Featured Archives | SmallTalk

Is Screen Time Affecting Your Child’s Speech Development? What Parents Should Know

Educational, Featured, News, Speech Therapy | Feb 27, 2026 4 min read

Screens are part of modern parenting. Whether it’s a favorite show while you make dinner or an educational app during travel, most families use technology in some way. There’s no judgement here.

But many parents are starting to wonder:
Is screen time affecting my child’s speech, attention, or behavior?

If you’ve noticed shorter attention spans, fewer conversations, or meltdowns after turning off a device, you’re not imagining things. In the blog post below, we break down the research and give some tips on how to create a healthy balance that supports your child’s development.

What Do Experts Say About Screen Time?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

Avoiding screen media (except video chatting) for children under 18–24 months
Limiting screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming with parental engagement for children ages 2–5
Age 5 years and older: No more than two hours a day, while engaging in conversation with a parent or family member about what is being viewed

These guidelines are based on growing research showing that early brain development depends heavily on interactive, real-world experiences.

How Screen Time Impacts Speech and Language Development

Young children learn language through real-life interaction, not just exposure to words.

Speech and language development relies on something called “serve and return” communication. This is the back-and-forth exchange that happens when:

Your child babbles and you respond
They point at something and you tell them what it is called
They ask a question and you answer and expand on it

These everyday moments build vocabulary, social skills, and comprehension.

Passive screen time (like watching videos alone) does not provide that same interactive feedback. Even high-quality educational content cannot replace real-time conversation.

Research shows that excessive passive screen use in toddlers may be associated with:

Delayed expressive language
Reduced vocabulary growth
Shorter attention spans
Fewer opportunities for imaginative play

That doesn’t mean all screens are harmful 100% of the time, but balance matters, especially in the early years when brain development is rapid.

Signs Screen Time May Be Affecting Your Child

Every child is different. Research shows that you may want to make some changes if you notice:

Limited back-and-forth conversation
Fewer spoken words than peers
Difficulty playing independently without a device
Meltdowns when turning screens off
Trouble transitioning between activities
Short frustration tolerance
Increased sensory seeking or dysregulation after screen use

Often, it’s not only about the screen itself, it’s about what screen time is replacing: movement, sensory input, social interaction, and creative play.

When to Consider a Speech or Occupational Therapy Evaluation

If you’re concerned that screen time may be masking or contributing to delays, trust your instincts.

You may benefit from a professional evaluation if your child:

Has fewer words than expected for their age
Struggles to combine words into phrases
Avoids conversation
Has difficulty regulating emotions
Shows attention or sensory challenges
Struggles with transitions off devices

Sometimes reducing screen time helps significantly. Other times, screen reliance highlights underlying speech, sensory, or regulation needs that would benefit from support.

Early intervention can make a meaningful difference.

You’re Not Alone, And You’re Not Doing It Wrong

Parenting in the digital age is complicated. Screens can be helpful tools, but they aren’t substitutes for interaction, movement, and play.

If you’re wondering whether your child’s communication, attention, or regulation skills are on track, getting clarity can bring peace of mind.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists take a family-centered approach. We help parents understand what’s typical, what may need support, and how to build strong developmental foundations in everyday routines.

Sometimes small changes lead to big growth.

If you have questions or would like to talk through your concerns, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 619-647-6157 or fill out the form below and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

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When Is Picky Eating a Problem? Signs Your Child May Need Feeding Therapy

Educational, Featured, General | Jan 26, 2026 3 min read

Many children go through phases of picky eating, especially during toddler and preschool years. But sometimes feeding challenges go beyond typical preferences and can signal a need for professional support. Knowing when to seek a feeding evaluation can help reduce stress at mealtimes and ensure your child is getting the support they need to thrive.

