Speech Pathology Now You’re Talking

07/11/2026

This one! Being a mom of a toddler, with their growing need to be in control of decisions is, at best, trying. At worst, those conversations begin with, “The night seemed normal…”

Hang in there! They move through this phase, and onto the next, and then the next. Keep your sense of humor, always!
All my best,

Cynthia

06/10/2026

Ever feel like your toddler expects you to read their mind? 😅

They grab the snack, pull you to the cabinet, or reach for what they want before saying a word. It can be frustrating... but here's something we tell parents all the time:

👉 Grabbing IS communication.

Your child is telling you something. They just don't have the words yet. And if grabbing works every time, they're going to keep doing it.

One small change in how you respond can make a big difference. Instead of immediately handing over the item, give them a simple word they can use like "more," "help," or "open" and then pause.

That pause is powerful!

It gives your child a chance to process, attempt the word, gesture, sign, or communicate in their own way.

Learning to communicate doesn't happen overnight, but when children feel understood and successful, they become much more willing to try again.

Swipe through for a simple strategy you can start using today. ➡️

💛 And remember, your child isn't trying to make things difficult. They're doing the best they can with the communication skills they have right now.

Tell us in the comments: What's your child's favorite way to let you know they want something?

05/27/2026

Infants and young children do not experience separation as policy — they experience it through their bodies, brains, relationships, and developing communication systems.

Developmental science has long recognized that secure attachment and consistent caregiver connection are foundational to healthy emotional regulation, language development, nervous system organization, and a child’s ability to communicate safety, trust, and need.

When babies and young children are separated from parents, especially in the earliest years, the impact is not only emotional — it can disrupt the very foundations of connection and communication. Children often communicate trauma through behavior, dysregulation, withdrawal, developmental regression, feeding and sleep disruptions, delayed language, or heightened stress responses long before they have words to explain what they are experiencing.

This week, Congress is voting on funding connected to programs that can result in the removal of infants and young children from their families.

Children and families deserve trauma-informed systems that prioritize prevention, stabilization, meaningful support services, and safe family preservation whenever possible. Policies impacting children should be rooted in developmental science, attachment research, and an understanding of how early relational trauma affects lifelong wellbeing.

Please watch and share this video, and contact your representatives to advocate for approaches that protect connection, support families, and recognize that healthy communication and development begin in safe, stable relationships.

Every child deserves safety, connection, and the opportunity to remain bonded to the people they love.

04/09/2026

Today we are celebrating one year with our amazing therapist, Lauren! 🥳

Her dedication, warmth, and commitment to the families she serves make such a meaningful impact every single day. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our team!

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to work with her, you know just how special she is. We’d love for you to share your experience below and help us celebrate her! ✨

03/24/2026

One of the biggest shifts you can make… is not rushing in.

It’s so natural to jump in and help, finish the routine, hand the item, say the word.

But when you slow down, even for a few seconds, you give your child something they don’t usually get:

👉 time to think 👉 time to notice 👉 time to try

And those small moments? They’re where problem-solving and communication begin.

It might feel like nothing is happening… but there’s actually a lot going on under the surface.

Less rushing. More waiting. More growth 💛

Save this to try later, and share it with a parent/friend who’s wondering how to help their child communicate.

03/21/2026

These are the moments that don’t look like much…but they’re doing so much.

A look, a pause, a shared moment - it all counts.

Before words, before sentences, before conversations… comes connection.

And connection is what builds communication.

So if it feels small, or like “not enough”, just know - you’re building something important 🥹

✅ Save this to come back to on the hard days, and share it with a parent who needs this reminder!

03/20/2026

Hey Sacramento families!! 👋💛 Looking for something fun to do with your littles?

There’s an exciting FREE Family PlayFest hosted by the SCOE Early Learning Department coming up that you won’t want to miss! 🫧🎈

✨ Ages 0–5
🎁 Giveaways for the kids
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tons of family fun
📍 Explore local resources and services in our community

It’s the perfect way to get out, connect, and let your kiddos play and explore! 💛

🗓 April 25th | 5:00–7:00 PM

Be sure to register by scanning the QR code or visiting the link on the flyer!

👉 Save this & share with a parent friend who should come with you!

02/11/2026

One thing many families don’t realize until much later: support for young children is often free - and you don’t have to “wait and see” or have a diagnosis to ask for help. 💛

Early Intervention services are available at no cost for children under three, and they’re designed to support your child and YOU as a parent. Reaching out doesn’t lock you into anything, it simply opens the door to information, options, and guidance.

✅ If you’ve been wondering whether support is available, what’s covered, or how to even start the process, comment HELP or send a message. We are always happy to help families understand their options and take the pressure off figuring it out alone!

01/18/2026

In the Sacramento area, families are benefiting from Special Strong, a local company that provides invaluable opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. The impact of exercise on physical and mental well-being, linguistic connections, and confidence is immeasurable, making it essential for everyone, regardless of cognitive capacity, physical requirements, or time constraints. For those seeking ways to enhance the lives of individuals who require support, exploring this local resource is highly recommended.

Check out this local connection if you are looking for ways to improve the lives of someone who could use this support! https://www.facebook.com/specialstrong?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Special Strong

Special Strong provides adaptive fitness for individuals with mental, physical & cognitive challenges