In today's blog post, we're excited to share an insightful article from Pacific Medical Training on the critical topic of communication disorders and their impact on individuals' lives. From developmental delays to acquired conditions, communication disorders encompass a wide spectrum of challenges that can significantly affect one's ability to interact, learn, and thrive. Join us as we explore …
special needs parenting
Technology and Speech Therapy
In my “other” life, apart from Orange Effect Foundation, I live in the marketing world. It all began with large brands and corporations who were striving to claim the top spots in a google search or learn how to utilize keywords and search to demonstrate how they were the best of the best. That eventually evolved into assisting what I call solo-preneurs or entrepreneurs in finding their niche in …
Invaluable Insights for Families with Autistic Children
Embarking on a move with a child on the autism spectrum? Architectural Digest has curated an indispensable resource covering every facet of the journey. From invaluable tips on "Preparing for the Move" to expert advice on "Organizing the Move" and insights on "Settling In Post-Move," this article provides a roadmap for families facing unique challenges. Discover also a comprehensive list of …
Tech Talk: Revolutionizing Speech Therapy
How technology is changing speech and language therapy Embarking on a journey through the changing world of speech and language therapy, this Orange Effect Foundation blog post shines a light on an important article, originally published on theguardian.com, by Lucy Ward, a well-respected writer and former Guardian social affairs correspondent. Her article, "How technology is changing speech and …
Navigating the Holidays with an Autistic Child: A Guide to Creating Joyful Moments
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. For families with autistic children, it can also bring unique challenges. Understanding and addressing these challenges can make the holidays a more enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone involved. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and strategies for navigating the holidays with an autistic …
Part Two: “Meditation and Mindfulness: Practical Techniques for Kids with Speech Disorders”
Welcome back to Part Two of our exploration into the world of meditation and mindfulness for children with speech disorders. In this installment, we'll delve into the practical aspects of meditation and mindfulness and how to introduce these practices to children. You'll discover that meditation is not about sitting cross-legged on a mountaintop in silence but can be incorporated seamlessly into a …
Have You Met Jessica Park?
Not quite 20 years ago, while visiting the Yale University Art Gallery, I happened upon a brightly colored, dazzlingly detailed painting of a house. Such a simple subject for a painting, but seen through the creative eyes of Jessica Park, whose fame as an artist with autism was growing internationally, the house almost pulsed with life. That is where I met Jessica Park. Jessica’s story is …
Resources for Improving the Lives of Autistic Children and Their Families
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 36 U.S. children has some form of autism. Services and support for children and their families can have a profoundly positive impact on both. Here are some resources that may be helpful: www.allconnect.com/autism-online-safety -An informative guide that includes helpful information on the risks associated with internet use and ASD, including a …
Six Fun Summer Speech Therapy Activities to Boost Language Skills at Home
We’ve written about ChatGPT twice before on this blog so I decided to give it a try, and wasn’t sure what to expect. Would ChatGPT spout out a bunch of facts regarding the activities I suggested? Would it put together a simple paragraph with the information I provided? To find out, I told ChatGPT that I wanted to write a blog post about summer speech therapy activities to do at home. I gave …
A Speech Therapy Success Story
Adam* was six when he first walked into my speech therapy office. He had bright, curious eyes and the energy of eight children at their first sleepover. He wanted to touch every toy in the room — and he definitely wanted to talk! When he tried to speak, however, the words rumbled around his mouth like a toddler holding an open lemonade — his words were ice, unable to decide whether to stay …
Speech-Language Concerns? Don’t Wait – Evaluate!
“They’re still young - let’s just wait and see.” Coming from a pediatrician, this phrase holds a lot of power over parents worried about their child’s speech and language skills. The parents may have expressed a concern that their two-year-old hasn't started talking yet, is only saying a few words, or is very hard to understand. When the pediatrician brushes it off as not a big deal, the natural …
Spring Showers Bring May Flowers and Summer Vacation! So soon?
Where I live in Ohio, many elementary and high schools finish their school year at the end of May. I know this is not the case for everyone, but no matter where you live, summer is coming up fast. I love summer. I enjoy the break from the rigors of the schedule that comes during the school year. Traffic patterns are different, more kids are out and about playing, and overall the mood …