Category: General

Back-to-School Readiness: Simple Ways to Support Your Child at Home and in the Classroom

Educational, Featured, General | 5 min read

Back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and nerves for both kids and parents. New classrooms, new teachers, earlier mornings, and changes in routine can take some getting used to.

Whether your child is starting preschool for the first time or heading back to a familiar classroom, there are simple things you can do at home to help make the transition easier.

And remember: school readiness isn’t just about ABCs and 123s. It’s also about communication, independence, social skills, and being able to participate in everyday routines.

1. Get Back Into a Routine

Summer schedules tend to be a little more relaxed. A week or two before school starts, begin shifting back toward a consistent bedtime, wake-up time, and morning routine.

Practice the things your child will need to do on school mornings, such as getting dressed, putting on shoes, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing up their belongings.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping these routines feel familiar before the first day arrives.

2. Practice Following Directions

Classrooms involve lots of directions, often with several steps.

Look for opportunities throughout the day to practice simple directions. Instead of doing everything for your child, try giving them a chance to complete small tasks independently.

You might say, “Put your shoes on and then grab your backpack,” or “Put the blocks away and choose a book.”

For younger children, start with one-step directions and gradually build from there.

3. Encourage Independence

Being able to do small things independently can make a big difference in a child’s confidence at school.

Give your child opportunities to practice things like opening lunch containers, taking off a jacket, washing hands, using utensils, putting away belongings, or asking for help.

It may take a little longer than doing it yourself, but those extra minutes of practice can pay off once school starts.

4. Talk About School Before It Starts

Some children love talking about school. Others may feel nervous about the unknown.

Read books about starting school, talk about what their day might look like, and let them ask questions. If you know their teacher or classroom, looking at pictures ahead of time or visiting in person before the first day can help make the new environment feel more familiar.

Try to keep the conversation positive while also acknowledging that it’s okay to feel nervous, excited, or unsure.

5. Practice Social Skills Through Play

Young children learn many social skills naturally through play.

Give your child opportunities to practice taking turns, sharing, asking to join a game, listening to others, and handling small disagreements. Board games, pretend play, and playdates can all create opportunities to practice these skills in a low-pressure setting.

You don’t need to turn playtime into a lesson. A little practice goes a long way.

6. Don’t Forget About Sensory and Emotional Regulation

School can be a lot for a young child. There may be loud noises, unfamiliar smells, crowded hallways, different textures, and lots of people moving around.

If your child is sensitive to certain sounds, clothing, foods, or environments, think about what strategies help them feel comfortable and regulated at home. Make sure their teacher knows about any sensory needs that may affect their ability to participate.

It’s also helpful to practice simple ways to communicate feelings and ask for a break or help when things feel overwhelming.

7. Work on Communication

Being able to communicate with teachers and classmates is an important part of school readiness.

Encourage your child to practice asking for help, expressing what they need, answering questions, and telling you about their day. For younger children, even practicing phrases like “help please,” “my turn,” or “I don’t like that” can give them useful tools for communicating at school.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, you don’t have to wait until school starts to seek guidance.

What If Your Child Isn’t Starting School Yet?

Back-to-school season can be a good reminder that early intervention doesn’t have to wait until preschool.

If you have concerns about your child’s development no matter what age, whether related to communication, motor skills, feeding, play, sensory processing, or other developmental milestones, it’s worth talking with your pediatrician or a qualified professional.

And for toddlers who aren’t in school yet, this time of year can be a great opportunity to take advantage of early morning appointments at SmallTalk while older children are back in the classroom.

Remember: School Readiness Isn’t a Checklist

Every child develops at their own pace. Some children may walk into their first day of preschool feeling completely comfortable, while others need more time and support adjusting to a new environment.

Focus on the skills your child is working on right now, celebrate their progress, and give them plenty of opportunities to practice through everyday routines and play.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or feel they could benefit from additional support, SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy provides pediatric speech therapy and occupational therapy in San Diego, with ABA services coming soon. Our child-led, play-based approach supports children and families at our Mission Valley, La Mesa, and Scripps Ranch locations.

