This episode focuses on top sleep tips for SLPs. The topic of sleep has a strong connection to the work that SLPs do, because being well-rested can support us in navigating complex clinical issues and managing stressful situations. The episode includes research-based tips from sleep scientists and experts, but it is not medical advice. The first pa…

This episode is about what SLPs need to know about reading comprehension. It begins by acknowledging that SLPs have a large scope of practice, and that they are not typically seen as the primary professionals who work on reading comprehension, especially in the school setting. It invites SLPs to make slight adjustments to their practice to ensure t…

This episode is about sensory strategies for speech therapy sessions. It opens with an acknowledgement that OTs are the primary sensory experts, and offers resources for reviewing sensory basics. The episode then discusses the difference between being “sensory-defensive” and “sensory-seeking,” reviews the sensory system, and then moves into a discu…

This episode is about essential counseling skills for SLPs. It begins by acknowledging that even though counseling is a daily component of our work as SLPs, it’s not necessarily something that we focus on. Research also indicates that counseling is an area where many SLPs lack confidence. The episode goes on to assert that counseling is simultaneou…

This episode is about how to thrive as a preschool SLP. The episode opens with an acknowledgement that working as an SLP will probably never be easy, but it asserts that thriving is possible. It then moves into a brief recognition of the uniquely challenging and exhausting work that preschool SLPs do each day. The episode then goes on to offer thre…

This episode is about SLPs and conflict management. It opens with a discussion of Nonviolent Communication, an approach that focuses on using empathy during challenging interactions. There are four main components in Nonviolent Communication: observation, feelings, needs and requests. A core understanding within Nonviolent Communication is that eve…

This episode shares communication tips to use during situations that tend to involve complex and nuanced conversations; e.g., at family gatherings over the holidays, and during meetings with parents or caregivers. The strategies that are included in the episode come from three recently released books about communication. The first book I discuss is…

This episode discusses the reasons why it’s important to support increased diversity in the SLP profession. I provide demographic information related to the SLP field, and then share results from two studies that indicate improved outcomes for patients and students when they have a shared racial or ethnic identity with their medical providers and/o…

This episode covers the top five evaluation tips for SLPs. I discuss the difference between the terms “evaluation” and “assessment,” and offer five practical tips to help make the evaluation process easier for SLPs. These tips include learning about the student’s strengths, making the language sample analysis process more efficient, using templates…

This episode focuses on building belonging in speech therapy sessions. I share three different definitions of belonging, and then focus on simple principles and strategies to help our students and clients experience a sense of belonging in the speech room and beyond. These include fostering a sense of ownership and agency, establishing routines tha…

This episode is about finding simple ways to incorporate nature into speech therapy sessions. I share highlights from the research about how nature supports learning, and then explore a variety of strategies for helping students connect with nature as they work on speech and language skills. I focus on activities that don’t require access to green …

In this episode, I discuss mental health basics for SLPs and their students and clients. I share why I’m passionate about this topic, and why I decided to focus on it in this episode. I talk about the variety of mental health crisis lines that are available, and encourage listeners to use them if needed. I also share basic information about common …

This episode discusses the importance of hearing care and protection. I review the concept of decibels and the difference between sound intensity and sound loudness, and talk about how excessive noise exposure damages our hearing. I focus on how to educate students and clients about hearing protection, and share some hearing protection tips for a v…

This episode is about neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy. I review the basic terminology of the neurodiversity paradigm, and explain what inspired the creation of this episode. I acknowledge the concerns that some SLPs have about the neurodiversity movement, and share why I’m excited to be a neurodiversity-affirming SLP. I also offer my favori…

This episode is about using music to support speech and language skills in our speech therapy sessions. I introduce some of the research that supports connections between music and learning, and then provide a variety of practical ideas for how to use music in speech therapy with both older and younger students. The episode concludes with a brief e…

This episode is about ideas for spring-themed speech therapy sessions. I discuss how to use nature in spring-themed speech therapy sessions, including observing the weather, going on nature walks, and planting seeds. I include options for adapting these ideas for different contexts, including teletherapy. I also share spring-themed picture book rec…

