Speech Therapy at Home: Expert Tips to Help Your Child Communicate

"The excitement that the kids feel when they are seeing you... and they know today's session with Ms. Luba and they can't wait to see you." - Luba Kaplan

When a child enters the medical system, parents often meet many specialists beyond doctors and nurses, including Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP). These professionals are vital members of the healthcare team, doing more than just helping with speech. SLPs, as Luba Kaplan explains, also explains how they look at every area of the child's development to ensure children are being fully supported.

In this episode, we introduce Luba Kaplan, a passionate SLP, Oral Myofunction Therapist, and mother of three who is the visionary behind Kidology. Celebrating 10 years in private practice, Luba has made it her mission to bridge gaps in access to therapy. She even created the Therapy Bus—a half-size school bus that travels to families who can't leave home or have transportation issues.

About Our Guest: Luba Kaplan, SLP

Luba Kaplan is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Oral Myofunction Therapist. As the founder and owner of Kidology, she has built a practice that offers a multidisciplinary, team approach to therapy, including Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Behavioral services. Luba is driven by a deep passion for helping families achieve change and is dedicated to cancer research in honor of her mother, Angela, who worked in oncology research for 25 years.

Luba on Social Media:

• TikTok, Instagram, Facebook: @KidologyInc (KIDOLOGYINC)

• YouTube Channel: Find Kidology's content on YouTube

Key SLP Insights for Medical Parents

Luba shares crucial advice for working effectively with a Speech-Language Pathologist:

• Build Strong Rapport: Share everything that is going on in your child's life, even seemingly small struggles like a supermarket meltdown. The more the provider knows, the more they can help.

• Look for a Global Approach: Seek a provider who utilizes a multidisciplinary, team approach and is willing to screen for or refer to other needed services (OT, PT, behavioral services).

• Early Intervention is Key: Don't wait or assume your child will simply "grow out of it.". Addressing issues sooner, not later, can put your child ahead.

• Ensure Family Alignment: Everyone in the child's life (parents, grandparents, etc.) must be on the same page with the therapy goals to ensure the proper foundation for progress. Otherwise, therapy won't work.

• Trust the Independent Session: While parental presence is key in a hospital setting, giving your child space to learn independently in a non-threatening environment allows them to develop their own voice and thrive with the therapist.

• Stay Committed: Stick with the therapy program even when you think your child is "okay". Commitment is essential for your child to be better off post-program.

 

Episode Timeline Highlights

• 00:00: Introduction to the role of a Speech-Language Pathologist.

• 01:00: Introducing Luba Kaplan, the visionary behind Kidology and the innovative Therapy Bus.

• 02:30: Luba's passion for change and her personal connection to cancer research.

• 06:00: Tips for parents on finding an impactful provider and the necessity of sharing full history.

• 09:30: Navigating the system and the need for a team approach in therapy.

• 11:00: Strategies for carryover at home: portals, homework, and getting the whole family on the same page.

• 15:45: The difference between presence in an acute trauma setting (hospital) vs. a non-threatening environment (therapy clinic).

• 19:30: The growth of Kidology: from one suburban office to two central clinics with play gyms.

• 22:00: Final takeaways: the importance of commitment and not delaying intervention.

Support Our Host & Show

Child life specialists are experts who help families navigate the overwhelming and confusing world of healthcare. Now, you can access these valuable tools and resources outside of the hospital setting through the SupportSpot App.

Parents, get empowered! The SupportSpot App provides tools to:

• Understand and explain medical procedures to your child.

• Help your child feel less anxious.

• Feel informed and confident in your child's healthcare journey

Join Katie Taylor's Substack for in-depth insights and articles: Join here

Child Life Specialists- join the circle. There is a seat here for you to recieve support, professional development, and access to clinical supervision. 

 

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