Speech and Language Kids Podcast

Redeem your $200 Credit for the SLK Curriculum -- Promo Code: SURVIVE https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/ Offer Ends April 15th! If you're an SLP or SLPA who works in the schools, you know that this time of year is pure chaos! Behaviors are amping up. Progress reports are due. And your groups are out of control. There's no time to reheat your coffee, let alone get everything done! So this year, I'm throwing you a lifeline! Listen to this recording of our End-of-Year Survival Event with plans, tools, and shortcuts to help you survive the end of your school year! We'll be showing you exactly how to… Make quick and easy plans for the rest of your school year Reduce those "end-of-the-year" behaviors and boost engagement (without spending extra time planning and prepping) Use shortcuts for all of your year-end admin tasks like data collection, progress notes, and homework packets Don't spend the rest of this year stressed out and overwhelmed. Grab the tools that thousands of SLPs and SLPAs are already using to find more joy and fulfillment in the work they do: Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com

What if your therapy session had a opening chime, a themed activity waiting on the table, a magical d20 for turn-taking, an AI that generates custom word lists and social scenarios on the spot, and a fireworks celebration at the end? That's exactly what I built — and in this episode, I'm taking you inside your brand-new Virtual Therapy Table dashboard, a one-stop interactive hub designed to make every session feel intentional, engaging, and a little bit magical. Whether you're prepping back-to-back sessions with no time to breathe or just tired of hunting down the same kinds of materials week after week, this episode will show you what's possible when you stop building therapy tools from scratch and start letting smart systems do the heavy lifting. In this episode, you'll hear: What the Virtual Therapy Table actually is (and why kids love it) How each element — the chime, worksheet, dice, prompt generator, and finale — serves a therapeutic purpose How I built it and how SLK members can access it What this means for the future of SLP session prep If you've ever wished your therapy room could just... set itself up, this episode is for you.

It's almost April… The kids are feral. The paperwork is multiplying. And somehow this part of the year feels harder than all the rest. So instead of pretending it's fine… let's call it what it is—and make a plan to survive it. In this episode, I'm kicking off our End-of-the-Year Survival Extravaganza and showing you exactly what support is available (and how to choose what you actually need right now). Because here's the truth: Not all SLPs need the same thing. Some of you are just trying to get through your next session without crying in your car. Some of you are looking for tools you can trust. And some of you are ready for community, growth, and something more. In this episode, you'll: Get a full behind-the-scenes look at all of the upcoming events, games, and support happening this month Learn how to identify where YOU are in your survival journey (and what to do next) Discover how to plug into the exact level of support you need—without overwhelm From free live trainings to weekly events, challenges, and community experiences… there is something here for you. You don't have to figure this out alone. You just have to pick your next step. Let's get you to summer.

If you feel like you're constantly just spinning your wheels or constantly stuck on the struggle bus as a speech-language pathologist…. Well… You're not alone. The struggle is real. And there's no shortage of others who feel the same way. But today…I'm gonna get real with you. Cause I've been struggling. And I think I finally figured out why. And my revelation may just help you as well. I'm sharing a personal update about why I'm stepping into "builder mode" and pausing new podcast episodes for a short time — because I've realized something big: I've been afraid to finish the SLK Curriculum. Yep. Afraid of success. Afraid of being judged. Afraid that once it's "done," I won't have the excuse of "it's still a work in progress." And as I unpacked that fear, I started to see how many of us as SLPs are doing the exact same thing in our own work. When we're overwhelmed, exhausted, and deep in survival mode, our nervous systems try to keep us safe by keeping us small. They feed us very logical, very convincing excuses: What if I try something new and it doesn't work? What if it does work? What will my coworkers think? What if I spend the money and don't follow through? What if people judge me? In this episode, we're talking about: Why your nervous system may be keeping you in the struggle How a mindset of lack keeps you from seeing viable options The sneaky beliefs that stop you from trying a simpler, more effective way How to become a detective of your own thoughts And how to rewrite the script — just like we teach our fluency kids to do If you've ever: Felt stuck on the struggle bus Overhauled your system every few months instead of finishing something Been afraid to rock the boat Worried what others would think if you tried something different Or quietly wondered, "What if I'm not good enough?" This episode is for you. I'm finishing the darn curriculum. And I'm inviting you to examine what you might need to finish, change, or finally commit to in your own practice. Let's step out of survival mode and into something bigger. I'll see you on the other side.

