speech and language therapy Archives

Inclusive Activities and Resources for Kids in San Diego

Activities, Featured | Sep 10, 2025 3 min read

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we believe that progress doesn’t stop at the clinic door. For many families, the most meaningful growth happens when therapy skills carry over into everyday life, whether that’s at the park, in a museum, or through a community program. Luckily, San Diego is full of inclusive activities and resources that align beautifully with speech and occupational therapy goals.

Here are a few local favorites that we often recommend to families:

1. Inclusive Playgrounds and Outdoor Spaces

San Diego has made great strides in creating parks that welcome children of all abilities. Places like Mission Bay, Waterfront Park downtown, and Balboa Park offer wide, accessible play structures and open spaces that encourage movement, social interaction, and imaginative play. From an OT perspective, these playgrounds provide opportunities for climbing, balancing, and building gross motor skills. For speech, they create natural opportunities for children to practice communication in play with peers.

2. Museums with Sensory-Friendly Programs

Several local museums host inclusive events designed with children’s sensory needs in mind. The Fleet Science Center and The New Children’s Museum both offer accessibility programs, and the San Diego Children’s Museum of Discovery provides hands-on learning that is both engaging and adaptable. Visiting these environments can help children generalize skills such as, following directions, asking questions, or practicing turn-taking, in real-world settings.

3. Inclusive Recreation and Sports Programs

The City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services offers year-round programs for children with developmental needs. Families can also explore adaptive play opportunities like Play My Way and TOPSoccer, both of which emphasize inclusion and fun. These types of organizations are a wonderful complement to therapy, giving children the chance to build confidence and social skills in a supportive environment.

4. Sensory-Friendly Events and Entertainment

Local theaters and organizations host sensory-friendly performances and movie showings, such as AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films and productions at some community theaters. These events are designed so children can move, make noise, or take breaks without worry.

5. Community Support and Learning Opportunities

Organizations like the National Foundation for Autism Research provide resources and host events, while programs like Learning for All offer educational therapy that can complement speech and ot. Local libraries also frequently offer inclusive storytimes that support early literacy and language skills, perfect for families who want to carry speech therapy goals into daily routines.

SmallTalk attends the Race for Autism 2025

Why These Resources Matter

At SmallTalk, we see firsthand how important it is for therapy to connect with everyday life. When a child practices communication at storytime, strengthens motor skills on a playground, or builds social confidence on a team, they’re not just learning, they’re living the skills we work on in therapy.

We encourage families to explore these inclusive opportunities around San Diego. They can make a big difference in helping children feel successful, connected, and celebrated both inside and outside the clinic.

Looking for more information about how SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy can help your kiddo grow? Give us a call at 619-647-6157 or email us at hello@smalltalkspeech.com and we can give you more information or schedule an evaluation.

Why Clinic-Based Pediatric Therapy Often Outperforms In-Home Sessions

Educational, Featured, Therapy | Aug 27, 2025 4 min read

When your child needs speech-language therapy or occupational therapy, choosing the right setting can make a significant difference in their progress. While in-home therapy can feel convenient, many families are surprised to learn that clinic-based therapy often offers more advantages, both for the child’s development and for the family’s overall experience.

If you’re considering where your child should receive services, here’s why a clinic-based model may be the stronger option for long-term success.

1. Fewer Distractions, More Focus

Home environments are full of everyday distractions such as pets, siblings, television, and toys that aren’t part of therapy. These can make it harder for a child to fully focus on their goals. In a clinic setting, the space is purposefully designed for learning and engagement. Everything from the layout to the materials is tailored to help children stay on task and maximize each therapy minute. At SmallTalk, our toys and activities are chosen with your child’s development in mind. Every single activity has a bigger purpose.

2. Access to Specialized Equipment and Materials

Clinics are equipped with therapeutic tools and activities that most homes simply can’t replicate, think sensory gyms, fine-motor skill stations, and advanced speech-language resources. These specialized materials give therapists more ways to engage your child, challenge their skills, and accelerate progress. Where else can your child build their own obstacle course with multiple swings, ropes, a climbing wall, and more?

3. Opportunities for Peer Interaction

In a clinic, your child can see other children working hard toward their own goals. Even without direct group sessions, watching peers model language, social skills, and cooperation can inspire confidence and motivation.
Peer interaction is especially important for building real-world communication and social skills, something that’s harder to simulate in a one-on-one home setting.

4. Clear Separation Between “Home” and “Work”

When therapy happens at home, it can be hard for children to mentally shift between playtime and “therapy time.” In a clinic setting, walking through the door signals that it’s time to learn, work, and grow. Clinic-based sessions typically operate on a regular schedule, with fewer interruptions from outside factors. This consistency is vital for building momentum in therapy and helping children reach their goals faster.
This separation also helps parents establish a healthy boundary, home remains a safe, relaxed space, while the clinic is where focused skill-building happens.

5. Access to a Collaborative Team

In a clinic, your child’s therapist can collaborate in real time with other speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and support staff. This teamwork means your child benefits from multiple professional perspectives, shared resources, and coordinated care, something that’s much harder to achieve in a home-based model.

6. Increased Parent Support and Education

Clinic visits create natural opportunities for parents to observe their child, connect with therapists, ask questions, and receive hands-on coaching. You will gain access to other in-clinic resources that simply aren’t part of most in-home programs.

Why This Matters for Your Child’s Development

Early intervention matters, but so does the quality and structure of the therapy your child receives. A clinic-based setting creates an environment that’s more engaging, better equipped, and more socially enriching, setting your child up for long-term success.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that the right setting can make. Our clinics are designed to be fun, welcoming, and filled with the tools your child needs to thrive. We work closely with families to ensure that every session moves your child closer to their goals, whether that’s clearer speech, improved fine motor skills, or greater confidence in daily activities.

