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Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 1 December 2020

15 Speech Therapy Activities and Games for All Ages

Do you have a child, family member, or student who faces challenges with speaking or communicating? Speech therapists use fun activities, from vocabulary games to board games and beyond, to help their clients practice language production. As a layperson, you can try out the same activities with your loved one or student.

The speech therapy ideas in this post are geared toward parents, family members, and teachers who are looking for language games to play at home or in the classroom. Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists , and speech-language pathology assistants may find these suggestions useful for planning therapy sessions. Whether the person in your life needs practice with pronunciation, sentence fluency, or speaking in turn, these activities may help them improve. You can tailor the games to be more or less challenging depending on the person’s age and abilities. Check out the link to printables for some free therapy materials!

Speech Therapy Games for Preschoolers

These fun preschool games are perfect language activities for younger kids.

1. Hopscotch Word Fun

Draw a hopscotch on the sidewalk or driveway and write target words in each box. Then have the player say the words out loud to practice speech sounds as they skip through the game.

Helps with: Pronunciation

One player chooses an item in the room that all players can see, then offers clues so that the other players can guess the item they are thinking of. The player who guesses correctly has to use the word in a sentence.

Helps with: Speaking in turn, sentence fluency

3. The Alphabet Game

While driving in the car or walking around your neighborhood, have the player try to find all the letters of the alphabet on signs. Older players can record each letter they find on a piece of paper. See how long it takes to get all 26! For an added challenge, have them say a word that starts with each letter they find.

4. Bury Objects or Picture Cards

Hide objects or speech cards in a sandbox at the playground or under a pile of leaves, and have the player find them. When they do, have them pronounce the object’s name or the word on the card. To add another element to this game, have them use the word in a sentence.

Helps with: Pronunciation, sentence fluency

5. Word Search

Find a word search that is appropriate for the player’s age, as there are many difficulty levels. When they find a word, have them say it aloud. Download our easy printable word search activity below. It’s perfect for ages 5 to 7.

6. Hide-and-Seek with Words

Have the player find word cards you place around the house. When they find a card, have them pronounce the word on the card. For those who can’t read, use cards with pictures.

7. Articulation Station App

The Articulation Station app by Little Bee Speech is designed for kids ages 4 and up. The app offers practice at the word, sentence, and story levels. It features six activities, including flashcards, matching, rotating sentences, unique sentences, and two levels of stories.

Helps with: Word finding, sentence fluency, pronunciation

Speech Therapy Games for Adults

8. Heads Up! Smartphone Game

Heads Up! is a smartphone app game that combines trivia and charades. (You can download it from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.) The player who will be guessing the word or phrase holds the smartphone on their forehead, revealing the word or phrase to others, who act out clues.

Helps with: Learning to speak in turn

9. Yoga Speech Therapy

Combining speech therapy with yoga can double the fun. Have the yogi practice different sounds and sentences while holding yoga poses.

Helps with: Wor d finding, sentence fluency, pronunciation

10. Opposites Attract

In this game, one player makes a list of words that have a clear opposite, such as “yes,” “down,” “happy,” etc. The player reads each word aloud and the other player states the opposite.

Helps with: Word finding, speaking in turn

11. Group Chat

Set a topic, such as a movie or current event, and create a safe space for players to discuss. This is a great way to practice more natural communication.

12. Name Game

This activity involves naming items within a certain category. The best way to play is with cards that have written directions on them, such as “Name five fruits.” In turn, each player picks a card and responds to the directions. Download our name game activity below.

Helps with: Word finding

13. Journaling

Because reading and language development are interconnected, writing in a journal can help people improve language production and comprehension. Provide a list of writing prompts that the player can choose from. Have them write without stopping for 5 or 10 minutes.

Helps with: Word finding, sentence fluency

14. Name Ten

Similar to the name game, the player is given a category and is asked to name ten things that fit within that category. For example, you can ask the player to name ten colors, fruits, animals, or sports.

15. Sound-Focused Game

Players choose a sound they want to target, such as an “S” or “T” sound. Then they take turns saying sentences aloud using as many words as possible that include that sound. For example, if players are targeting an “S” sound, one player might say, “My sister Sally sat sideways in the seat.”

Helps with: Pronunciation, word finding

Speech therapy activities are a fun way for people of all ages to develop the skills they need to communicate better and gain confidence. Check out our other resources for speech therapists as well.

For those who need more guidance, it may be helpful to work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who will create a custom treatment plan based on their client’s unique needs. SLPs earn their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) degree, in which they are trained in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, and swallowing. At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, our MS-SLP program features online coursework and hands-on clinical practice, preparing graduates to positively impact the lives of others.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). Designed for working students, the MS-SLP is an online program with four required on-campus residencies on either the USAHS Austin or Dallas campus. The program offers two intakes per year, in January and September. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of clients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech therapy!

Accreditation Status*

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology education program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

*The candidacy status includes the MS-SLP program offered at Austin, TX and Dallas, TX locations.