Want to save hours every week without sacrificing therapy quality? In this episode, I'm sharing 5 practical ways speech-language pathologists can use ChatGPT to streamline planning, generate materials faster, and reduce the time spent staring at a blank screen. You'll hear real examples of prompts you can copy, paste, and customize—whether you need quick session ideas, therapy materials, goal writing help, classroom accommodations, or progress report wording. I'm also sharing important cautions (because yes—AI can be wildly helpful, but it still needs a clinician brain behind it). If you're an SLP who feels buried under planning, paperwork, and decision fatigue, this episode will give you an easy starting point to use AI in a way that's ethical, safe, and actually useful. And a special thanks to my co-host: ChatGPT! She'll make an appearance on this podcast as well!

A new study out of Canada found that higher screen time in elementary school is linked to lower reading and math scores. And the more researchers dig, the more concerning the pattern becomes. In this episode, we break down what the research is saying about screens in schools, including: why even "educational" technology may not improve outcomes how digital reading compares to print reading for comprehension what brain studies are revealing about learning on screens vs. paper why handwriting still matters more than we think And most importantly… What does this mean for speech/language therapy? For our struggling learners, it may be possible that simply switching your therapy activities from screen-based to paper-based could give them a major advantage. This episode will help you understand the research and give you a simple, practical way to test it in your own speech room, starting tomorrow.

Are you collecting way too much data in speech therapy? If you've ever tried to take detailed data while also running a great session… you already know it's basically impossible. It's like trying to parallel park while writing down how many times you turned the steering wheel. 😅 In this episode, I'm breaking down a super simple data collection system that helps you: Track progress clearly Make confident therapy decisions Write progress notes faster Reduce your workload (a LOT) And still meet school or insurance requirements You'll learn my easy "monthly data + quick session rating" approach that gives you the information you actually need—without turning therapy into paperwork.

Imagine being a child who knows what they want to say… but has no way to say it. No words. No voice. No control. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite AAC app that helps nonspeaking children communicate, connect, and feel safer in their world: Grid by Smartbox. We'll break down: What AAC actually is (and who it's for) The question I always get: Does AAC prevent kids from talking? Why Grid is such a powerful option (and what makes it different) The simplest, most effective ways to start teaching AAC (without feeling overwhelmed) How AAC can be especially supportive for Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) And if AAC feels intimidating, I want you to hear this loud and clear: There is no "perfect" way to start AAC. There is only starting. Join me today to find out how a simple AAC app can be the missing key for a non-speaking child.

Grab the Fast Track to Dismissal Toolkit Now at www.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com/Fast Are you spending a huge chunk of your time on students who are technically "still on your caseload"… but honestly should be transitioning out of direct services? In this episode, we're talking about one of the biggest drains on SLP time: students who linger in direct services longer than necessary — even after they've learned the skills they needed from us. And here's the thing: fast-tracking dismissal isn't selfish. It's actually: better for the student, better for the classroom, better for the SLP, and more aligned with what school-based services are supposed to be. I'm walking you through a clear, step-by-step process for moving students through the final phase of therapy, including: ✅ progress monitoring with the team ✅ how to explain the therapy process to families and teachers ✅ how to decide what "phase" the student is truly in ✅ what to do when the student needs generalization support (not more therapy) ✅ and how to shift the work to the adults who are with them all day — where generalization actually happens If you're ready to reclaim your time, reduce your caseload load, and help students get what they truly need (without keeping them in speech forever), this episode is for you.

If you've ever had a client who just cannot get the /r/ sound no matter how many times you model it, you are not alone. The /r/ is one of the trickiest sounds in speech therapy… and it's also one of the most common reasons kids stay on caseloads way longer than they should. In this episode, I'm sharing 15 practical, therapist-tested strategies for teaching the /r/ sound (especially for those kids who aren't responding to the usual cues). You'll hear a variety of approaches, including shaping from other sounds, tongue tension tricks, tactile and visual cues, auditory discrimination strategies, and even a few "reset" options for when nothing is working. Whether you're working with bunched /r/, retroflex /r/, vocalic /r/, or you're just desperate for fresh ideas, this episode will give you a toolbox full of options to try immediately in your next session. (Psst! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, we have something awesome coming next week!)

