Vivian Eller

As parents, we eagerly anticipate our children's first words, their first laughs, and those adorable attempts to tell us about their day. But because every child develops at their own pace, it’s completely natural to wonder: Is my child’s speech and language developing the way it should? If you've found yourself questioning whether your little one is hitting their communication marks, you aren't alone. Let’s break down the essential speech and language milestones from birth to age three, and...

Shared book reading does not have to look like sitting still, reading every word, or asking the “right” questions. For many children—especially young children and neurodivergent children—book time works best when it feels responsive , playful , and l ed by the child. This guide offers simple ways to support shared book reading at home while honoring your child’s interests, communication style, and sensory needs. (Speech therapy ideas) Step 1: Start With Comfort and Connection Before opening...

What is AAC Modeling? (Modeling Without Expectation) Modeling means using the AAC system to talk to the AAC user by pointing to or pressing words as you speak, WITHOUT making the user to press any buttons. It's essential for teaching AAC users how to communicate using their systems. We cannot expect children to learn on their own How to Model: 1. Start Small: Begin with a few words. 2. Match Language Level: Model slightly more complex language (e.g., if they use single words, model 1-2 word...