admin, Author at SmallTalk

Autism awareness

News | Apr 02, 2013 3 min read

Today- April 2nd- is World Autism Awareness Day. Our nation celebrates the entire month of April.

As I sit down to write this blog on the Eve of World Autism Awareness Day, my mind is spinning with how I personally have been affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. I don’t have a child with ASD- but I have known and loved hundreds.

When I was in graduate school over 15 years ago, my very first client in our university clinic was a child on the Autism Spectrum. I was incredibly unprepared for what I would face and for how to interact with my little friend. We were both scared our first few sessions together. I made many mistakes and struggled through learning how to engage him and help him enjoy communicating. It wasn’t easy. It never is…

Little did I know then that 15 years later I would be the director of a Speech and Occupational Therapy clinic where over half of our kiddos are on the Autism Spectrum. I’d like to take this opportunity to suggest a few ways of how ALL of us can celebrate Autism Awareness Month.

I’m suggesting that we each volunteer to help a family with autism this month. Here are a few ideas:

Babysit. It’s hard for families to find someone they can trust to watch their kids. Even if it’s just for an hour so they can go to the store without kids- they’ll appreciate it.
Go with the family to the Autism Speaks Padres vs. Dodgers game on April 10th.
Make a basket for the parents for a “night in” – they rarely (if ever) get pampered.
Fix them a meal or treat- but be sure to ask about special dietary restrictions.
Offer to run an errand or two for the family.
Give a gift certificate to places that get the parents out of the house without the kids – and don’t forget to provide a sitter.

If you don’t know of a family to help, you can help by supporting Toys R Us, Build-A-Bear, Stella & Dot, Home Depot and many other companies in their initiatives this month to increase awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Or, donate money to improve and expand research. Take a minute and read this link about what research funding has resulted in this past year. It’s amazing.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/ten-important-things-we-know-about-autism-today-%E2%80%93-we-didn%E2%80%99t-know-year-ago

I consider myself blessed to be in a position where I can walk with families through their journey with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This Autism Awareness Day and month, I am aware of how Autism has impacted my life. Very, very positively. :)

Free screenings

Speech Therapy | Mar 12, 2013 1 min read

Wondering if your child could benefit from speech or occupational therapy?

Here’s a fast, free way to find out—just contact shauna@smalltalkspeech.com, and she can schedule a free 15-minute screening with one of our therapists. In the screening, our therapist will employ some basic tests to instantly assess your child’s development and determine whether or not a full evaluation is recommended.

SmallTalk also provides free screenings to preschools and private schools throughout San Diego County. It’s a service to the community that enables schools to support the complete development of their students by ensuring that their speech language and social skills are age appropriate.

If you’re interested in a free school screening, contact us.

Power of play

Educational | Mar 12, 2013 1 min read

We’ve often heard that “play is a child’s work”. Research shows that 75%
of brain development occurs after birth. So, what can we do to nurture that
development? Play. Play is the way that toddlers learn basic turn taking,
imitation and problem solving skills. Language develops through play.
Play is how older children learn social skills, creativity, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

At SmallTalk, we attempt to harness the power of play by inserting our therapy goals into a variety of toys and activities. We get down on the floor, follow our clients lead, and play. Our clients are developing, learning, and refining language and motor skills while having fun. In cases where a child doesn’t really know how, we model play skills with virtually irresistible activities and get them to join in on the fun.

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10 reasons why you’ll love SmallTalk

Clinic | Mar 12, 2013 2 min read

1. Cozy, intimate and welcoming clinics with personalized service

Our waiting rooms are fun, colorful spaces with train tables, coloring books and other toys for children and magazines and free Wi-Fi for parents. Parents are welcome to join their child in our therapy rooms, or watch through the observation windows in each room.

2. Convenience

Our locations are right off of the freeway, and nearby shopping and restaurants to make it as convenient as possible for you.

3. Speech and occupational therapy in one location

If your child needs both speech and OT, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll try to schedule your child’s speech and OT sessions back-to-back so that you can get them both in one trip.

4. Close collaboration with all members

The secret to our success is our team. Our talented therapists are constantly collaborating and sharing ideas, working together to prepare for each therapy session.

5. Family-oriented focus

Because the person who can make the biggest difference in your child’s life is YOU, parent education and involvement is an essential part of our therapy. Siblings are welcome to play in our waiting room while waiting for their brother or sister.

6. Warm, fun-loving, experienced therapists who LOVE kids

You’ll feel it the moment you walk into our clinic—our therapists are part of this team because they love kids and are passionate about helping them reach their greatest potential.

7. Therapists trained & certified in ABA, DIR/floortime, PROMPT & more

Every therapist attends at least one continuing education program a year, and we share what we’ve learned with the entire team. All our therapists are on the cutting edge of research-based, effective therapy.

8. Parent consultation with each session.

Whether you’re in the room practicing new techniques during your child’s session or following through with homework during the week, we keep you up to date on your child’s progress and how you can help at home.

9. Free weekly parent classes

We offer baby sign and a speech/language workshop for new families or anyone in the community to attend. Please contact shauna@smalltalkspeech.com for more information.

10. Camp SmallTalk

We offer a week-long summer camp where kids can receive speech therapy, swim, do crafts, sports, play at the sensory table, and go on a nature walk each day. Learn more

Author: admin

Autism awareness

Free screenings

Power of play

10 reasons why you’ll love SmallTalk

ABA Interest List