Every effective SLP has it…even if they don't realize it. There's a hidden decision tree guiding their therapy choices: what areas to target, what skills to teach, what to do next, and when to move on. It's not something you're explicitly taught in grad school. It's something you slowly build over years of experience. In this episode, I'm making that invisible decision tree visible. We'll walk through the exact mental process strong clinicians use when they get that first call: "Something feels off." "They have a speech delay." "It's probably a processing issue…" I'll share with you my decision tree that helps me quickly narrow concerns into the right therapy area (speech, language, fluency, voice, social communication, or functional communication), and then how to follow a choose-your-own-adventure style path to identify what actually needs to be taught. You'll learn: How experienced SLPs move from vague concerns to clear therapy targets How to sort challenges into the right buckets (and avoid chasing the wrong goals) Why beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels matter and how they guide your next steps How having a clear decision tree reduces decision fatigue and speeds up planning If you've ever felt overwhelmed by too many options, unsure which skill to tackle next, or stuck second-guessing your therapy decisions… this episode will feel like someone finally handed you the map. Listen today or simply grab our decision tree inside the SLK Curriculum today: https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/

Speech-language pathologists are quitting left and right. And some are leaving the profession all together. When we talk about SLP turnover, the conversation usually turns to caseload size, pay, or work-life balance. And yes, those things matter. But they're symptoms, not the root problem. In this episode, we zoom out and look at what's actually driving burnout and turnover in speech-language pathology: too many high-stakes decisions without a clear system to support clinical decision-making. SLPs are expected to: Diagnose what's wrong Decide what to work on Write defensible goals Create therapy plans from scratch Manage behavior Justify services across tiers And do it all for dozens (sometimes hundreds) of students Every. Single. Day. Meanwhile, other professionals are handed evidence-based curricula and clear workflows. SLPs are handed complexity and told to figure it out on their own. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why "more support" and more PD often increase overwhelm The hidden cognitive load that leads even passionate, well-paid SLPs to quit Why the lowest-turnover programs don't rely on hero clinicians, they rely on systems How a structured therapy framework reduces burnout without removing clinical judgment What leaders can do right now to improve retention, confidence, and consistency across their teams If you're an SLP who's exhausted from constantly second-guessing yourself, or a leader trying to figure out why good clinicians keep leaving, this conversation reframes the problem and points to a solution that actually works. Because retention doesn't come from asking SLPs to care more. Or see more clients. It comes from giving them clarity, structure, and a shared way to make decisions. Sign up your team for our SLK Curriculum and get all of the systems and supports you need: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/slk-hub-teams-program-support-your-speech-team-elevate-your-outcomes/

Children aren't meant to linger in speech and language therapy for years, but many do. In this episode, we're breaking down why that happens and exactly how to move students efficiently toward dismissal without abandoning support. You'll learn a clear, tiered workflow for speech-language services that helps teams: Teach missing skills directly (without over-servicing) Reduce pull-out time as soon as skills are learned Support carryover and generalization in the classroom Transition students thoughtfully from direct therapy → consult → dismissal We'll walk through: Why the current "qualify or don't" model keeps students stuck How Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports should work together What dismissal actually looks like when done well (hint: it's a process, not a cliff) How to explain service changes clearly to parents and teachers How this approach frees up SLP time and prevents future over-referrals You'll also hear how to use simple visuals and handouts during IEP meetings and conferences to get everyone on the same page, and reduce pushback when it's time to decrease minutes or dismiss. If you've ever wondered: "How do I know when they're ready?" "How do I explain this without parents panicking?" "Why do kids stay on my caseload forever?" This episode gives you a practical, defensible roadmap. All of the visuals, workflows, screening tools, data probes, and therapy packets discussed are available inside the SLK Curriculum Curriculum: https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/