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50+ Terrific FREE Speech Therapy Activities You Can Send Home in a Hurry

A huge list of free speech therapy activities you can send for speech and language home practice.

Practicing speech and language skills at home in addition to therapy sessions has always been important for making optimal progress.

This isn’t news to speech-language pathologists. But events like the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters, and subsequent school closings definitely shined a light on the need for quality resources that can be accessed at home. Not only during emergencies, but for everyday home practice, school breaks, and summer too.

To help out, I’ve compiled an extensive list for you of free speech therapy activities you can find online. Some are online games, many are printables. All are no-prep to make gathering what you need easier for you. Here you go!

Free articulation resources online:

Tracy Boyd’s Articulation Games: Have More Fun site  has games for rhyme, syllables, CH, J, G, K, L, R, vocalic R, S, SH, TH, F, F, V, M, N

Articulation Word Lists by Home Speech Home

Printable picture cards by Testy Yet Trying

Articulation freebies from Speech Sprouts for you:

More great articulation freebies on teachers pay teachers:, free language resources online:.

Tracy Boyd’s Language and Word Games: Have Fun has games for analogies, antonyms, synonyms, homonyms, homographs, categories, What doesn’t belong, same or different, irregular plurals, WH questions, idioms, and more.

Tracy Boyd’s Sequencing Fun Games include games for sequences like brushing your teeth or blowing up a balloon.

Word Search Generator from Puzzlemaker.com  Send home an articulation list, synonym or antonym list, category list, etc, and have kids make their own word search.

Language Word Lists by Home Speech Home including categories, verbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, multiple meanings, and more.

Looks Like Language has a great post with lots of links:  10 Fantastic Free Resources  for Customizing Vocabulary Work 

Language freebies from Speech Sprouts for you:

Five Little Monkeys No-Prep Speech Therap y by Speech Sprouts. Open-ended printable activities for any target. It also comes with a few Quicklists for articulation, questions, and past-tense -ed.

Hoot Owl Homonyms Freebie by Speech Sprouts

That’s Fishy! Which does not belong? by Speech Sprouts Cards and sorting mats for a fishing game. Teaches category exclusion, color words, and sorting by color.

More great language freebies on Teachers pay Teachers:

Setting the Table and Language  by The Speech Meadow

Groceries and Language  by The Speech Meadow

Play With Dolls  by The Speech Meadow

Creating Language-Rich Experiences at Home by Ms. Gardenia’s Speech Room

Play-based Speech Therapy Homework by Primary Punch

Scavenger Hunt Vocabulary Activities  by Fun in Speech

Summer Homework Calendars for Language by Schoolhouse Talk Printable Picture Cards for Speech Therapy by Speech and Language at Home

Pronoun Puddle Jump Activity by Twin Speech Language and Literacy

Ants on a Log Speech Recipe by Creative Speech Lab

Weather Idioms Freebie by Activity Tailor

Fictional Short Stories for Language Comprehension by Talking with Rebbecca Bubble Gum Facts and Opinions by All Y’All Need

Free social language resources online:

Social Language Scenarios by Home Speech Home

Emotions Vocabulary by Home Speech Home

Pirate Emotions and Feelings Card Game by Communication Blessings

Articulation,  Language and Social Language Homework by Stacy Crouse

Social Skills Activities: Friendly or Not? by Looks Like Language

Social Skills Activities: TeenProblem Solving/ Social Inferences by Looks Like Language

Free fluency resources online:

Videos with practical tips for how to use speech tools from Stuttering Therapy Resources

Speech and Language Home Practice by Primary Punch includes parent suggestions for fluency, articulation and language home practice.

Fluency Skills Brochure by Primary Punch

Speech Therapy Stuttering Activities by The Gift of Gab

Free AAC Resources online

How you may use these resources

For speech sprouts free speech therapy activities:.

• Each SLP or educator who will be distributing these resources to students should download the file on Teachers pay Teachers for themselves. Parents are also welcome to download a copy of the digital file on TpT.
• You have my permission to  print a copy  of my activities for each of the students on your caseload.
• You may upload my resources to a private Google Classroom that only your parents and students have access to. Uploading resources to other file-sharing sites will continue to be prohibited.

I hope this makes getting activities out to your students easier.  Download the Freebie List HERE.

I hope this send-home resource list helps!

We’re all used to summer breaks, but emergency school closings like the coronavirus shutdowns or fire and flood emergencies can so be very stressful. I hope this list helps make those times a bit easier for you.

Wishing everyone health and safety.

• Read more about: Freebies

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Speech therapy activities designed for therapists and kids to love.

Engaging Resources

Engaged therapy sessions, here you come! Speech & language activities that are guaranteed to catch the attention of any child. Perfect for digital learning and in-person fun.

BUNDLE Executive Function

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Featured Bundles!

This BUNDLE of executive function cards includes problem solving stories, social stories, predicting stories, sequencing stories, and flexible thinking stories.

Multiple types of wh- questions, why and how questions, labeling exercises, multiple choice, and drag and drop categorizations   are included throughout this bundle to encourage an in depth understanding of each executive functioning skill.