When to Consider a Feeding Evaluation

It may be time to seek a feeding evaluation if your child:

Eats a very limited number of foods, especially fewer than 10 to 15 consistently
Refuses entire food groups or specific textures
Gags, vomits, or becomes distressed when presented with new foods
Shows strong sensory reactions to smells, textures, or the look of food
Experiences frequent mealtime anxiety or meltdowns
Struggles with chewing, swallowing, or moving food in their mouth
Has feeding challenges that impact nutrition, growth, or family routines

These signs may indicate more than typical picky eating and can be related to sensory processing differences, oral motor challenges, or both.

What Happens in Feeding Therapy

Feeding therapy is designed to support children in a safe, gradual, and encouraging way. During therapy, a speech-language pathologist and or occupational therapist will first assess your child’s feeding skills, sensory responses, and mealtime behaviors.

Therapy may focus on:

Increasing tolerance for new textures, smells, and foods
Supporting oral motor skills like chewing and tongue movement
Reducing sensory overwhelm around eating
Building positive, low-pressure experiences with food
Helping families create supportive and realistic mealtime routines

Therapy follows your child’s pace, often starting with non-eating interactions such as touching or smelling foods and gradually progressing toward tasting and eating as comfort increases.

How Feeding Therapy Can Help

With consistent support, feeding therapy can help children:

Expand the variety of foods they accept
Feel more comfortable and confident at mealtimes
Improve nutrition and overall health
Reduce stress for both children and caregivers

Most importantly, feeding therapy helps families turn mealtimes into more positive, connected experiences rather than daily struggles

Trust Your Instincts

A feeding evaluation doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply gives you clarity, guidance, and a plan that meets your child where they are. With the right support, children can build confidence around food, expand their preferences, and make steady progress in a way that feels safe and encouraging.

If mealtimes feel stressful, overwhelming, or stuck in the same patterns, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Many families wonder if their child will “grow out of it,” but when feeding challenges start to impact nutrition, development, or family routines, getting extra support can make a meaningful difference.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, our therapists bring both clinical expertise and a family-centered approach to feeding therapy. We work closely with caregivers to support real-life mealtimes, reduce stress, and help children develop skills that last well beyond the therapy room.

If you have questions or are wondering whether a feeding evaluation might be helpful for your child, we’re always happy to talk it through. Give us a call or send us an email today, because sometimes a small step can lead to big changes at the table!

New Year, New Goals: Supporting Your Child’s Growth in the Year Ahead

Educational, Featured, General | Jan 15, 2026 3 min read

The start of a new year brings a natural pause. It’s a time for reflection, fresh starts, and setting intentions for the months ahead. For parents, it’s also a moment to think about how your child is growing, what milestones they’re working toward, and how you can support their development in a way that feels realistic and encouraging.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we believe the new year isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about progress, connection, and building skills through everyday moments.

Why the New Year Is a Great Time to Check In on Development

Children grow and change quickly, and small developmental shifts can add up over time. The new year offers a natural opportunity to check in on your child’s speech, language, motor skills, and overall communication.

You might be noticing things like:

Your child understands more but isn’t using many words yet
Speech sounds are still hard to understand
Transitions or routines feel especially challenging
Fine motor tasks like holding crayons or utensils are tricky

These observations don’t mean something is “wrong.” They’re simply signals that your child may benefit from extra support, guidance, or targeted strategies.

Setting Realistic Developmental Goals for Your Child

When it comes to child development goals, small and specific works best. Instead of broad resolutions, focus on simple, meaningful steps that fit into your life. Daily routines like meals, bath time, playtime, and errands are rich opportunities for learning and connection.

Examples of development-friendly goals include:

Reading together for 10 minutes each day
Encouraging your child to make choices using words or gestures
Practicing turn-taking during play
Building fine motor strength through crafts, play-dough, or even helping with household chores like preparing a meal or washing dishes
Creating consistent routines for mornings and bedtime
Narrating what you’re doing to model language
Giving your child extra time to respond
Offering choices to encourage communication
Celebrating effort, not just outcomes

Progress often comes in inches, not leaps, and that’s okay! These small habits support speech, language, sensory regulation, and independence over time.