Ready to learn more? Contact us to schedule an evaluation.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? Discover ABA the SmallTalk Way

ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinic, Educational, Featured, General, Therapy | 5 min read

What Is ABA, Really?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of how behavior works, applied to help children build skills that matter such as communicating a need or want, playing with a sibling or friend, tolerating a haircut, following a group instruction at school or during soccer practice, while reducing behaviors that get in the way of a child’s safety, learning, or connection. It’s not about reducing behaviors that are simply atypical.

At its core, ABA is the science of how people learn: why we do the things we do, and why we don’t. It breaks learning down into its smallest parts, which lets us understand exactly how an individual child is learning right now, and then teach them how to learn more effectively from the world around them.

Typically developing children are learning constantly, from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to bed, almost entirely by absorbing what’s happening around them. It’s why a child will pretend to put makeup on after watching their parent in the mirror, or why they pretend to make dinner after watching a parent make a meal, without being explicitly taught. 

Children with autism or other developmental disabilities often learn differently from that incidental, absorb-it-without-trying process, picking up fewer skills that way, not because something’s missing, but because their brains are wired to take in and process the world differently. ABA doesn’t try to override that; it helps build the skill of learning from the environment in a way that works with how this particular child’s brain already takes information in, by deliberately creating the same kinds of learning opportunities that would otherwise happen by accident.

In practice, that looks like:

  • A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assessing a child’s current skills and the specific behaviors a family wants to build or reduce.
  • A written plan with measurable goals, not vague aspirations, but targets that can be tracked session over session.
  • Reinforcement, access to something meaningful to the child, used to build new skills, not punishment used to suppress old ones.
  • Ongoing data collection so the plan changes when the data says it should, rather than staying on autopilot.

Done well, ABA doesn’t look clinical or rigid; it looks like play. A child should be learning, laughing, and having fun for the entire session, because engagement is what makes new skills stick. Sessions are also meant to be intensive but relatively short-term: the goal isn’t years of dependence on therapy, it’s building skills quickly enough that a child gains the tools to keep learning on their own, long after sessions end.

Modern ABA has evolved significantly from its early, outdated practices. Today, quality care is defined by two core commitments: it is assent-based and neuroaffirming.

What “assent-based” actually means

Assent-based care means therapy is done with a child, not to them. Consent is continuous and moment-to-moment rather than a one-time formality. If a child turns away or shows distress, we honor that as vital communication, not a behavior to extinguish. We explicitly teach children to protest or ask for a break, ensuring every request is respected. True assent-based care measures success by the child’s partnership and engagement, never by compliance.

What “neuroaffirming” actually means

Neuroaffirming care recognizes autism as a natural human difference, not a deficit to fix. Our goals prioritize a child’s wellbeing and independence over social conformity. We honor self-regulation behaviors like sensory-seeking behaviors and value all forms of communication, whether spoken, AAC, or gestures, as inherently valid and meaningful.

What Is ABA the Smalltalk Way?

Most ABA companies are built around one discipline. A BCBA writes a behavior plan, a team of technicians implements it, and if your child also needs speech or occupational therapy, you’re the one coordinating between three separate providers, three schedules, and three offices that may never speak to each other.

Smalltalk is built differently, and the difference isn’t a slogan: it shows up in three concrete places.

1. One plan, not three

At an ABA-only provider, your BCBA writes a behavior plan without input from a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist, because there isn’t one on staff. At Smalltalk, the plan is built with input from ABA, speech, and OT before it’s finalized, so a communication goal and a behavior goal are never working against each other.

2. Staff who talk to each other on a schedule, not by accident

Ask an ABA-only provider how often your child’s therapist talks to your child’s outside speech or OT provider. Often the honest answer is “when a parent forwards an email.” At Smalltalk, the team meets on a recurring cadence about your child specifically, and that’s staffed as part of the job, not squeezed in.