⭐️ 80 Problem Solving

• Multiple choice question
• 2 labeling exercises

⭐️   52 Social Stories

• Topics of social skills to choose from (feelings, manners, listening, sharing & turns, making friends, being kind)
• Sorting exercise
• 2 wh- questions

⭐️   50 Predicting (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

• What questions
• How questions

⭐️   50 Sequencing

• 3 different what questions per story

⭐️   40 Flexible Thinking (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

• Why questions
• Labeling exercise

Each deck includes a teaching slide and visual to help your students better understand executive function skills before practicing! 

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Wh- Questions & Short Stories

15 short stories to target wh- questions, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, recall, and more!

Multiple levels of difficulty, including both shorter and longer paragraphs for a variety of length and detail in the stories.

⭐ Wh- Questions in Short Stories

• 15 Paragraph Short Stories
• 6 Wh- Questions for every story
• Stories are 4-9 sentences in length
• What, where, who, when, why, and how questions for every story

*This product contains the same activities as the Boom Cards version. If you would like the Boom Cards version, view   Wh- Questions & Short Stories, Auditory Comprehension, Boom Cards.

Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast a variety of topics with 5 different activities and over 400 prompts! Improve understanding and use of similarities and differences using this comprehensive activity. 

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice comparing and contrasting , including stories, Venn diagrams, wh questions, short answers, pictures, graphs, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Compare and Contrast:

• 5 stories with Venn diagrams
• 10 picture pairs with wh questions and Venn diagrams
• 10 picture pairs with wh questions and short answer questions
• 10 word pairs with wh questions and short answers
• 10 word pairs with graphs and word banks
• 2 blank templates

⭐️   Targeted Skills:

• Improve use of compare and contrast
• Increase comprehension of similarities and differences
• Expand skills for answering questions

Topics & Questions

80 unique topics with 4 wh- questions and a story prompt to improve expressive and receptive language skills, with REAL pictures. Questions and story prompts improve story telling and sentence generation skills. What, where, who, when, why, and how questions are included, with 4 different questions for each picture.

✨ As featured on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

⭐ 80 Topics & Categories

• 5 activities for each topic
• Real picture for every topic
• 4 wh-/how questions for every topic
• 1 story prompt for every topic
• What, where, who, when, why, and how questions included

⭐  Targeted Skills

• Improve receptive & expressive language
• Enhance skills for   answering questions
• Boost   story telling skills
• Develop   noun labeling and describing

Practice describing topics and categories, by answering questions and discussing a story prompt for each topic!

To use Boom Cards, you   must   be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.   If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.   Read here for details:   http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Conversation Starters

Conversation starters to improve commenting, asking questions, and answering questions during conversations. Conversation prompts has variety of ways to practice conversations, including questions, open response, fill in the blank, and more.

This resource includes   multiple ways to practice conversations , including pictures, comments, questions, asking questions, and more.

⭐️   All About Me Conversation Starters:

• 2 what questions
• 1 how question
• Open response opportunity

⭐️   Conversation Topics:

• 20 unique topics
• 3 open response opportunities to practice
• Practice asking questions and making comments

⭐️   Conversation Photos:

• 20 unique photo prompts
• 2 open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Boom Cards include:

• 20 conversation topics
• 20 conversation starters with real photos
• Open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Targeted skills:

• Improve conversation abilities
• Increase ability to ask and answer questions in conversations
• Expand commenting skills during conversations

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource, but does not include the "All About Me" conversation starters. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

To use boom cards, you must be connected to the internet. boom cards play on modern browsers (chrome, safari, firefox, and edge). apps are available for modern android, ipads, iphones, and kindle fires. for security and privacy, adults must have a boom learning account to use and assign boom cards. you will be able to assign the boom cards you are buying with "fast pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading boom cards). for assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. if you are new to boom learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. read here for details: http://bit.ly/boomtrial ..

Problems & Solutions with Problem Size

Problem solving stories, problem size, solutions, common problems   and more are included in this set.   There are 80 unique problem solving and solution scenarios   for critical thinking. Open response questions and multiple choice questions are included in every story! You will receive problem size and common problem teaching pages, as well as multiple examples.

⭐️   80 Problem Solving Stories

• 80 unique problem scenarios
• Multiple choice question for every story
• 2 open response exercises for every story

⭐️   Problem Size Slides & Questions

• 5 in-depth teaching pages
• Problem size (small, medium, big) definitions
• Emotions related to problem sizes
• Color coordinated problem size visual
• 2 small problem exercises
• 2 medium problem exercises
• 2 big problem exercises

⭐️   Common Problems & Questions

• Teaching slide with definitions & examples
• 6 scenarios of common problems
• 2 free response problem & solution questions per scenario 

With 80 unique stories, 12 common problem scenarios, 6 problem size questions and multiple teaching pages, you will be able to use this resource for   many   teaching sessions. You won't need anything else!