How Speech and Occupational Therapy Support New Year Growth

Speech therapy helps children develop communication skills such as expressive language, articulation, social communication, and understanding directions. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-help skills, and emotional regulation.

Together, these therapies support the skills children need to succeed at home, in school, and in their community.

The new year is also a great time to:

Start therapy if you’ve been on the fence
Reassess goals if your child is already receiving services
Adjust schedules or routines to better support consistency
Review insurance benefits and coverage for therapy services

A Gentle Reminder for the Year Ahead

If the past year felt overwhelming, you’re not alone. Parenting is demanding, especially when you’re supporting a child with additional needs. The new year doesn’t require you to have all the answers. It simply offers another chance to move forward with support, information, and the right team beside you.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’re proud to support families throughout San Diego, with clinics in La Mesa, Mission Valley, and Scripps Ranch, as well as virtual services. Whether your child is just beginning their therapy journey or continuing to build on existing skills, we’re here to help make this year one of growth, confidence, and connection.

Here’s to a new year filled with progress, patience, and celebrating every step forward!

Holiday Travel Tips for Children with Sensory Needs

Educational, Featured | Nov 12, 2025 4 min read

Holiday travel can bring excitement and a bit of chaos. For children with sensory needs, unfamiliar environments, loud sounds, and changes in routine can make the experience overwhelming. At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’ve helped many families prepare for smooth and successful trips by planning ahead, creating structure, and bringing familiar tools from home. Whether you’re heading across town or across the country, these travel tips can help make your journey calmer, happier, and more connected.

1. Prepare Your Child with Visuals and Stories

Children who thrive on routine often benefit from knowing what to expect before a trip. Creating a simple visual schedule or social story can help your child understand each step from packing, driving, flying, arriving, and unpacking. Research shows that using visuals can help reduce anxiety and improve understanding of transitions in children with developmental differences.

Walk your child through what the day might look like, using photos or drawings. You might even watch a short video about airports or road trips together to make the process more predictable and less intimidating.

2. Build a Sensory Travel Kit

Long trips can expose your child to new smells, sounds, textures, and sights, all of which may be overstimulating. A sensory travel kit gives your child tools to regulate and find comfort along the way.

Try including:

Noise-canceling headphones
A small weighted lap pad or favorite blanket
Sunglasses or a hat to reduce bright lighting
Fidget toys or chewy jewelry
Familiar snacks and a water bottle

Every child’s sensory system is unique, so let them help choose what to pack. Having control over their environment even a little can make travel feel more manageable.

3. Choose Travel Times and Routes Thoughtfully

Timing can make a big difference. Traveling during quieter hours, such as early mornings or mid-week days, often means fewer crowds and shorter lines. When driving, plan frequent rest stops where your child can stretch, jump, or move before getting back in the car.

It can also help to avoid rushing. Extra time at each step, boarding, restroom breaks, or security, gives everyone breathing room and helps prevent meltdowns from stress or fatigue.

4. Maintain Familiar Routines

Even away from home, maintaining small pieces of your regular routine can help your child feel grounded. Try to keep consistent meal and sleep times, and bring familiar bedtime items like a favorite stuffed animal or book.

Keeping a short bedtime ritual, such as reading a story together, is not just comforting, it also helps your child transition more easily to sleep in new environments. Predictability builds confidence and regulation.

5. Plan for Quiet Spaces and Calm Breaks

During busy holiday events, identify quiet spots in advance where your child can take breaks. Many airports, museums, and large public spaces now offer sensory-friendly rooms or low-stimulation areas.

If you’re visiting relatives, ask ahead if there’s a calm room or corner your child can use when they need downtime. You can also establish a “quiet signal” with your child, a hand gesture or phrase that means, “I need a break.” Giving them a way to communicate their needs can prevent sensory overload before it escalates.

6. Use Travel as a Language and Learning Opportunity

Every part of your journey can help build speech, language, and social skills. Narrate what’s happening: “We’re putting our bags in the car,” or “The airplane is taking off!” Describe what you see, hear, and feel to model rich vocabulary.