3. One point of contact

When care is fragmented across providers, parents become the default project manager — relaying updates, resolving conflicting advice, deciding whose recommendation to follow when they disagree. Coordinated care means your family has one point of contact who can speak to the whole picture, not just their slice of it.

Learn More

Think ABA at SmallTalk might be right for your child? Fill out our interest list below and we will be in contact with you soon:

Toy Story 5 and Child Development: Why Play Still Matters

Featured, General, News | 3 min read

When Pixar announced that Toy Story 5 would focus on the battle between toys and technology, a lot of parents probably thought, “Yep, that’s a conversation we’re having at home too.”

Today’s kids are growing up with tablets, smartphones, streaming services, and educational apps at their fingertips. Technology isn’t going anywhere, and it certainly isn’t all bad. But (and it seems most professionals in this industry agree) there’s something screens can’t replace: play.

Why Play Is So Important

Play isn’t just how children have fun. It’s how they learn.

When a child builds a block tower, hosts a tea party, races toy cars, or creates an imaginary world with their favorite characters, they’re practicing important developmental skills without even realizing it.

Through play, children learn to:

  • Communicate and use language
  • Problem-solve
  • Develop social skills
  • Strengthen fine motor skills
  • Regulate emotions
  • Build creativity and imagination

That’s why play is such a big part of both speech and occupational therapy.

What Speech Therapists See

Many of the language skills we work on happen naturally during play.

Pretend play encourages children to:

  • Learn new vocabulary
  • Use longer sentences
  • Answer questions
  • Tell stories
  • Practice back-and-forth conversations

A toy kitchen or dollhouse often creates more opportunities for communication than a screen ever could.

What Occupational Therapists See

From an OT perspective, toys do much more than keep children entertained. Toys help build the foundational skills kids need for everyday life.

  • When a child builds with blocks, they’re developing hand strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills
  • Completing a puzzle supports visual perception and spatial awareness
  • Playing with Play-Doh strengthens the small muscles in the hands needed for tasks like buttoning clothes and holding a pencil
  • Coloring and painting help develop grasp, bilateral coordination, and visual-motor integration
  • Even sensory play, like digging through a sensory bin or playing with sand, can help children learn to process and respond to sensory information more effectively.

These skills may seem simple, but they’re the building blocks for everyday activities like getting dressed, feeding themselves, participating in school, and becoming more independent.

Is Technology Bad for Kids?

Not at all.

Technology can be educational, entertaining, and even helpful for communication. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens, it’s to make sure they don’t replace the experiences children need most.

Children learn best through:

  • Real-world interaction
  • Movement
  • Exploration
  • Problem-solving
  • Face-to-face communication

Those experiences simply happen more often during active play than passive screen time.

The Magic of Boredom

One thing technology has made rare is boredom.

But boredom isn’t a bad thing. When children aren’t immediately entertained, they’re forced to create, imagine, and problem-solve. A couch cushion becomes a fort. A cardboard box becomes a rocket ship. A stuffed animal becomes a classroom full of students.

Those moments of creativity are actually helping children build language, executive functioning, and flexible thinking skills.

The Takeaway

The debate in Toy Story 5 isn’t really about choosing toys over technology.

It’s about finding balance.

Technology has a place in childhood, but so do blocks, dolls, puzzles, art supplies, and all the simple toys that encourage imagination and connection.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we see every day how powerful play can be. Whether we’re working on speech, feeding, sensory processing, motor skills, or social communication, play remains one of the best tools for helping children learn and grow.

So don’t be too quick to get rid of Woody and Buzz. They not only play a valuable role in your child’s development, but they might become a part of your child’s memories that last a lifetime!

8 Summer Activities That Support Speech, Language, and Development

Activities, Featured, General | 4 min read

Make the Most of Summer While Supporting Your Child’s Development

Summer brings longer days, family adventures, and a welcome break from the school-year routine. It also creates countless opportunities for children to build important developmental skills through play.

