08/17/2026
Did you know Turtle Talk Speech Therapy and Lakeside Occupational Therapy are in the same building and work closely together to support our children and families?
Communication involves more than forming words. Children also need to regulate their bodies, focus on another person, engage in play, imitate movements, use gestures, and coordinate the muscles involved in eating and speaking.
Movement can also help get words flowing! Activities such as swinging, jumping, climbing, dancing, or completing an obstacle course often increase a child’s alertness, engagement, and motivation to interact. When movement helps a child’s body feel organized and ready, you may notice more sounds, gestures, word attempts, or spontaneous spoken words.
Occupational therapy can support:
✨ Regulation and attention
✨ Body awareness and motor planning
✨ Play and social interaction
✨ Gestures, imitation, and signs
✨ Feeding and oral-sensory comfort
When a child feels regulated, connected, and comfortable in their body, they may be more available to interact, learn, and communicate.
OT does not replace speech therapy—but occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists can work together to build stronger foundations for communication. 💙