Ask open-ended questions:

“What do you think we’ll see when we land?”
“Can you tell me what’s outside your window?”

These small interactions encourage language use in real-world situations. For children receiving speech or occupational therapy, this kind of meaningful play and communication helps generalize skills beyond the clinic.

7. Be Flexible and Celebrate Small Wins

Even the best-planned trips come with surprises, delays, detours, or changes. Flexibility is key. Offer praise for small victories: getting through a noisy terminal, waiting patiently in line, or using coping tools independently. A calm, encouraging tone helps your child feel secure, even when things don’t go perfectly. Remember that your goal isn’t a flawless trip, it’s connection, confidence, and fun along the way.

Holiday travel with children who have sensory needs doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation, familiar routines, and a bit of flexibility, you can create positive, memorable experiences for your family. At SmallTalk, we support San Diego families, whether at our clinics in La Mesa, Mission Valley, and Scripps Ranch, or through virtual sessions, so your child can keep growing and thriving wherever the season takes you.

Safe travels and happy holidays!

Would you like to start therapy or schedule a virtual appointment during this holiday season?

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Preparing for Insurance Changes in the New Year: A Guide for Parents

Educational, Featured, General | Oct 23, 2025 4 min read

Parenthood is a rewarding journey filled with joy, milestones, and countless decisions. One of the most important (and often overlooked) responsibilities is understanding your insurance coverage, especially when it comes to services like speech and occupational therapy. With a new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to review your benefits, make any updates, and ensure your child continues receiving the support they need.

Why It Matters

Insurance coverage can change from year to year, especially if you switch plans during open enrollment. Benefits for services like therapy may vary, and delays in updating or confirming your benefits can interrupt care. That’s why we’re encouraging all families to check their insurance details and notify us of any changes as soon as possible.

Insurance Terms Made Simple

Insurance language can be confusing, so here’s a quick glossary to help:

Insurance Policy: A contract outlining coverage, terms, and limits.
Coverage: The medical services your plan will pay for.
Premium: Monthly amount paid to have insurance.
Deductible: What you must pay before insurance starts covering costs. This amount will typically reset in the new year.
Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay after your deductible is met (e.g. 30%).
Copay: A set fee paid at each visit (e.g. $25 per session).
Out-of-Pocket Maximum/Catastrophic Cap: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services (excluding premiums) — after which insurance pays 100%.

Steps to Prepare for the New Year

1. Review Your New Plan

Start by checking if your plan is changing in the new year. If anything about your plan has changed, or you are unsure, please send us a copy of your new insurance card to frontoffice@smalltalkspeech.com.

2. Understand Your Costs

Check what your benefits and patient responsibility are for speech therapy and occupational therapy. This information is typically listed in the “Benefits” section of your plan summary. Ask your insurance provider about:

Copayments
Deductibles
Coinsurance
Out-of-pocket maximums

3. Check for In-Network Providers

Is SmallTalk in-network? In-network therapists generally result in lower out-of-pocket costs.

4. Get a Referral if Needed

Some plans require a doctor’s referral before therapy services can begin. Check with your pediatrician and your insurer.

5. Ask About Pre-Authorization

Certain services require pre-approval before coverage begins. Skipping this step could result in denied claims.

6. Know Session Limits & Rules

Plans may place limits on how many sessions your child can attend or may limit coverage based on diagnosis.

7. What to Do if a Claim is Denied

Denied claims can often be appealed. Don’t give up! Ask your insurer for steps to initiate an appeal if needed.

8. Explore School-Based Services

Your child’s school may also offer therapy services, which can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to private therapy.

9. Keep Communication Open

Share any insurance changes with us right away so we can help avoid coverage gaps and ensure continuity of care. You can contact us at frontoffice@smalltalkspeech.com or 619-647-6157 ext. 7 if you have any insurance updates or have any questions.