The good news? You don’t need expensive camps, complicated activities, or hours of structured learning to support your child’s growth during this break. Some of the best opportunities for speech, language, sensory, and motor development happen during everyday summer fun.

Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, playing in the backyard, or looking for ways to keep little ones engaged between activities, these therapist-approved ideas can help support your child’s development while making lasting summer memories.

1. Beach Treasure Hunts

A trip to the beach can become a language-rich learning experience.

Challenge your child to find items such as shells, seaweed, smooth rocks, or driftwood. As you explore, encourage them to describe what they find using words related to color, size, texture, and shape.

Skills supported:

  • Vocabulary development
  • Following directions
  • Descriptive language
  • Sensory exploration
  • Fine motor skills

For older children, create clues and have them problem-solve their way through a scavenger hunt.

2. Water Play

Whether it’s sprinklers, water tables, buckets, or squirt bottles, water play offers endless developmental opportunities.

Talk about concepts such as:

  • Full and empty
  • Pour and dump
  • More and less
  • Heavy and light

Children can practice requesting items, following directions, and learning new vocabulary while staying cool.

Skills supported:

  • Language development
  • Following directions
  • Sensory processing
  • Hand strength and coordination

3. Backyard Obstacle Courses

Obstacle courses are an occupational therapist favorite because they combine movement, problem-solving, and fun.

Use pool noodles, sidewalk chalk, cones, hula hoops, or household items to create challenges.

Have your child:

  • Jump over lines
  • Crawl under obstacles
  • Balance on a path
  • Toss bean bags into a target

Skills supported:

  • Gross motor coordination
  • Balance
  • Body awareness
  • Motor planning
  • Listening skills

Make it even more language-rich by having your child help create and explain the course.

4. Summer Story Time Outdoors

Take reading outside.

Whether you’re at the park, on a picnic blanket, or relaxing in the backyard, reading together helps strengthen language development and early literacy skills.

As you read:

  • Ask open-ended questions
  • Predict what might happen next
  • Discuss characters’ feelings
  • Connect the story to your child’s experiences

Research consistently shows that shared reading supports vocabulary, language development, and parent-child connection.

Skills supported:

  • Language comprehension
  • Vocabulary growth
  • Early literacy
  • Social-emotional development

5. Make Frozen Treats Together

Homemade popsicles or smoothies are a fun way to build skills while creating a summer snack.

Invite your child to help:

  • Follow directions
  • Measure ingredients
  • Stir and pour
  • Describe tastes and textures

Skills supported:

  • Sequencing
  • Following directions
  • Fine motor skills
  • Vocabulary development
  • Sensory exploration

Bonus: picky eaters may be more willing to explore new foods when they’re involved in making them.

6. Nature Walk Conversations

A simple walk can become a powerful communication activity.

Talk about what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Encourage your child to ask questions and make observations.

Try prompts like:

  • “What do you notice?”
  • “What do you think that bird is doing?”
  • “How does that flower feel?”

Skills supported:

  • Conversation skills
  • Expressive language
  • Attention and observation
  • Vocabulary development

7. Sidewalk Chalk Games

Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for drawing.

Try:

  • Writing letters or sight words
  • Drawing obstacle paths
  • Playing hopscotch
  • Practicing speech sounds with target words

For example, if your child is working on the /s/ sound, write summer-themed words such as “sun,” “sand,” and “swim.”

Skills supported:

  • Speech practice
  • Early literacy
  • Fine motor development
  • Gross motor movement

8. Pretend Summer Adventures

Pretend play is one of the best ways to support communication development.

Create a pretend:

  • Ice cream shop
  • Camping trip
  • Beach day
  • Lemonade stand

Children naturally practice conversation, problem-solving, social skills, and flexible thinking during imaginative play.

