More Than Words is for parents and people working with children who notice that their child is struggling to keep up with their peers, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. In each episode, we share resources, guidance, and a sense of assurance on the path to helping your child.
Episodes
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Krista Gauthier about Dyslexia and STEM. Krista is the executive director of Sliding Doors where they give students with dyslexia the opportunity to explore STEM that they may not otherwise receive in the typical school setting. They also offer a component of teaching to educators by way of seminars through Dyslexic Edge Today you will learn:
- What STEM stands for
- Why students with dyslexia are often excluded from STEM opportunities and what effect that may have on a student.
- The kinds of programs offered at Sliding Doors
- The link between ADHD, dyslexia, and STEM.
Links and Resources:
- Sliding Doors: https://www.sdsquared.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDSquaredLC/
- Dyslexic Edge: https://www.thedyslexicedge.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedyslexicedge
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Gabriele Nicolet about Orchid Kids. Gabriele is an SLP, parenting coach, and self-dubbed “toddler whisperer” in the DMV area. She specializes in family communication. She co-owns Raising Orchid Kids where they coach parents to raise their Orchid children with confidence. She also owns a practice called Speech Kids offering speech therapy to children. Today you will learn:
- What is an Orchid Kid
- Where the name “Orchid Kid” comes from
- What type of programs/classes are offered at “Raising Orchid Kids”
- The effects of COVID-19 on Orchid Kids
- What resources are available to families of an Orchid Child
Links and Resources:
- Raising Orchid Kids
- https://www.raisingorchidkids.com
- raisingorchidkids@gmail.com
- Gabriele’s practice Speech Kids: https://www.speechkids.com
- Gabriele’s previous podcast episode all about “Turn Taking”: https://plinkhq.com/i/1582688924/e/1000538435722
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Samantha Crooks about AAC in the Classroom. Sam is an SLP in the DMV area. She specializes in AAC in and outside of the classroom. She is the Clinical Lead for AAC Services at National Therapy Center. Today you will learn:
- What AAC stands for
- How SLPs determine if a child would benefit from an AAC device
- Possible changes in a child once they have a device
- What devices are appropriate for different people
- The training that a child's caregivers and teachers receive.
- How SLPs incorporate AAC into teaching early literacy skills in the classroom?
Links and Resources:
- National Therapy Center
- Website: https://www.nationaltherapycenter.com/speech-language-therapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalspeech
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaltherapycenter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nationalspeech
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-speech-language-therapy-center/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-crooks-505745a8/
- Dr. Karen Erikson, Literacy Specialist:
RLLC’s Website: www.readingllcenter.com
RLLC’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
RLLC’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/readingllcenter
RLLC’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15411008/admin/
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Zachary Cohen about Physical Therapy. Dr. Cohen is a physical therapist in the Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. He specializes in physical therapy for adults with active lifestyles and young athletes. Dr. Cohen is the owner of Cohen Health and Performance with locations in Bethesda and McLean. Today we will be discussing:
- What is physical therapy and why would someone need it?
- If someone needs a PT, what steps are taken when they begin therapy?
- How long do things normally take?
- Are there things patients have to do outside of therapy?
- What can parents do to help with their child’s therapy?
- Do physical therapists work collaboratively with coaches, trainers, and doctors?
- What changes are seen in physical therapy clients after rehab?
Links and Resources:
- Dr. Cohen’s practice: https://cohenhp.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cohenhp
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cohenhealthandperformance/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-cohen-founder-cohen-health-and-performance-4b147152/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Kristen Masci about Dysgraphia. Kristen is an Occupational Therapist in the Northern Virginia area. She is the founder and CEO of “Skills on the Hill” where they provide a variety of different pediatric therapies. Today we will discuss:
- What is dysgraphia?
- How is it treated?
- Why is pencil grip so important?
- What are some tools to improve fine motor skills?
- Do you find that some children who have sensory issues have dysgraphia?
Links and Resources:
- Kristen’s practice: https://skillsonthehill.com/our-practice/
- Skills on the Hill Social Media:
- RLLC’s Summer Reading & Writing Programs: https://www.readingllcenter.com/services/intensive-programs-camps/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lauren Coughlin about Regulation. Lauren is an Occupational Therapist (OT) and the Clinical Director at Creative Development in Avon, Connecticut. She works primarily with children and some young adults at Creative Development doing Occupational Therapy. She also works at a private school, offering therapy to those with autism. Today you will learn:
- What Occupational Therapy is
- What regulation means
- The different zones of regulation
- Why it is important for children to be able to regulate
- Possible signs of regulation issues
- How OT can help with regulation
- What parents can do at home to help
Links and Resources:
- Creative Development: https://creativedevelopmentct.com
- Creative Development’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativedevelopmentllc/
- Creative Development’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativedevelopmentct
- Creative Development’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoMhunfapgTIuGs97YeCHA/videos
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
In the second half of this two-part episode, we are chatting with Dr. Lynn Adams who is an SLP working for Moore Pediatric Therapy Services. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child Language Disorders. Today you will learn:
- What a visual schedule is and why it’s important?
- The difference between an IFSP and IEP
- About Asperger syndrome
Links and Resources
- Moore Pediatric Therapy Services: http://www.moorepediatricnc.com
- MPTS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moorepediatrictherapy
- Autism Society: Autism Societyhttps://autismsociety.org
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
In the first half of this two-part episode, we are chatting with Dr. Lynn Adams who is an SLP working for Moore Pediatric Therapy Services. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Child Language Disorders. Today you will learn:
- Some of the challenges parents may face
- How parents can approach the research regarding ASD
- What strategies/techniques might parents want to include in their home?
Links and Resources
- Moore Pediatric Therapy Services: http://www.moorepediatricnc.com
- MPTS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moorepediatrictherapy
- Autism Society: Autism Societyhttps://autismsociety.org
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Lorraine Hightower about navigating private therapy and school support. Lorraine is a Certified Dyslexia Advocate in the Northern Virginia area working to ensure that the 1 in 5 children that have dyslexia receive the support they need. She assists families at every stage of the special education process and remains dedicated to her aforementioned mission. While Lorraine is located in Virginia, she helps students all across the country. Today you will learn:
- What parent advocacy is and why we need it
- How a parent should prepare to advocate for their child
- Important items to consider when drafting an IEP
- A parent’s rights during the IEP process.
- The difference between private therapy and school support
- Collaboration between private therapists and schools to jointly support the child
- How to encourage a child to be able to advocate for themselves
- Is it ever too late to begin remediation?
- What success looks like for a child with dyslexia
Links and Resources:
- Lorraine’s Website: https://www.lorrainehightower.com
- Lorraine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrainemhightowerllc/
- Lorraine's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorraineMHightowerLLC/
- Lorraine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lorraine-m-hightower-llc/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Kimberly Glassman about the Role of an Education Attorney. Kimberly is a special education attorney in the DMV area working at the Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. She specializes in special education law and has been representing parents, guardians, and adult students since 2005. Today you will learn:
- What an education attorney is and why you would need one
- When you should seek out an education attorney
- If bringing an attorney to an IEP meeting will hurt your relationship with the school
- The first steps in the special ed process
- How an education attorney can help in the IEP process
- What to do if your child is not found eligible for services in school
- What to do if your child already has an IEP but has not seen any progress
- What to do if you want a public school to pay for a private placement
Links and Resources:
- Law office website: https://bkgpc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fapelaw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bkgpc/about/
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!