How to Check Your Benefits

When you call your insurance company, here are some helpful questions to ask:

Is SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy in-network with my plan?
- You may need our NPI: 1619298791
What are my benefits for these CPT codes?
- Speech Therapy: 92523, 92507
- Occupational Therapy: 97166, 97168, 97530
Is there a deductible that applies, and how much of it has been met?
What is my copayment per therapy session?
Are there session limits for speech or occupational therapy?
Do I need pre-authorization?
Are there any diagnosis exclusions?

Always call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card. If you are having trouble finding it, you can also try the numbers below:

Insurance Provider	Member Services Number
Anthem Blue Cross (CA)	1‑800‑967‑3015
Blue Shield of CA	1‑800‑443‑5005
Blue Shield Federal (FEP)	1‑800‑411‑2583
Kaiser Permanente	1‑800‑464‑4000
Sharp Health Plan	1‑858‑499‑8300
TRICARE West (TriWest)	1‑888‑874‑9378
UnitedHealthcare	1‑800‑577‑8539

Final Thoughts

Understanding and preparing for insurance changes doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking the time now to review your benefits, ask the right questions, and share updates with us ensures that your child’s therapy can continue uninterrupted. Please contact us at frontoffice@smalltalkspeech.com or 619-647-6157 ext. 7 if you have any insurance updates or have any questions. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Let’s work together to make the new year a successful one for your child and their care.

Should My Child Start Speech Therapy? What Parents Should Know

Featured, General, Speech Therapy | Jul 16, 2025 3 min read

When you’re worried about your child’s speech development, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next. Maybe you’ve heard well-meaning advice like, “They’ll grow out of it,” or “Just wait and see.” But how do you know if waiting is the right choice? What if early speech therapy could help your child thrive?

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we often meet parents who aren’t sure whether to seek support or give their child more time. Here’s what you should know to make an informed decision.

Understanding Speech and Language Milestones

All children develop at their own pace, but there are general milestones most kids reach around certain ages. For example:

By 12 months: Babbling, using gestures, responding to their name.
By 18 months: Saying about 10–20 words.
By 2 years: Using two-word phrases (“more juice,” “mama help”).
By 3 years: Speech is clear enough for familiar adults to understand most of what they say.

You can read more about specific milestones with our Developmental Checklist. If your child is significantly behind in these milestones, it may be time to consider an evaluation.

The “Wait and See” Approach

Many parents are told to wait and see if their child will “catch up.” While this can be appropriate in some cases, especially when there is steady progress, delaying help can also mean missing the window when therapy is most effective.

Should My Child Start Speech Therapy? What Parents Should Know

Research shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes in speech and language development. If a delay is identified early, therapy can help build skills before gaps widen.

A 2011 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that parent-led early speech interventions significantly improved expressive language in young children—especially those under age 3 (Roberts & Kaiser, 2011). These findings support the importance of not delaying care when communication concerns arise.

Benefits of Starting Speech Therapy Early

Here are a few reasons why acting early can be so powerful:

Brain Plasticity: Young children’s brains are more adaptable, making it easier to learn new communication skills.
Confidence: Kids often feel frustrated when they can’t express themselves. Therapy helps reduce this frustration and build self-esteem.
Social Connection: Communication delays can impact play and peer relationships. Early support helps kids engage more successfully with others.
Family Support: Therapy gives you tools and strategies to help your child at home.

When to Seek an Evaluation

You don’t need a referral to have your child evaluated by one of our speech-language pathologists. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to schedule an eval:

Your child is not meeting speech milestones for their age.
They appear frustrated by not being understood.
They rarely imitate sounds or words.
You have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right. Trust your instincts—you know your child best.

How SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy Can Help

At SmallTalk, we believe in early, compassionate, play-based therapy that meets kids where they are. Our licensed speech-language pathologists will:

Assess your child’s speech and language skills.
Create an individualized treatment plan.
Guide you on how to support your child at home.
Celebrate every success, big and small!

You Don’t Have to Wait and Wonder

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Early intervention doesn’t mean something is “wrong”, it means you’re giving your child every opportunity to communicate confidently.

