Play & Say, LLC - Speech & Occupational Therapy

05/22/2026

Summer toys kids actually stay interested in ☀️

As a pediatric SLP with 17+ years of experience, I’m always looking for toys that encourage movement, imagination, sensory exploration, and real play-based interaction. I rounded up some fun summer favorites that toddlers and preschoolers tend to LOVE.

Shop all the finds here! ⬇️

https://www.amazon.com/shop/playandsay/list/3212NM78CCN9C?ref_=aipsflist

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop recommended products from Play & Say on www.amazon.com. Learn more about Play & Say's favorite products.

04/20/2026

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but using AAC does NOT prevent a child from talking.

We have decades of research on this.
It’s been studied over and over again.
The answer is clear:

AAC supports speech and language development.

Here’s why:

When a child can communicate, they learn:

communication has power
how back-and-forth interaction works
words, meaning, and connection

That’s the foundation speech grows from.

AAC gives them a way to do that right now—not months or years from now.

And when frustration goes down?
Communication goes up.

AAC can include:

gestures
sign language
communication boards
robust speech-generating devices (with full vocabulary—not just “more” and “want”)

And this part matters:

Communication is NOT just requesting.

We want kids to be able to:

comment
ask
protest
share
connect

That requires a robust system, not one limited to basic requests.

AAC is not giving up on speech.
It’s giving your child a voice.

And when kids have a voice?
Language grows—and speech often follows.

01/20/2026

A Gentle Reminder for Parents of Late Talkers

If your toddler isn’t saying many words yet, it’s okay — and you don’t need to quiz them on words.

Instead of “Say ___,” try talking alongside them during play.

Follow what they’re interested in and put simple words to their actions.

🧸 Playing with a car?
“Car.”
“Go car.”
“Fast car.”

This kind of warm, responsive talk helps build understanding first — and spoken words come more easily from there.

You’re not doing anything wrong. Sometimes kids just need a different kind of support. 💜

01/05/2026

Dyslexia and Reading Disorders

Myths:
❌Reading backwards
❌Mixing up letters
❌Seeing letters reversed
❌Fixed with special fonts, colors, or overlays
❌the kid isn’t smart
❌not trying hard enough
❌not common

Most dangerous myth of all:
❌it will work itself out

Truths:
✅is a complex neurological difference
✅rooted in language
✅not a vision problem
✅ can affect phonological awareness, spelling, writing, decoding, reading fluency, and sometimes working memory
✅1 in 5 children struggle with this
✅not an intelligence issue, and many dyslexic children excel in another area

Most important truth of all:
✅Children with dyslexia make progress with professional help by someone that understands language and the science of reading. Intervening early is key.

Every child deserves a chance. 📖

12/31/2025

Many parents are told, “They’ll grow out of it,” when it comes to speech sound errors. Sometimes that’s true — and sometimes it isn’t.

Speech sound errors don’t just affect how clearly a child is understood. For some children, those early sound difficulties can make learning to read and write harder later on. Research shows that about one in three children with ongoing speech sound errors experience challenges with reading and spelling as they get older.

That doesn’t mean something is “wrong,” and it certainly doesn’t mean parents have failed. Children develop at different rates, and it can be hard to know what’s part of typical development and what deserves extra support.

What is important to know is that professional help can make a meaningful difference. Addressing speech sound errors early can support clearer speech now and help lay a stronger foundation for literacy skills later.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to wait or seek guidance, you’re not alone. These questions are common — and support exists to help ease worries and guide families with clarity and care.

12/29/2025

This is my son.
And before anything else, he was loved deeply.

But I was scared.
He wasn’t walking when he should have been.
He wasn’t talking when he should have been.

I remember lying awake, wondering if I was missing something—or failing him.

Early intervention gave us answers, guidance, and support from professionals who knew what they were doing and could help him in ways I couldn’t as his mom (not because I wasn't capable but because he was *mine*).

I will always be thankful for the therapists who walked us through that chapter.
Today, he’s thriving, confident, and excelling in school and beyond.

If you’re feeling worried about your child’s development, trust that instinct. Early support matters. Our clinic is currently accepting new clients, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

12/26/2025

When you’re worried about your child’s communication, feeding, or literacy, having the right support matters. Now welcoming new clients in our Franklinton clinic. Openings are limited. Click the link to get started. https://www.playandsayfranklinton.com/theclinic

12/02/2025

Play & Say is super excited to have Kallie Simeon Fowler come back to our team! Kallie previously served our Franklinton clientele as an SLP-Assistant, working closely with school age children on speech, language, and literacy goals. She stepped away in order to earn her master’s degree in speech language pathology and begin her path towards full licensure. During that time, she expanded her education and clinical experience in various areas. Kallie returns to us as an an established and well rounded clinician prepared to help children flourish and walk parents through the journey of speech therapy. We’re excited to have her begin serving Franklinton families in our office at 934 Washington Street in January 2026. Welcome home, Kallie! We love you big!

Join the waitlist: https://www.playandsayfranklinton.com/theclinic

10/27/2025

Hi! We want you to take our survey: https://forms.gle/QNFGhr9idUqgYVHB8

Play & Say is a speech therapy practice that currently offers services through the Louisiana Early Steps Program, but we're looking to expand our services in Franklinton, LA.

Check out our survey: https://forms.gle/QNFGhr9idUqgYVHB8
Help us understand your family's needs and interests.