Story Builders & Create A Story

Improve creative writing with these narrative and short story prompts! This set of   70 short story builders   comes with character, location, event and time learning targets.

Help your students improve their stories and increase their creative narrative skills. There is space for students to type or write their stories, as well as an organizing task for story parts. 

Your students will have all the tools they need to create unique and imaginative stories!

⭐️ Includes:

• 70 story builders
• 3 practice levels
• A combination of who (character), where (location), what (event) and when (time) story part targets
• 36 story builders that include 2 story parts
• 20 story builders that include 3 story parts
• 14 story builders that include 4 story parts
• Story parts organizing task with pictures
• Space for creative writing and narrative generation
• Instructions on each page 

⭐️ Teaching slides:

• In depth information about the 4 included story parts
• Descriptions
• Picture matching activities 

Save your time and energy, this set is NO PREP! Includes everything you need to elicit creative, engaging stories from your students.

Perfect for SLPs, teachers, or parents looking to expand language or writing in a fun and creative way!

Social Skills & Pragmatics

Social skills and pragmatic language set to improve executive functioning skills.   52 unique stories with sorting and wh- questions!

Social skills topic can be organized by category or practiced in random order, depending on your goals! Your students will sort each card into "appropriate" or "inappropriate" categories. They also will have an opportunity to explain how to improve social skills. Keep students engaged with interactive drag and drop!

⭐️   52 Social Skills short stories

• 2 scenarios per slide
• Drag and drop sorting for "appropriate" or "inappropriate" behavior
• What question to target improving behaviors
• Why question to target critical thinking

⭐️   Skills are able to be sorted by topic:

• Sharing & Turns
• Making Friends

BUNDLE for Executive Function Skills also available in Shine Speech Activities shop , which includes problem solving, predicting, flexible thinking, social skills, and sequencing/planning, too!

Use this deck to help teach and practice pragmatic skills - you won't need anything else!

Sentence Comprehension & Language Comprehension

Improve sentence comprehension, language and reading comprehension, and picture comprehension with 4 activities and over 125 prompts for speech therapy or classrooms! Target comprehending, receptive language, and more.

This resource includes   4 different ways to practice sentence comprehension , including wh questions, pictures, fill in the blanks, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Sentence Comprehension:

• 40 sentence comprehension task cards with 3 questions each
• 30 real photo sentence comprehension prompts
• 30 multiple choice reading comprehension activities
• 30 fill in the blank language comprehension prompts
• Improve sentence comprehension skills
• Increase receptive and expressive language abilities
• Expand skills for understanding sentences and pictures

Categories with divergent naming, convergent naming, group, similarities, differences, and more! Words, cartoons, and real pictures included for a variety of ways to practice.

This resource includes   6 different ways to practice categories , including describing, naming, grouping, similarities, differences, and topics. Category cards include words, cartoon pictures to color, and real photos!

⭐️ Categories:

• 40 Describe the category
• 40 Name the category
• 40 Categories Grouping
• 24 Categories similarities
• 24 Categories differences
• 6 Categories Topics
• 10 Describe the category
• 15 Name the category
• 15 Categories Grouping
• 15 Categories similarities
• 15 Categories differences
• 5 Categories Topics
• Improve understanding categories
• Expand ability to describe categories
• Practice language with categories 

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

Picture & Word Describing Webs

This set of 70 picture description webs targets describing pictures and words by color, shape, size, location, material, function, category and more. Includes 8 wh- questions for each word!

Teaching slides are also included to teach your students how to describe pictures.

⭐️ Picture Description Webs:

• 8 fill in the blank questions to target descriptions
• Color description targets
• Size description targets
• Shape description targets
• Location description targets
• Material description targets
• Function description targets
• Category description targets
• Who (who uses it?) description targets
• Color coded targets to improve memory of ways to describe

⭐️ Teaching Slides:

• Question example for each description target
• Concrete examples of each description type 

⭐️ Bonus Pages on PDF:

• Colored blank picture web template with 8 questions
• Black and white picture web template with 8 questions

BONUS! A blank PDF template for a color web and a black and white web are also included.   Your students have the opportunity to draw their own unique pictures and create webs.

70 trials, plus blank webs, allows for unlimited practice of picture and word describing. 

Help your students learn how to describe with this activity! PDF and Boom Cards versions are included.

Predicting in Short Stories

This activity includes   50 predicting stories . Unique and original scenarios for predicting practice!

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

Each scenario   includes a "what" question and a "how" question   for further discussion and analysis for your students.

50 stories means you won't need any other activity for predicting! Use these randomized trials track data over multiple sessions.

⭐️   50 Predicting story slides

• Unique predicting scenarios
• What question for predicting
• How question for analyzing prediction

BUNDLE Figurative Language

This BUNDLE of figurative language cards includes idioms, metaphors, hyperboles, personification and similes. Over 255 practice targets with figurative language!

The set targets multiple skills so your students will have an in depth understanding of each type of figurative language! This set is a truly comprehensive approach to understanding and using figurative language.