How Virtual Speech and Language Therapy Can Support Your Family

Educational, Featured, General, Speech Therapy, Therapy | Apr 22, 2025 2 min read

As the world continues to expand its abilities to connect with other people, so has our ability as therapists to connect with you in ways that are flexible, effective, and fun! Virtual visits are a great method of speech-language services that ensure your child’s ability to make progress on their communication goals, while simultaneously supporting your family navigating busy schedules and lives.

What can be accomplished virtually?

There are a variety of benefits that a virtual visit can provide, much like in-person visits:

Assessments: Standardized assessments to determine the diagnosis of potential speech-language delays, as well as implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan are entirely achievable by meeting virtually. Virtual assessment sessions usually include a combination of standardized testing, particularly if your child is of age to participate. Another effective measure is parent interview, hearing from you exactly what your concerns and observations are of your child in their home environment.
Treatment: Virtual speech therapy sessions can be designed to meet the communication-specific needs of your child. Whether it is articulation, expressive/receptive language, social/pragmatic skills, or related areas, tasks developed through various online games, interactive stories, and songs/videos help support the progress of your child. Not to mention, they are designed to be fun and engaging so that your child will want to continue to attend these virtual visits!
Parent Education and Collaboration: Parents are just as important to the process of speech-language development as the therapists that work with your child. Virtual visits allow for private, constructive conversations to give parents suggestions, resources, and in-the-moment opportunities to demonstrate language facilitation strategies with their children right in the comfort of their own home!

So what now?

If your child might need a little guidance in speech and language, receiving services virtually is an effective way to support the communication journey of your child. SmallTalk offers virtual sessions all-week long, including several therapists, like me, who have dedicated an entire day to virtual sessions to connect with more families around the San Diego community. Please consider giving it a try – I hope to see you online!

By Alex Maloney, SLP

Great Games for Gifts from a Speech Therapist

Educational, Featured, Speech Therapy | Nov 21, 2024 3 min read

…and fun ways to target speech and language

The holiday season brings festive lights, cozy family time, and a welcome break from busy school routines. With kids home and more time together, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, unplug, and connect through play. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful gift ideas or fun ways to spend screen-free time at home, games can be a wonderful way to keep your child engaged and learning.

As a speech therapist, we love using games in our sessions because they make learning fun and meaningful. Play is one of the most powerful ways to support speech, language, and overall development and it doesn’t have to stop when therapy ends. Below are some of our favorite games that bring joy and skill-building together this holiday season along with goals you can target while you play!

Pop the Pig (ages 4+, 2-6 players)

Turn taking
Two step directions (e.g., roll the dice, then feed the pig; feed the pig, then press his head)
Speech sounds (e.g., say a word before every turn)
Simple “what” questions (e.g., what color did you get?; what number is it?)

Feed the Woozle (ages 3-6, 2-5 players)

Following directions
R words in phrases (e.g., chocolate covered flies, moldy macaroni, spider egg pudding)
L words in phrases (e.g., liverwurst popsicle, lemon flavored underwear, iced garlic
S words in phrases (e.g., sugar coated sardines, baseball sandwich, soggy sausage)

Zingo (ages 4+, 2-6 players)

Naming objects in pictures
Turn taking
Answering yes/no questions for facts (e.g., do you have a tree?)

Tell Tale (ages 5+, 1-8 players)

Using story telling elements
Maintaining conversation topic
Answering wh- questions
Retelling stories

I Spy Eagle Eye (ages 5+)

SP blends in phrases (e.g., I spy…)
Naming objects in pictures
Where questions (e.g., where is it?)

By Jess Wi MS, CCC-SLP

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect, play, and make meaningful memories together. Whether you choose a game that encourages conversation, teamwork, or problem-solving, each moment of play can support your child’s speech, language, and developmental growth in a natural, joyful way.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we believe that learning happens best when it’s fun. If you’d like more ideas for play-based learning or have questions about your child’s progress, our teams in La Mesa, Mission Valley, and Scripps Ranch are here to help.