generating devices. For children and individuals with Autism, AAC helps bridge the gap between what they understand and what they are able to express.

What is tongue thrust? What are orofacial myofunctional disorders? Learn all about it here, and why its important to address in speech therapy.