⭐️ 60 Idioms

• Yes/no questions for every trial
• What questions for every trial
• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own idioms) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Metaphors

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own metaphors) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Similes

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own similes) for every trial

⭐️ 45 Hyperboles

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own hyperboles) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Personification

• Free response to give students opportunity to create short stories with personification

⭐️ 35 Allusions

• 2 what questions for every trial
• Free response to encourage building allusions in sentences
• Allusions to Historical figures, literature, famous fictional characters, locations/landmarks, Greek mythology, movies and more

⭐️ Each deck includes a teaching slide

• Definitions
• Help your students understand and identify figurative language before practicing

Preview Boom Cards HERE.

Prepositions & Spatial Concepts

This set of   prepositions targets spatial and location concepts with 60 trials ! Teach your students prepositions and location with this robust, comprehensive deck.

You can pick which preposition to target, or practice with randomized slides. The teaching module will   teach your students everything they need to know about each preposition   before practicing! 

⭐️   Prepositions include:

⭐️   learning module includes:.

Use the practice slides to practice prepositions with multiple choice. Navigate between the learning module and practice cards using the buttons at the bottom of each slide.

CLICK HERE for Boom Card Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you  must  be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Main Idea & Supporting Details

Main idea and supporting details with 5 different ways to practice and 50 unique prompts! Improve reading comprehension and writing skills using this main ideas and detail resource.

This product contains a PDF version and a Boom Cards companion.

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice main idea and supporting details , including stories with questions, main ideas vs. details, create-a-story, grouping, and pictures with questions. Real photos are also included in this resource.

⭐️ Main Idea & Details:

• 10 Stories & Questions
• 10 Main Ideas vs. Details
• 10 Create-A-Story
• 10 Grouping
• 10 Pictures & Questions
• Improve understanding main ideas and details
• Increase reading comprehension abilities
• Expand skills for creating stories

To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.  If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.  Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Expanding Language with Wh Questions and Real Pictures

Expand expressive language using wh- questions and sentence generation prompts with real pictures.   Improve expressive language, answering questions, labeling verbs, and story generation!   What, where, and who questions are included for every picture!

⭐ Expanding Language with Real Pictures

• 80 real life pictures
• 3 wh- questions   for every story
• Free response prompt   for every story
• Large variety of actions and topics within pictures
• What, where, and who questions for every story
• Printable pages

⭐ Targeted Skills

• Improve expressive language
• Enhance skills for answering questions
• Boost sentence and story generation skills
• Develop verb describing and labeling

Sequencing and Planning

This set of 50 sequencing and planning activity deck will help your students improve their planning skills! The deck includes a variety of sequencing and planning scenarios and trials for your students.

Each open-ended short story includes 3 color-coded wh- questions to guide sequencing.

⭐️   50 Sequencing short stories

• Unique sequencing stories
• 3 wh- questions per story
• Color-coded questions, to match teaching slide

⭐️   Teaching slide

• 6 unique teaching  slides with visuals
• Color-coded information to match questions in trials
• Drag & drop activity
• Synonyms for key words
• Example of a story sequence

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview

Flexible Thinking & Reframing

This set of 40 flexible thinking and reframing thoughts cards   teaches your students how to improve flexible thinking   in difficult situations.

Each unique scenario includes   multiple questions as well as a labeling exercise   to encourage flexible thinking and increasing creative problem solving.

⭐️   Each Flexible Thinking trial includes:

• Why question
• How question

⭐️   Teaching slides include:

• Flexible v. rigid thinking comparison
• Flexible thinking examples
• Strategies for use of flexible thinking in difficult moments

INCLUDES: Both a PDF version and a Boom Cards version!

BUNDLE for Wh- Questions also available in Shine Speech Activities shop , which includes short stories and sentences!

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview .

*This product contains the same activities as the PDF version. If you would like the PDF version, view   Wh- Questions & Short Stories, Auditory Comprehension .

Inferencing & Context Clues

70 inferencing and context clues trials to improve critical thinking skills! Each trial comes with 4 unique clues to help your students make an inference. They can then provide their answer, and drag the cover away to see the correct answer and a picture.

⭐️   As featured on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks   ⭐️

⭐ 70 Inferencing & Context Clues Slides:

• 4 clues for every word
• Space to type an answer
• Drag to uncover the correct answer
• Pictures of the correct answer

⭐ Skills targeted:

• Improve inferencing
• Enhance ability to understand clues
• Increase critical thinking and executive function abilities
• Boost deductive reasoning skills
• Improve ability to draw conclusions

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are complex communication needs?

A person has Complex Communication Needs (CCN) if they are “unable to use speech to meet all of their communication requirements, given their age and culture.” (Porter & Kirkland, 1995)

Complex Communication Needs is a broad term that describes people with severe speech, language, and communication impairments. This includes individuals who may be able to speak but have difficulty with comprehension or fully expressing their wants and needs, and those who are not able to speak but may express themselves through gestures, facial expression, non-speech vocalizations, and other behaviors. CCN can include but is not limited to, those who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, some speech sound or motor speech disorders, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. Children with complex communication needs often benefit from assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication to support both communication and language development. They and their communication partners may benefit from using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods, either temporarily or permanently. 

