A little shared silliness can make room for a lot of communication The internet has given everyday silliness a very ambitious name: whimsymaxxing. At Word Play, we are happy to welcome any trend that lets a sock become a microphone. No craft-store expedition required. Whimsymaxxing means adding playful surprises to
Screens are part of everyday family life. For autistic children, a tablet, television, phone, or computer may provide entertainment, comfort, learning, communication, connection, or help during difficult transitions. Screen time is not automatically “good” or “bad.” What matters most is how your child uses the screen, when they use it,
Summer break is the perfect time to refresh routines—and that includes how we support communication in early childhood at home. The good news? You don’t need flashcards, long practice sessions, or special materials to help your child grow. Some of the most powerful teaching strategies happen during everyday moments! LANGUAGE
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask: “My kid is talking all the time, so why did the doctor suggest speech therapy?” It sounds like a contradiction, right? But “speech” is actually just one small piece of a much bigger puzzle. Think of it like a computer: speech
Communication is so much more than just a checklist of words; it is the bridge that connects your child to the world. It’s the way your toddler points excitedly at a dog in the park, the way they mirror your smile, or how they follow your lead when it’s time
Long before a child’s first word, “silent” skills are built, the most critical being imitation. Speech development begins not with talking, but with the body and hands. Mimicking a wave or pointing at an object lays the essential groundwork for communication. Understanding how a child copies the world allows us
We often hear about the “Terrible Twos” and how kids love to say “no” to everything. But have you ever thought about how important the word “yes” is? While “no” helps kids set boundaries, learning to say “yes” is like opening a door to the rest of the world. Here
When we think of food, our minds often jump to comfort, celebration, and connection—it’s not just about nutrition; it’s a vital social skill. As a pediatric food therapist, I was truly moved to action when I learned that between 70% and 89% of children with disabilities experience some form of
Ready to begin? Our team is here to answer your questions, explain the next steps, and help you find the right support for your family.