An increasing number of SLPs are noticing something new: word-final repetitions, breathing or pauses in the middle of words, and extra sounds popping up between words. These atypical disfluencies don't always look like "classic" stuttering and the research on what to do about them is…messy. In this episode, I walk through a real-world case review of word-final stuttering and other atypical disfluencies, including what the research actually says (and where it falls apart). We'll unpack the different types of atypical disfluencies (mid-word breaks, sound insertions, final sound repetitions) and why they're showing up more often in children with autism and ADHD. Most importantly, we talk about the question that really matters: Do these disfluencies actually need to be treated? If fluency is a difference and not a disorder, when does intervention help, and when might it do more harm than good? You'll hear a practical, detective-style framework for figuring out what's driving the disfluency, how to collaborate with parents and teachers when the answers aren't clear, and which strategies are worth trying (and which ones deserve caution). Join us for a deep dive into this atypical (but increasing) problem. And if you'd like to submit a case review for us to feature on the podcast, click here: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/submit/

Teletherapy doesn't have to feel chaotic, complicated, or exhausting. In today's episode, we're breaking down a simple, no-fluff system for running effective and engaging speech-language teletherapy sessions, whether you're supporting speech, language, fluency, social skills, or functional communication. You'll learn how to confidently define your role, identify exactly which skills to target, and select materials that actually move the needle. I'll walk you through what to do during sessions, how to keep kids motivated without reinventing the wheel every week, and how to make parent/teacher training easier (and more effective). If you're a school-based or private-practice SLP who wants teletherapy sessions that are structured, fun, and backed by a clear functional outcome…this episode is for you.

Ever cried in the school break room because you were doing everything you could for your students… and it still didn't feel like enough? Yeah. Me too. In today's episode, I'm sharing my origin story of how I went from an overwhelmed school SLP (piecing together random activities, constantly behind, constantly doubting myself) to creating this amazing company where I'm now selling my own Curriculums! Today, you'll get my messy journey that includes... The morning I got publicly called out for not reading an email (and ended up crying in the break room) The conference session that finally gave me the missing puzzle piece: breaking skills into tiny steps with scaffolded support Why therapy always felt so hard and the moment it finally clicked My early, awkward, money-losing attempts at entrepreneurship (hello, file-folder games shipped in a box) And how I slowly (clumsily) built a business simply by listening to what SLPs needed and trying to solve the next problem right in front of me If you've ever wondered, "Could I do something like that? Could I make my own thing? Could I have more impact than what's possible in the school system?", this episode will feel like sitting down with a friend who's been there. I'm not the best. I'm not perfect. I'm still learning as I go. But I'm here. I'm trying. And I'm building this alongside you. Come hear the story behind it all and maybe it will inspire you to start your own journey as well.

School-age language therapy can feel like the Wild West! There are too many different skills to teach and no clear answer on what will actually move the needle for our clients. In today's episode, we're cutting through the chaos and laying out a clear, practical roadmap for real-world therapy activities that will actually help your language clients. You'll learn: How Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports work together, and where SLPs fit in The 8 core language areas that drive real progress (and how to identify which one is the bottleneck) How to pinpoint missing foundational skills using standardized tests, checklists, and your own observations Exactly what to teach in therapy so students can truly benefit from classroom instruction Real examples of going "back to basics" to build comprehension, following directions, grammar foundations, questioning skills, vocabulary growth, and narrative abilities Why our role isn't to "fix" kids, it's to fill in the gaps so they can thrive in Tier 1 & 2 We'll also talk about how to streamline your planning using a structured curriculum instead of one-off activities, plus a real case study showing how to scaffold sequencing and retelling from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you're in the middle of your Caseload Makeover, trying to simplify your sessions, or just want a clearer plan for your school-age students, this episode will help you feel confident and grounded in what actually works.

Dreading one (or more) of your sessions this week? You're not alone—every SLP has those "please don't make me go in there" moments. And most of the time, that dread comes from one thing: not having the right materials or a clear plan for progress. In Part 2 of our Caseload Makeover series, I'll walk you step-by-step through how to match each client's goals with the right Therapy Packet inside the SLK Curriculum so you can finally feel confident, prepared, and energized going into your sessions. You'll learn: Why "session dread" is the best indicator of where to start How to choose just ONE focus skill per client for the next month How to quickly match those skills to a Goal Packet What to print, prep, and put in folders for smooth, structured sessions How to run sessions using the packets so progress is faster and planning is easier When to use the AI-powered material generators for customized practice Whether you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or just tired of reinventing the wheel each week, this episode will help you streamline your entire caseload and walk into every session with confidence. Let's make your therapy life easier—one packet at a time. 💗💚💙💜