Skills supported:

  • Language development
  • Social communication
  • Executive functioning
  • Creativity

The Best Summer Learning Happens Through Play

Children learn best when they’re engaged, connected, and having fun. Summer doesn’t have to be packed with worksheets or structured activities to support development.

Simple moments spent talking, playing, reading, exploring, and moving together can have a lasting impact on your child’s communication, sensory processing, and motor skills.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we love helping families find ways to build developmental skills into everyday routines. If you have questions about your child’s speech, language, sensory, or motor development, our team is always happy to help.

Looking for more ideas that support your kiddos growth without sacrificing fun? We have plenty! We hope your family enjoys a summer filled with sunshine, play, learning, and plenty of fun along the way.

Meet Our Bilingual Team Members at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy

Featured, General, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy | 4 min read

Across our clinics in San Diego, SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy team members from a variety of backgrounds bring their languages, cultures, and personal experiences into the work they do every day. From therapists supporting children in their home language to administrative staff helping families navigate scheduling, paperwork, and questions with greater ease, bilingual communication helps create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Our bilingual team members each use their language skills in different ways depending on their role at SmallTalk, but they all share a common goal: helping families feel seen, supported, and connected. Below, several members of our team share their personal backgrounds, the languages they speak, and how bilingualism shapes the work they do at SmallTalk every day.

Fab, Speech-Language Pathologist

My therapy approach recognizes caregivers as key to achieving goals and supporting the carryover of skills across environments. I can hold sessions in both English and Spanish and use the same strategies in both languages. By collaborating with the parents I embed the strategies based on family values, schedule, and culture. I prioritize each family’s unique needs by collaboratively identifying meaningful, functional goals that fit into daily routines. Beyond helping children reach their goals, I aim to ensure parents feel confident in their ability to support their child’s language development through on parent involvement and coaching as the language strategies benefit children regardless of the primarily language spoken.

Alexis R., Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

My therapy style focuses on creating a supportive, engaging environment where children feel motivated and confident to learn while partnering closely with parents through regular feedback and functional strategies to use at home. I also support any primary languages when applicable, recognizing that bilingual development can strengthen a child’s overall speech and communication skills.

Nathalie-Rose, Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi, my name is Nathalie-Rose, and I am a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist! I speak both English and French. I am committed to providing child-centered, play-based, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and I enjoy building connections with my clients and their families. When working with children who speak French or have French-speaking family members, I incorporate this into my sessions by using French nursery rhyme songs, teaching vocabulary in both languages, and helping to facilitate communication. This approach helps eliminate language barriers during parent education, activity explanations, and overall treatment.

Danielle P., Occupational Therapist

I am a first-generation Vietnamese-American and grew up immersed in traditional Vietnamese culture. Growing up was a journey to understand my identity as a part of both cultures. I bring this background deeply into both my personal relationships and my clinical practice as an occupational therapist. I aim to provide client-centered, play-based, holistic therapy. My background has helped me to understand that each child is as much an individual as they are a part of their family, cultures, and friendships that impact how they react to their environment. Being bilingual has helped me support a child’s primary language and to better communicate with parents or older caregivers to promote continuation of care into the home setting.

Jennifer, HR

I grew up in Sweden, so Swedish is my first language and what I still use with my family. I began learning English early in school, as it’s a core part of the Swedish education system, and became fully fluent after moving to the U.S. at 20 as an au pair, where I was immersed in an English-speaking home. Since then, I’ve continued to strengthen my English through earning my bachelor’s degree in San Diego and using it daily in both professional and personal settings. At SmallTalk, I support our team through my role in Human Resources, and I appreciate the opportunity to connect with Swedish-speaking families when it arises, it’s always meaningful to be able to communicate in a shared native language.

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do? A Look Inside Pediatric Speech Therapy to Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Educational, Featured, General, Speech Therapy | 4 min read

Many of our families across San Diego county, in La Mesa, Mission Valley, and Scripps Ranch often ask what speech therapy really looks like and how to know if their child might benefit. This month is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, so it is the perfect time to highlight the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and the many ways they support children and families.