If you’re considering a change in your child’s therapy setting, we’d be happy to answer your questions and show you what’s possible in a clinic-based model.

Give us a call at 619-647-6157 or send us an email at hello@smalltalkspeech.com if you’d like to get started.

Identifying Speech and Language Delays: A Guide for Referring Providers

Educational, Featured, General, Speech Therapy | Aug 13, 2025 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.

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.

Summer Speech & OT Tips: Five Ways to Support Your Child’s Development at Home

Activities, Featured, General | Jun 18, 2025 3 min read

Summer break is here—and while it’s a great time to relax and recharge, it can also be the perfect season to support your child’s developmental goals through fun, play-based activities. Whether your child is working on communication, motor skills, or sensory regulation, there are plenty of simple ways to keep therapy going at home.

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we believe that kids learn best through play—and summer is full of playful opportunities. Here are some therapist-approved tips to help you make the most of the season.

1. Build Speech Skills Through Everyday Moments

Language is everywhere! Use summer outings—like beach trips, park days, or even grocery runs—to model vocabulary, ask open-ended questions, and encourage your child to describe what they see or feel. For younger children, narrate your activities and encourage imitation. For older kids, play games like “I Spy” or storytelling prompts in the car.

Summer Speech & OT Tips: Five Ways to Support Your Child’s Development at Home

Try this: Pack a “summer bag” and talk through each item: “This is sunscreen. It keeps our skin safe!”

2. Make Sensory Play a Daily Routine

Sensory bins, sand play, water tables, and even messy play with shaving cream or finger paint can help children with sensory processing challenges stay regulated and engaged. Summer is a great time to get messy outdoors!

Try this: Fill a bin with water, sponges, and cups for a simple, calming sensory station.

3. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills with Summer Crafts

From sidewalk chalk to water balloons, summer is full of hands-on activities that boost coordination. Crafts like beading, finger painting, and cutting shapes are great for improving grip strength and control—key goals in occupational therapy.

Try this: Make homemade lemonade and let your child squeeze the lemons, stir, and pour—great for hand strength and sequencing.

4. Keep a Routine—but Keep it Flexible

Kids thrive on predictability. Try keeping some structure to your summer days (e.g., morning chores, mid-morning activity, afternoon free play), but allow room for spontaneity. Consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, and regular movement breaks support both sensory and communication development.

Tip: Use visual schedules to help your child understand what’s coming next.

5. Stay Connected with Your Therapy Team

If your child is enrolled in speech or OT over the summer, be sure to attend regularly—and talk with your therapist about summer goals and carryover activities. If you’re taking a break, ask for a few at-home strategies to keep skills fresh.

Not in therapy yet? Summer is a great time to schedule an evaluation or get started without the school-year rush!

SmallTalk is Here to Help All Summer Long

At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to support your family year-round—with fun, effective, and compassionate care. Whether you’re continuing therapy this summer or want ideas to use at home, our team is always happy to share tools and encouragement.

If you have questions about your child’s speech, motor, or sensory development, schedule an evaluation today.

Here’s to a summer full of growth, play, and connection!

From My Heart to Yours: A Grandmother’s Perspective on Children’s Therapy

Featured, General, Stories, Therapy | May 20, 2025 3 min read

By Shauna Oakes

Sometimes, when I walk through the halls in one of our clinics, I hear laughter creeping out from therapy rooms. At times I hear the frustration of a child who is just learning constructive ways to express emotions. And other times I see creative art pieces lovingly assembled by small hands or groups of children learning to work together. But every day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude that this is the work I get to be part of.

I’m a grandmother and that role defines my heart. But I’m also the administrative director here at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy-a place that has become a second home not just for me, but for so many families navigating life with little ones who need a bit of extra support.

From the desks I have occupied, I have seen it all: the worried looks of new parents walking in for their first visit, the nervous energy of kiddos not quite sure why they are there or what to expect. But then-over time-the incredible transformation that happens when trust, patience, and care take root.

The Strength in Showing Up: A Message to Parents

What I want parents to know is this: you are doing enough. You are showing up for your child in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. You are not alone.

As a grandmother, I often find myself watching these children as if they were my own grandbabies. I see their bravery, their moments of frustration and celebration. I watch them find their voices, their balance, their confidence and I feel so much pride, even if I’m just a tiny part of their journey.

As a mother, I recognize the deep sacrifices you make-your time, your energy, and sometimes other interests you may have had to put on the back burner. I hear your concerns, and I love to see, hear and celebrate with you the victories, especially the ones that once felt out of reach.

Therapy Is a Relationship, Not Just a Service

Therapy, to me, is not just a service. It’s a relationship. It’s a safe space where children are reminded that they are capable, that they matter, and that they are deeply loved for who they are not just for what they can do.

And for the families who walk through our doors: I hope you feel that we care about not just your kiddo but we care about you. I hope you feel our belief in your child, in your family, and in the progress that sometimes comes in inches, not miles. I know the road can be long. I have witnessed it myself over and over again. But I also know how beautiful it can be when you have the right people walking it with you.

Celebrate Every Milestone—Big and Small

So from one grandmother’s heart to another parent’s hands-thank you for trusting us. Thank you for letting us celebrate your child’s growth, step by step. You may not always see it in the moment, but there is magic in the work we can do together. And I promise, from where I sit, it is the most meaningful work I’ve ever known.

Shauna Oakes is the Administrative Director at SmallTalk.

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