What can I do at home to help with my child's speech and language development?

You are your child's best, most consistent communication partner. It is important for children to feel comfortable with the speech and language skills they currently have, as we work together to improve those skills. It is essential for you to develop an understanding of your child’s current speech, language and communication skills. This will guide the quality and quantity of what you verbally model to them, and what is reasonable to expect from them at home. We strongly encourage more limited use of open-ended questions to get your young child to talk. Narrate your daily activities using simple, direct language that is just a bit more complex than the language your child uses independently. Try to avoid rapid and lengthy speaking turns, and encourage turn-taking by giving your child plenty of time to respond. Consistently praise your child’s efforts to communicate, even when those attempts are imperfect. Asking your child to repeat words or phrases that they are not yet independent with can be both frustrating for the child and in some cases hinder their progress. Speech and language therapy at Creative Communication will be a collaborative process, and you will be given more specific guidance as we get to know you and your child, their strengths, and specific needs. 

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) is a relatively rare motor speech sound disorder. Children with apraxia of speech typically have difficult to understand speech and have trouble using speech to communicate consistently and intelligibly. AOS is a neurological-based disorder that affects the brain pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech. Typically there are no physiological reasons for these difficulties, such as muscular weakness or structural abnormalities. AOS is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a type of speech sound disorder. The causes of AOS are not well understood, however, a family history of communication disorders or learning disabilities may be present. AOS can range from mild to severe. Children with AOS present with very specific error patterns in their speech, and the treatment approach differs substantially from that which is effective with children with other types of speech sound disorders. For more information, visit  Apraxia-Kids.org

Does the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) inhibit the development of natural speech?

It is a common misconception that AAC hinders a child's ability or desire to use speech to communicate. Decades of research have found that AAC in fact supports the development of speech, language, and communication skills. Speech production can be addressed at Creative Communication simultaneously while a child is using AAC.

How can speech and language therapy help with struggling readers?

Speech-Language Pathologists can provide robust supports for struggling readers and those developing pre-reading skills. Intervention in this area can improve many areas of your child's literacy or pre-literacy skills, such as reading comprehension and fluency, vocabulary development, and phonemic and phonological awareness (understanding of letter sounds and how they are combined to make words). These activities can often build stronger, more intelligible speech production skills as well. 

Do you take insurance?

Creative Communication provides private pay speech and language services. We are currently an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork for you to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company and we also accept FSA and HSA cards for payment. These benefits vary considerably from one insurance provider to the next. Please contact your insurance company directly to discuss your plan's coverage and reimbursement for out-of-network speech and language therapy services. We are happy to assist in this process.

10 Ways to Make Speech Therapy Practice Fun

Practicing speech therapy activities at home, and using communication-building techniques during everyday interactions with your child, is one of the best ways to improve their speech and language development. This isn't just my firsthand experience as a speech-language pathologist--it's backed by a  mountain of research . 

But sometimes it can feel overwhelming to think about fitting in practice and motivating kids to participate. I get it! Speech practice is definitely a lot of work for kiddos, but there are plenty of ways to make it fun.

Read on for some tips and tricks to keep your child motivated to practice their speech. Every child has their own unique learning style. Once you find what works best for your kiddo, you’ll see how quickly speech practice can go from something they tolerate, to something they actually look forward to.

1. Get up and get moving

A simple way to introduce some excitement into speech therapy practice is to pair it with movement activities. Did you know that some children learn best when they're physically moving around? Movement stimulates the brain, and a little exercise is never a bad thing! If you think this is true for your child, try some of these activities while you practice:

Play hide and seek

Go on a scavenger hunt

Play Simon Says

Create an obstacle course

Toss a ball back and forth

2. Try out new crafts

Similar to movement activities, some children pay attention best while they're participating in a creative, hands-on activity. Crafts are the perfect example! 

Crafts are particularly well-suited for practicing  articulation , or speech sounds. We'll use the /s/ sound for this example. 

Pick a craft for your child to make that's centered on the /s/ sound. You could make a  s nake out of a paper plate and let your child color it, practicing the hissing “sssssss” sound while they work. Sock puppets, coloring books, gingerbread houses, and Play-Doh are other great examples, but any craft will work as long as it helps your child target their specific speech sounds.

Crafts are also a great way to incorporate  receptive language skills . You can easily have your child follow single or multistep directions. Give directions for each step of the craft and see how well you child responds. For example, "First, roll the Play-Doh into a ball, then stretch it out to make a snake!" Hopefully they'll be having so much fun they won’t even realize they’re working.

3. Turn on the music

Music is a wonderful way to target speech goals--especially when it comes to early language! 

For toddlers and early communicators, sing songs or nursery rhymes together. Pause occasionally as you sing to give your child opportunities to fill in the blank.