Are you working with a child or teen who stutters? In today's episode, Carrie breaks down four simple, research-supported exercises that help school-age children and teens communicate more effectively. This episode is action-packed, full of exercises and strategies that you can use in speech therapy right away or at home to support a child or teen who is struggling. We're moving beyond theory. We're diving in with real-life strategies that actually help children and teens understand and accept their stuttering and learn to manage it so they can communicate effectively with others. Need some ready-made therapy programs for these skills? Our Fluency Curriculums provide you with easy-to-use therapy plans, materials, and skill progressions. We've taken all of the guess work out of it and provided you with a customizable template that you can use to help each child or teen that you work with excel. Access our Fluency Curriculum and Materials at https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/

What should we focus on in middle school and high school speech/language therapy? In today's episode, I'll share with you a practical, no-fluff framework for supporting teenagers on real-life communication skills through our speech/language therapy sessions. We'll cover the four big areas that matter most for helping adolescents thrive in school, work, relationships, and independence: Executive Functioning Skills Working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, planning, task initiation, and the self-monitoring teens need to actually use their communication skills in the real world. Communication for Academic Success How to shift from basic language goals to higher-level skills like discourse, figurative language, vocabulary learning strategies, and synthesizing complex information. Social Communication Skills Perspective taking, navigating disagreements, repairing breakdowns, using nuance, and advocating for their needs in social and academic settings. Life Skills (a.k.a. "Adulting Skills") Practical communication for communicating with others in real-world situations, problem-solving, time management, and understanding personal strengths and accommodations. If you've ever wondered whether you're targeting the right skills for your older students, or you want a better roadmap for helping adolescents with the skills that really make the biggest difference, today's episode is for you!

Get ready for a totally transparent, behind-the-scenes walk through how I actually run speech and language therapy. No jargon, no overthinking, and definitely no fluff. In today's episode, I'm breaking down my entire therapy system from start to finish. You'll learn exactly how I choose goals, organize materials, run sessions, and streamline data collection using the SLK Curriculum and Goal Packets. Whether you're overwhelmed by your caseload or just want a cleaner, simpler way to plan therapy, this episode gives you the full roadmap. Hop in and grab our SLK Curriculum, goal packets, and planning resources at Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com Start your free trial today!

Whether you've inherited a messy caseload… …or you've simply been in survival mode so long that things are a bit chaotic…. Our Caseload Makeover will help you clean up your caseload and get rid of inefficiencies. This month, join us on a journey to streamline your caseload, fast track clients who are close to dismissal, and make your planning process smooth and easy. In this episode, we kick off our Caseload Makeover series by tackling the very first—and most important—step: the caseload audit. If your schedule feels overloaded, if certain students seem to be "lingering" on your list, or if you're just not sure where to focus next, this simple process will give you the clarity you've been missing. You'll learn how to audit your caseload during your regular therapy sessions (no extra paperwork time required!) and how to quickly sort students based on their current progress as well as any additional needs they have. We talk about why this step matters, what patterns to look for, and how this single exercise sets the stage for faster progress for clients and a more manageable workload for you. Grab the Caseload Audit Checklist inside the SLK Curriculum at Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com

How Do We Help Non-Speaking Children? Helping an autistic child learn to speak can feel overwhelming—it's so hard to know where to start. But these 6 simple strategies are easy to use and create big impact for our autistic clients and children. Whether you're a speech-language pathologist in the therapy room, a parent at home, a teacher in the classroom, or a childcare provider, these strategies give you a clear, concrete place to begin with any non-speaking child. And the best part? They work whether a child is a gestalt language processor, an analytic language processor, or a child who needs alternative ways to communicate, such as AAC. If you want an approachable, neurodiversity-affirming starting point for supporting communication, this episode lays out exactly what to do next.