When most people think of speech therapy, they think of helping children pronounce words more clearly. While that’s certainly part of it, speech-language pathologists do much more. They support how children understand language, express themselves, interact socially, and even how they eat and drink safely.

At its core, speech therapy is about helping children connect with the world around them in a way that feels successful and meaningful.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

A speech-language pathologist is trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of communication and feeding challenges. For children, this often includes supporting:

  • Speech sound development, such as articulation and clarity
  • Language skills, including understanding and using words and sentences
  • Social communication, like taking turns, initiating interaction, and reading social cues
  • Early communication, including gestures, play, and first words
  • Feeding and oral motor skills when eating or drinking is difficult

Rather than focusing on just one skill, SLPs look at the whole picture of how a child communicates in their daily life.

What Does a Speech Therapy Session Look Like?

One of the most common questions parents have is, “What actually happens in a session?”

For young children, therapy rarely looks like sitting at a table doing drills. Instead, it’s play-based and interactive. An SLP might be on the floor playing with toys, reading a book, or engaging in a simple game while intentionally targeting communication goals.

A session may include:

  • Following the child’s lead in play to encourage communication
  • Modeling words, phrases, or sounds in a natural way
  • Creating opportunities for the child to request, comment, or interact
  • Expanding on what the child says to build longer phrases
  • Coaching parents on how to support these skills at home

For older children, sessions may become a bit more structured, but they are still designed to feel engaging and relevant. Activities might include conversation practice, storytelling, problem-solving tasks, or games that target specific speech and language goals.

No two sessions look exactly the same because therapy is always tailored to the individual child.

What Kinds of Children Can Speech Therapy Help?

Speech therapy supports a wide range of children, from toddlers just starting to talk to school-age children working on more complex communication skills.

SLPs commonly work with children who:

  • Are late to start talking or have a limited vocabulary
  • Have difficulty being understood by others
  • Struggle to follow directions or understand language
  • Experience frustration when trying to communicate
  • Have challenges with social interaction or play
  • Have diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or speech sound disorders
  • Have feeding or oral motor difficulties

Some children may need short-term support, while others benefit from longer-term therapy as they continue to build and refine their skills.

Why Early Support Matters

Communication skills develop rapidly in the early years. When children receive support during this time, it can positively impact not just speech and language, but also confidence, behavior, and social connection.

Early therapy doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply provides children with the tools and support they need to build strong foundations.

A Collaborative, Family-Centered Approach

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we see parents and caregivers as an essential part of the therapy process. Progress doesn’t just happen during a 30-45 minute session. It happens in everyday moments at home, during meals, playtime, and daily routines.

That’s why speech therapy often includes coaching and collaboration, helping families feel confident in supporting their child’s communication throughout the day.

Celebrating the Impact of SLPs

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is a time to recognize the meaningful role SLPs play in helping children find their voice.

Every new word, every clearer sentence, every successful interaction builds toward something bigger: confidence, connection, and the ability to be understood.

If you’re wondering whether speech therapy might support your child, it’s always okay to ask. Sometimes a simple conversation can provide the clarity and reassurance you need.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’re proud to support families throughout San Diego County, with clinics in La Mesa, Mission Valley, and Scripps Ranch, as well as virtual therapy options for added flexibility. Give us a call to learn more about our speech therapy services.

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

Educational, Featured, General | 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 | 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!

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

Educational, Featured, General | 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 ProviderMember Services Number
Anthem Blue Cross (CA)1‑800‑967‑3015
Blue Shield of CA1‑800‑443‑5005
Blue Shield Federal (FEP)1‑800‑411‑2583
Kaiser Permanente1‑800‑464‑4000
Sharp Health Plan1‑858‑499‑8300
TRICARE West (TriWest)1‑888‑874‑9378
UnitedHealthcare1‑800‑577‑8539

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.