You can even practice having your child imitate your gestures with songs that involve playing with their hands. These are songs like “Wheels On The Bus” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Imitating hand motions is a skill that can help your child increase their motor movements and expressive language abilities, which includes how well they use language to communicate their needs, wants, and desires.

4. Take practice outside

Getting outside is the perfect way to lift everyone’s mood  and  have fun practicing together! You can easily incorporate some speech practice while you go on a walk together, play on the swing, or spend a few hours at the playground. 

Let’s use the example of swinging. This is a great way to help your child expand the length of their phrases during speech, moving from saying single words to using multi-word phrases. 

When your child swings towards you, hold the swing for a second and see if your child will request that you continue pushing them. They may say “swing,” “more,” or “go.” Model what your child said in a phrase that is one word longer than what they offered. For example, if they say, “Swing!” then model, “More swing!” or "Swing please." Wait expectantly and see if they imitate your longer phrase. After their request, immediately reward them by pushing them on the swing! 

5. Pick relatable topics

When working with your child, take a "child-led" approach. In other words, try to choose target words and questions that center around their natural interests. For example, if your child really loves dinosaurs, pick discussion topics or target words focused on their favorite prehistoric creature. 

It will be much easier for your child to engage in something that they enjoy talking about--so use this to your advantage. This is also a great strategy to use when choosing books to read together. 

6. Play games

Your house is probably stacked with games your child already enjoys playing, like Candyland, puzzles, or word searches. The trick here is to incorporate speech practice into their favorite game in a way that feels natural. 

Here's a simple example: Let your child first pick out a game they love. Then, before each of their turns, have them practice pronouncing a target word (or any other speech-related task). When playtime is purposeful and structured, it keeps children motivated and rewards them for their efforts. 

7. Make it a competition

You can also use games and other forms of competition to level up practice! This can be something simple like, “Whoever wins this game gets to pick dessert tonight!” or “If you win this game, you get to skip one chore this week.” They'll be sure to take you up on the challenge! 

8. Use reward charts

Some children benefit from little rewards over time that lead to an even bigger prize. For example, you could try some version of a sticker chart. Every time your child practices their speech homework for at least 15 minutes, they get to put a sticker on their chart. Once your child fills up the weekly or monthly chart (whatever is fitting), they receive a previously agreed upon reward. 

These rewards can be things like picking a toy out at the store, a trip to the park, or a visit to the ice cream parlor. Just find what’s most encouraging for your child. 

9. Let your child be the “teacher”

Take it from me: Kids  love  this activity! Flip the roles and let your child be the one to ask you speech questions for a change. Many kiddos think it's exhilarating to be in the "driver's seat" and do the quizzing themselves. 

Let’s pretend that you're practicing the /th/ sound with your child. You can try letting your child present target words to you, like "throw," "think," or "thunder." As you play along, make sure to pronounce some words correctly, and others incorrectly. Have your child listen attentively so they can identify your mistakes and then promptly correct them for you. This serves as practice for them. Even though your child is playing the teacher, they’re really doing the work! 

10. Set aside special toys

Find some special toys you already have at home and designate these as “speech” toys. Only bring them out when it's time for your child to practice. The toys will feel a little “newer” and more special than toys they play with daily. This will help your child look forward to speech practice! 

I hope these tips help you and your child get in a new groove that keeps practice exciting! The bottom line is simply to play together and have fun. Take away any pressure you may feel to get things exactly right, and just enjoy spending time together. Progress will come naturally when everyone is relaxed and having a blast!

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7 Cognitive Communication Therapy Activities in Speech Therapy

Communication involves many skills like attention, understanding, speaking, and remembering. Cognitive speech therapy activities can help improve communication and brain function when a brain injury affects these skills.

This article will examine what causes cognitive communication disorders, their symptoms, and some cognitive community therapy activities you can do at home.

What Is Cognitive-Communication Therapy?

Communication skills are crucial for speech and language processes. Speech is not just about forming words; it also involves the cognitive ability to understand information and respond. Key cognitive skills needed for speech include attention, listening, comprehension, memory, and problem-solving.

After a brain injury, these cognitive skills may be impaired. Cognitive speech therapy, or cognitive communication therapy, aims to enhance communication skills and rebuild cognitive functions.

Brain injuries can damage neural pathways responsible for speech and language. However, the brain can adapt and create new pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is triggered by frequently repeating exercises—this practice helps heal the brain and improve cognitive and communication abilities. Regular therapy sessions are essential for recovery, as consistent practice increases the likelihood of regaining these skills. This simplified explanation can help speech therapists understand the fundamentals of cognitive speech therapy and its importance in recovery.

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WH- Questions Worksheet Bundle for Speech Therapy (Editable, Fillable, Printable PDF)

Causes of cognitive-communication disorders.

Traumatic brain injuries can damage both the cortical (outer layer) and subcortical (deeper) structures of the brain that handle cognitive functions, potentially leading to cognitive communication disorders. These disorders can manifest as difficulty paying attention during conversations, remembering information, or following instructions. Depending on which brain areas are impacted, they may appear alone or alongside other language impairments like aphasia , dysarthria, or apraxia of speech .