This episode focuses on the important role that SLPs can play in helping their students and clients feel safe and ready to learn. I review basic information about trauma, and then cover topics related to trauma-informed speech therapy. The episode includes an explanation of the principles of trauma-informed care, and practical suggestions for how t…

This episode discusses how to be an anti-ableist SLP. In the episode, I talk about the importance of recognizing ableism's influence, and then actively pushing back against it by using inclusive language, being thoughtful about our goal choices, supporting accessibility for disabled SLPs, and addressing ableist microaggressions. Go here to access t…

This episode is all about new perspectives on stuttering and it's the second half of a 2-part series. Make sure to listen to part one first so it all comes together. In this episode, I address topics like stuttering gain, concepts of stutter-affirming therapy, key elements of effective self-disclosure, and intersectionality. The show notes from thi…

This podcast episode is all about new perspectives on stuttering. This is the first of a two-part series, so be sure to tune in for part two in two weeks. Listen to part one to learn more and don’t forget to check out the links and resources by accessing the show notes here: https://bit.ly/TSSEP125By Jessica Cassity, M.S., CCC-SLP

This episode's topic focuses on embracing imperfection. Join our podcast as we explore the liberating journey of pushing back against perfectionism, fostering growth, and celebrating the beauty of authenticity. Go here to access the notes = = > https://bit.ly/3H1Cr4LBy Jessica Cassity, M.S., CCC-SLP

This episode's topic involves a lot of complexity and nuance. We’ll talk about what a growth mindset actually is, and why it could be beneficial to have one. We’ll also discuss some of the criticisms and caveats when it comes to a growth mindset, and explore healthy ways to cultivate growth mindsets, both with our students and in ourselves. Go here…

This podcast episode is all about how NOT to use digital resources. I wanted to mention that this isn’t the first time we have talked about this topic on the podcast. In 2019, I recorded an episode called “How Not to Use Technology in Speech Therapy.” I’ll be covering some of the same themes today, and expanding on some of the ideas that were menti…

In this episode, I’ll be talking about some simple strategies to minimize overwhelm during the holiday season. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP121By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the emotion of awe - what it is, why it’s important, and how to help our students access it - and hopefully access it ourselves, too! Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP120By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

This episode is all about anxiety. I will focus on how anxiety impacts learning, and what SLPs can do to support their students and clients who experience anxiety. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP119By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

Previously, I published two podcast episodes about the eight parts of speech, different types of phrases and clauses, sentence types and classifications, and the most common syntax issues we might see with our students. In this episode, I'll be discussing evidence-based grammar interventions for speech therapy. Go here to access the show notes: htt…

In this episode, we’ll be talking about lateral lisps. A lateral lisp affects sounds that require centralized airflow, like /s/ and /z/. When a client exhibits a lateral lisp, the airflow isn’t centralized - it’s lateralized. This results in a distortion that causes the sound to be “slushy” or “mushy.” Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.…

In this episode, I will be talking about how to integrate virtual reality, or VR, into speech therapy. Essentially, VR involves using computer technology to create a simulated 3D environment. In general, I think VR can be incredibly useful for many different scenarios in speech therapy. It’s especially helpful in terms of generalization of skills, …

In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite tips for surviving scary meetings. Meetings can be especially tricky, because they’re so time-consuming, and often we don’t control the scheduling. Meetings are also challenging for those of us who are introverts or struggle with anxiety. There are also some meetings that are just rough, no ma…

In this episode, I talk about executive function basics for SLPs. I mostly focus on covering what executive function skills actually are and what we use them for. I also spend sometime discussing how they connect to language skills and how SLPs can support executive function skills with their students and clients. Go here to access the show notes: …

What is mindfulness? How can mindfulness make you a better SLP? According to UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, mindfulness is simply “paying attention to our present moment experience, with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be with what is.” In this episode, I’ll discuss what mindfulness is and isn’t and share some easy ways to inco…

In today's episode, I talk about sensory processing basics for SLPs. Currently, the American Occupational Therapy Association recommends that providers use the full term "sensory integration and processing." This refers to how our brain and body use information from sensations to understand the world. This information comes in through our eight sen…