In today's episode, I'm diving into one of the most important communication skills we can teach our neurodivergent children and teens: conversation. Some children are natural conversationalists, while others need more support—and neither way is "better." But when a child struggles with the nuances of back-and-forth interaction, they deserve tools that help them feel confident, understood, and connected. This episode breaks conversational skills into three teachable levels: Level 1: Initiating and responding Level 2: Maintaining and managing conversations Level 3: Navigating more complex interactions like repairing breakdowns, disagreements, and self-advocacy We'll also talk about using AI to generate personalized social scenarios, how to encourage self-reflection, and why staying in a growth mindset matters. How does your client/child score? Our interactive scorecard will tell you where a child or teen needs additional supports --> Take the free Neurodivergent & Thriving Scorecard at SLKScorecard.com. And for an easy, ready-to-go therapy plan that you can start today, grab the Conversational Skills Goal Packets inside the Hub: Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com.

Too many SLPs feel pressured to bring brand-new activities to every session—but that actually slows progress and burns you out. In today's episode, I explain why sticking with one structured teaching activity (like the workbooks inside our Curriculum) creates better, faster results… and how AI can fill in the gaps with unlimited, customized practice. We walk through a real example targeting vocabulary skills—from early word learning all the way up to advanced word-attack strategies—and I show you exactly where AI fits in to boost engagement and mastery. You'll learn: Why you don't need endless activities to teach a skill (goodbye late nights scouring TPT!) How to build a start-to-finish plan that uses skill progressions to systematically teach skills When to pause and provide more practice before moving on How AI can instantly generate custom materials: word lists, images, prompts, stories, social scenarios, and more How this approach keeps therapy fun, consistent, and effective without adding extra work to your plate Whether you use my Curriculum or your own materials, this episode will help you simplify your planning, reduce burnout, and keep clients excited to learn. Listen in and learn how to make AI your new therapy sidekick!

Is it actually OK to teach perspective-taking to autistic youth? In this episode, Carrie breaks down the current controversy, explains why so many SLPs feel confused about whether they're "allowed" to teach these skills anymore, and unpacks how traditional Theory of Mind instruction became entwined with masking, judgment, and deficit-based thinking. You'll learn what the real issue is (hint: it's the double empathy problem, not a lack of empathy in autistic individuals) and why perspective-taking is still a valuable, empowering skill when taught through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Carrie shares her stance: all brains work differently, and autistic kids deserve information—not pressure to conform. Today's perspective-taking work is about helping youth feel safer, more secure, and more confident navigating the world their own way. We then walk through how the new SLK Perspective-Taking Goal Packet teaches these skills without enforcing neurotypical norms, shame, or "correct answers," focusing instead on safety, understanding, curiosity, and real-world meaning. If you've ever wondered how to teach perspective-taking in a respectful, ND-affirming way, this episode will clarify exactly how to do it. Check out the Perspective-Taking Goal Packet inside the SLK Curriculum—available to all members (with free trial options): https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/

Today I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a HUGE upgrade coming to the SLK Curriculum: data probes for all 84 of our speech, language, and communication goal packets! In this episode, I share why I'm adding these probes (including my recent experience in a rural school district), what the new system looks like, and how these quick assessments will help you set goals, track progress, and streamline therapy all year long. You'll learn exactly how to use the updated packets, from choosing a goal, collecting baseline data, printing and organizing your materials, running monthly probes, and knowing when a child has officially mastered a skill. Whether you're an SLP planning a full caseload, a parent or teacher working on one goal at a time, or a professional who wants ready-made clarity, these new data probes are going to make your life so much easier. Grab your updated packets inside the SLK Curriculum: Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com And check out the new Neurodiverse & Thriving Scorecard at SLKScorecard.com to see where your learners need support.

It's Caseload Makeover January, and today I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening on my end. This month, I'm not only helping three amazing SLPs inside my private coaching program overhaul their systems—I'm also doing a full caseload makeover myself after taking on a surprise "caseload takeover" at a rural school. In this episode, I share: ✔️ How I stepped into another SLP's caseload with fresh eyes ✔️ What I'm learning as I match student goals to my new SLK Curriculum goal packets ✔️ Why my "data day" revealed the need for better data probes ✔️ Why I'm now printing full packets instead of choosing objectives one-by-one ✔️ The wins, surprises, and real-life challenges from this first week Everything I discover this month, between my own takeover and my coaching clients' makeovers, will filter directly into the SLK Curriculum so you can clean up your caseload this winter right alongside us. Want the goal packets or to follow the makeover? Visit Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com