Identifying Speech and Language Delays: A Guide for Referring Providers

Educational, General, Speech Therapy | 4 min read

As a pediatrician or primary care provider, you are often the first professional a family consults when they have concerns about their child’s development. One of the most common questions parents ask is:

“Is my child’s speech development on track, or should I be concerned?”

Speech and language delays are among the most prevalent developmental concerns in early childhood, yet many children with delays are not identified or referred for support until after critical early windows have passed. Early intervention and timely referrals can significantly improve long-term outcomes in communication, academic readiness, and social-emotional health.

This guide outlines key speech and language early indicators, supported by current research, to help guide your decisions around when to refer for a speech-language evaluation.

The Prevalence of Speech and Language Delays

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 8-9% of young children have a speech sound disorder, and 7-8% of preschool children have language delays that may affect learning, behavior, and social interaction.

While every child develops at their own pace, persistent delays or lack of progress in key communication areas can indicate the need for further evaluation. Below are typical early indicators that suggest a child may benefit from a referral to a speech-language pathologist.

Early Indicators of Speech and Language Delays

By 12 Months

  • Does not babble with a variety of sounds (e.g., “ba,” “da,” “ga”)
  • Does not respond to name or familiar voices
  • Limited use of gestures (e.g., pointing, waving)

By 18 Months

  • Says fewer than 10 meaningful words
  • Does not attempt to imitate words or sounds
  • Cannot follow simple one-step commands without gestures

By 24 Months

  • Says fewer than 50 words
  • Not combining two words (e.g., “more juice,” “mama help”)
  • Speech is largely unintelligible to caregivers

By 36 Months

  • Struggles to form simple sentences
  • Speech is unclear to unfamiliar listeners more than 50% of the time
  • Limited vocabulary for age
  • Difficulty answering basic “wh” questions (e.g., what, where)

At Any Age

  • Regression in language skills
  • Persistent drooling or oral motor difficulties
  • Frustration or behavior issues related to difficulty communicating

Why An Early Referral Matters

Research supports early intervention as a key predictor of long-term success in children with language delays.

  • Children who receive therapy before age 3 make significantly greater gains in expressive language skills than those who begin later.
  • Without support, early speech and language delays can evolve into academic struggles, including reading and writing difficulties.

The earlier children receive therapy, the more effective and efficient their progress tends to be, both developmentally and from a resource perspective.

Our Approach at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy

At SmallTalk, we specialize in evaluating and treating children with speech and language delays from infancy through school age. We understand that your time with families is limited, and our role is to support both you and your patients by providing:

  • Prompt evaluations and clear feedback
  • Family education and involvement in treatment planning
  • Collaborative care with pediatricians, early childhood educators, and specialists
  • Evidence-based, play-centered therapy that fosters engagement and growth

Whether a child is showing subtle signs of delay or more significant concerns, our team is here to help determine whether intervention is needed, and to guide families with care, compassion, and clinical expertise.

How to Refer

Referrals can be sent directly via fax or by calling our administrative team. We welcome direct conversations with providers who may want to discuss a particular case or family dynamic prior to referral.

If you’re unsure whether a child qualifies, we’re happy to offer an evaluation and determine if therapy is appropriate.

You as the primary care provider are the starting point for families. By identifying and referring children early, you play a critical role in shaping their communication journey—and in many cases, changing their trajectory for life.

Serving all of
San Diego County
at three convenient
locations:

Scripps Ranch

12030 Scripps Summit Dr, Suite A
San Diego, CA 92131
Call: 619.647.6157
Fax: 858.997.2088

Send email

Mission Valley

1550 Hotel Circle North, Suite 120
San Diego, CA 92108
Call: 619.647.6157
Fax: 858.997.2088

Send email

La Mesa

7862 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 200
La Mesa, CA 91942
Call: 619.647.6157
Fax: 858.997.2088

Send email

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