In this podcast episode, I talk about Design Thinking and how it can be a valuable tool for SLPs. So what is Design Thinking? Design Thinking is a mindset, an approach, and a framework all in one. It prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and experimentation. Design Thinking has been around for over 50 years. Historically it has been mainly used in th…

In today’s podcast episode, we will discuss the top equipment recommendations for teletherapy that help SLPs be at their best during their speech sessions. Before diving into therapy equipment recommendations, it is essential to emphasize that the most crucial element of teletherapy will always be us as the SLPs and our rapport with our students an…

In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing stridency deletion and how to address it in speech therapy. Stridency deletion is one of the phonological patterns often seen in highly unintelligible children. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP109By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

We’ve probably all written goals addressing multiple-meaning words at some point in our careers as SLPs. Working with multiple-meaning words is challenging for kids who have language-based learning disabilities, and this is a common area to target in language therapy, especially for our middle school and late-elementary-age students. In this episod…

In this episode, I talk about the best advice for teletherapists. There’s a lot of information and resources floating around regarding teletherapy, so today’s episode highlights some of the essential core recommendations to keep in mind. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP107By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

In this episode, I discuss where to find digital reading passages, which can be a valuable addition to our speech therapy toolbox. If you're in school, reading passages allow you to align your therapy materials with the classroom curriculum, and they can also be a great way to engage with students' interests. You can also use digital reading passag…

This episode talks about the important topic of protecting student privacy online. Digital privacy is a crucial part of serving our students and clients, especially now that digital tools are more common than ever. As SLPs and educators, we need to use these tools safely and responsibly. Go here to access the show notes =====> https://bit.ly/TSSEP1…

Today’s topic is both challenging and important. We’ll be focusing on how childhood trauma affects language and communication, and how SLPs can use trauma-informed principles in their treatment. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP104By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

In this episode, I'll be discussing gestalt language processing, and how to effectively and respectfully support our clients who are gestalt language processors. I’ll be focusing more on the developmental stages of gestalt language processors, and some ideas for how to work with learners at each stage. I’ll also talk a little bit about what NOT to …

Today, I'll be discussing how to use picture scenes for mixed groups in speech therapy. I think it’s important to acknowledge that mixed groups are really tough, and I hope today’s episode gives you some new ideas and encouragement. Go here to access the show notes: https://bit.ly/TSSEP102By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how to be effective collaborators as SLPs. We’ll mostly be using examples from schools, but my hope is that the ideas we discuss could be useful in almost any setting. Go here to see the episode's show notes ====> https://bit.ly/TSSEP101By Jessica Cassity, M.S. CCC-SLP

Today, we’re discussing a challenging question. We’ll be asking, “Are digital resources bad for kids?” I admit that this topic is probably surprising. I haven’t changed. I’m still passionate about digital materials. But it’s important to acknowledge that there can be some controversy and fear around using digital resources in speech therapy with ki…

In today's episode, I'll be discussing the latest research about articulation norms. The topic of research related to articulation norms is one that I think many SLPs have questions about, and it affects many aspects of our profession – from our assessments to our caseload sizes, to the intervention strategies we choose. Go here to access the show …

This episode is a follow-up to an episode I did a few weeks ago. Part one focused on where to find free digital books online. In Episode 97, I shared how I love using digital books in speech therapy because they are so flexible. So in today’s episode, we’ll talk a little more about how to maximize that flexibility and how to use digital books to ad…

Digital books are some of my favorite speech therapy tools. You can use them to target almost any goal. There are some wonderful options out there that are completely free for educators. In today's episode, I'll be discussing where to find digital books to use in speech therapy. Go here to access the show notes ===> https://bit.ly/TSSEP97…

Today, I'll be sharing my three favorite back-to-school tips for SLPs. The core theme of this episode is the importance of self-compassion. The beginning of the school year is a great time to commit to treating ourselves with compassion, and I hope this episode gives you some ideas for how to put that compassion into practice. To access the show no…

Providing summer services might be something you've signed up for to provide continuity of services for your students, or perhaps the recession has put you in a position where you can't afford to take time off. It is essential to plan your sessions to minimize prep time. In this episode, I talk about some of my favorite ways to set yourself up for …