Why is it often so hard to motivate a child or teenager with ADHD to get things done? In this episode, we're reframing "lack of motivation" and getting to the real issue: motivation doesn't disappear in ADHD—it gets blocked. Often, what looks like laziness, defiance, or avoidance is actually a breakdown in specific executive functioning skills. As part of Hyperfocus January, I'm walking you through the most common reasons kids and teens with ADHD struggle to start, engage, or follow through, and what actually helps. You'll learn how challenges with task initiation, attention, emotional regulation, planning, cognitive flexibility, and time management can completely shut motivation down, even in capable and intelligent kids. More importantly, you'll learn practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to match your support to the real need, so they feel more capable and we feel less frustrated. Before you listen (or as you listen!), we recommend taking the Neurodivergent & Thriving Scorecard at www.SLKscorecard.com . It helps you identify which supports a child or teen needs most right now so you can follow this episode through a personalized lens. ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why "they're just not motivated" doesn't quite capture the real problem How executive functioning challenges masquerade as motivation problems How to match strategies to the cause (not the behavior) Simple ways to reduce overwhelm, avoidance, and shutdown How to support ADHD brains without pressure, power struggles, or shame If you want access to deeper tools, including our executive functioning screener quiz and step-by-step resources, you can subscribe to the SLK Curriculum at Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com . Motivation problems are support problems—and once we add the right support, everything changes.

Executive functioning challenges can show up everywhere—getting started, staying focused, managing emotions, handling transitions, and keeping track of what needs to happen next. In this episode, we break down what executive functioning really is, why it's so foundational for neurodivergent children and teens, and how to support these skills in a way that builds independence instead of pressure. This episode is part of our Hyperfocus January event, where we're exploring the four things all neurodivergent individuals need, and how executive functioning acts as the support system that holds everything together. We'll dive into the eight core areas of executive functioning, explain how to identify which ones are actually causing real-life struggles, and talk about why executive functioning isn't something you "teach to mastery" and move on from. You'll also learn how to: Look for patterns instead of chasing scores Map daily challenges to specific executive functioning needs Use strategies and external supports as tools—not crutches Support carryover from structured practice into real life If you want a starting point, we recommend taking our Neurodivergent & Thriving Scorecard, an interactive tool that will generate a custom report about how a child or teen is doing in each of the four core areas (along with support strategy recommendations): 👉 www.SLKscorecard.com To access all of our resources—including the Executive Functioning Screening Quiz, therapy tools, and step-by-step support—join the SLK Curriculum here: 👉 Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com Neurodivergent children and teens don't need to be fixed. They just need better tools and supports to help them thrive.

What do all neurodiverse children and teens truly need in order to learn, communicate, and thrive? In this kickoff episode of our Hyperfocus January series, I break down the four foundational pillars that support neurodiverse individuals across diagnoses, ages, and settings—whether they have communication differences, learning differences, are autistic, have ADHD, are gestalt language processors, or struggle with executive functioning. We'll talk about why regulation must come first, how access to communication changes everything, why executive functioning can't be ignored, and how leveraging strengths transforms outcomes. You'll also learn how to use the Neurodiversity Scorecard to identify which supports are already in place—and where the biggest gaps are—so you can follow along with clarity instead of overwhelm. This episode sets the stage for a full year of neurodiversity-affirming content, including an upcoming executive functioning summit this spring and a full neurodiversity conference this fall. Want some personalized guidance? Try our Neurodivergent and Thriving Scorecard! Answer 16 yes/no questions about a child or teen and we'll generate a custom report that shows you which areas are thriving and which ones could use some more supports. Then we'll give you specific strategies you can use today to support those areas! Click Here to Complete your Scorecard!

Our voice and resonance curriculums provide a clear, structured approach for helping children and teens improve their vocal quality, projection, and resonance in healthy, sustainable ways. Each plan includes practical strategies and guided activities that teach students how to use their voice effectively and comfortably across real-world settings—from the classroom to the stage. Give your students the confidence to speak clearly, comfortably, and with pride in their own voice. Structured. Evidence-based. Confidence-building.

Our fluency curriculums provide a clear, organized framework for helping children who stutter or have other disfluencies develop the tools they need to communicate effectively. Each plan teaches practical, real-world strategies that help students navigate speaking situations with greater comfort, confidence, and control—whether they're in the classroom, with friends, or out in the community. Give your students the support they need to speak freely and feel understood. Structured. Supportive. Real-world results.

Our social communication curriculums provide a clear, structured pathway for teaching social skills in a logical progression — from foundational interaction skills to complex communication and relationship-building. Each plan is designed to help children and teens make real-world improvements in everyday conversations, social interactions, and their ability to connect meaningfully with others. You'll have everything you need to teach social communication with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Structured. Evidence-based. Real-world results.

Give children the tools to express themselves — even if they're just starting to find their voice. Our functional communication curriculums guide you through teaching real-world communication skills that help children connect, request, protest, and share with others — in therapy, at home, or in daily routines. You'll have clear, ready-to-use plans that make every session meaningful and progress easy to see. Practical. Evidence-based. Life-changing.

Stop spending hours hunting for language activities that only partly fit your students' needs. Our comprehensive language curriculums give you ready-made therapy plans to help children understand others, express themselves clearly, and thrive in every setting—in therapy, at home, or in the classroom. You'll know exactly what to teach next, without second-guessing your plan. Evidence-based. Organized. Ready to use.

Stop piecing together random articulation activities. Our comprehensive speech sound curriculums give you ready-to-use therapy plans that make it easy to improve speech clarity—in therapy, at home, or in the classroom. Save time, reduce planning stress, and start seeing faster progress in your students or clients. Designed by SLPs. Evidence-based. Easy to follow.

In this special announcement episode of the Speech and Language Kids Podcast, Carrie Clark shares exciting news about what's happening this summer inside The Hub. If you're a school-based SLP, SLPA, or SaLT looking to get your systems in place before the school year chaos returns, this one's for you!

On this podcast recording, we'll be talking about the types of speech and language skills that children need to be ready for Kindergarten this Fall, and how to help them this Summer to get there.

In this short and exciting update episode, Carrie Clark announces two brand new virtual summer camp experiences inside the Speech and Language Kids Hub—one for parents & caregivers, and one for SLPs and related professionals! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming SLK Teams Program, designed to support speech teams with tools, training, and marketing benefits.

In this episode of the Speech and Language Kids podcast, we'll be talking about how parents and caregivers can boost speech and language skills at home!

Does your child (or student) struggle to follow directions? You're not alone! In this episode of the Speech and Language Kids Podcast, Carrie Clark, SLP and founder of SpeechAndLanguageKids.com, walks you through how to teach children to follow directions—step-by-step. Whether you're working with toddlers just starting to understand basic commands or older kids struggling with multi-step instructions, this episode has got you covered. You'll learn practical strategies for teaching one-step, two-step, and even complex multi-step directions, plus how to support kids using play, visuals, repetition, and more. We'll also dig into why following directions is hard for many children (even those without speech or language delays!) and what you can do to help them succeed.

Do you work with children who use communication devices or systems to express themselves? Whether it's a high-tech talker, sign language, or picture boards, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) comes in many forms—and it's essential that we know how to support kids in using it effectively. In this episode, Carrie shares how to build therapy plans for children who use AAC, including practical strategies and step-by-step guidance based on the AAC Pathway inside the Speech and Language Kids Hub. You'll also hear answers to live listener questions about AAC devices in the classroom, choosing apps, and working with parents and teachers to support communication across environments.

When a child is struggling in more than one area of language, how do you decide what to work on first? In this episode, Carrie Clark, SLP and creator of the Speech and Language Kids Hub, shares her approach to tackling this common challenge—using a cycles approach for language therapy. Inspired by the classic cycles method for phonology, this flexible strategy helps SLPs target multiple areas of language without having to pick just one. Whether you're working with Tier 2 kids, students with mild mixed delays, or children with more complex needs, this method can help you move the needle on progress without feeling scattered or overwhelmed. Keep reading (or listening!) for practical tips, real-life examples, and tools to get started.

In this episode, Carrie shares the story of a sweet 5-year-old boy named Ahmad (name changed for privacy) and his journey with childhood apraxia of speech. From using AAC to working through early speech sounds, Carrie walks through the specific framework and strategies that helped Ahmad go from frustration to finding his voice. If you're working with a child who struggles to speak but clearly has a lot to say, this one's for you.