For instance, damage to Wernicke’s area, typically located in the left hemisphere near the back of the temporal lobe, can cause fluent aphasia. This condition allows individuals to speak fluently, but their sentences may be nonsensical, using made-up words or illogical sequences. This impacts their ability to understand both spoken and written language.

Another critical speech and language area is the frontal lobe, usually on the left side. Damage here can lead to expressive aphasia, which hampers the ability to articulate thoughts verbally. Those with expressive aphasia generally understand what others say but struggle to respond; finding the right words is slow and laborious. Despite intact motor functions needed for speech, the cognitive aspects required for effective communication are compromised.

Symptoms of Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Every brain injury is unique, and as a result, survivors may exhibit different symptoms of cognitive-communication disorders based on the type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) they have sustained. Symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions and may include:

• Executive dysfunction
• Difficulties in learning or recalling information
• Problems with memory and attention
• Challenges in social communication skills
• Issues with speech or comprehension

If you or a loved one begins to experience any new cognitive or communication difficulties, it’s crucial to consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a proper assessment. SLPs are skilled in distinguishing between cognitive, language, and speech disorders and can develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that includes cognitive speech therapy exercises specifically tailored to your needs and abilities.

Cognitive Communication Therapy Activities

Cognitive communication therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals recover and enhance their communication abilities after experiencing cognitive impairments due to brain injuries. Regular participation in specific therapy exercises is essential for promoting neuroplasticity, which enables the brain to adapt and create new neural pathways. These exercises not only improve language skills but also strengthen a range of cognitive functions.

Here’s a simplified guide to some effective cognitive speech therapy activities designed specifically for speech therapists to implement:

1. Response-Elaboration Training (RET)

RET uses visual prompts like pictures depicting various actions to help patients elaborate on their verbal responses. By asking a series of WH questions (“Who?”, “What?”, “Where?”, “When?”, “Why?”), therapists encourage patients to expand their brief responses into more detailed explanations.

This approach is beneficial for enhancing spontaneous speech and helping patients develop the ability to express complex ideas clearly.

2. Naming Therapy

Naming therapy is a common approach in cognitive speech therapy that helps individuals with language impairments, such as aphasia, improve their ability to recall words and enhance their expressive language skills. This therapy is particularly beneficial for improving vocabulary, strengthening connections in the brain related to language, and facilitating communication.

Here are some sample naming therapy exercises:

3. Object Identification

Objective: To improve word retrieval and verbal expression.

• Gather various everyday objects (e.g., a pen, watch, book, cup).
• Present one object at a time to the patient.
• Ask the patient to name the object.
• If the patient struggles, provide cues such as the word’s first letter or the object’s function.

4. Picture Naming

Objective: To enhance visual processing and naming skills.

• Use flashcards with images of common items, animals, or actions.
• Show each card to the patient and ask them to name what they see.
• Provide graded hints if necessary, starting from general to more specific (e.g., “It’s a type of fruit,” followed by “It’s red and you might eat it in a pie,” for an apple).

5. Task Sequencing

Task sequencing activities are essential in cognitive speech therapy, as they help patients improve their planning, organization, and comprehension skills. These exercises involve ordering the steps necessary to complete everyday tasks or activities.

Here are some sample task sequencing exercises suitable for cognitive speech therapy:

Making a Cup of Tea

Objective: To enhance procedural memory and executive functioning.

• Break down the task into simple steps, like selecting a mug, placing a teabag in the mug, boiling water, and pouring the water.
• Provide the patient with cards or pictures representing each step in a mixed order.
• Ask the patient to arrange the cards or pictures in the correct sequence to make a cup of tea.
• Gradually introduce more complex beverages or multiple-step beverages like making coffee with a French press.

Getting Ready for a Walk

Objective: To improve memory for daily routines and sequential planning.

• List the steps involved in getting ready for a walk, such as putting on shoes, grabbing a coat, and taking a key.
• Mix up the order of the steps and present them to the patient.
• Have the patient organize the steps in the correct order.
• As progress is made, increase the complexity by adding steps like locking the door or checking the weather.

6. Spaced Retrieval

Spaced retrieval, also known as spaced repetition, is an evidence-based learning technique that involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals to enhance memory retention. This method is particularly useful in cognitive communication therapy to help individuals remember new information more effectively.

Here are some practical examples of how spaced retrieval can be implemented:

Learning New Vocabulary

Situation: A patient is learning new vocabulary words to improve language skills after a stroke.

• Introduce a new word, such as “arboretum.”
• Ask the patient to recall the word and its meaning after 2 minutes.
• If the patient recalls correctly, ask again after 5 minutes.
• Continue increasing the intervals to 10 minutes, 30 minutes, and several hours over the course of a therapy session.

Remembering Personal Information

Situation: A patient needs to remember important personal information, such as their address or phone number.

• Have the patient repeat their phone number.
• After they successfully recall it, ask them to repeat it again after a few minutes.
• Gradually extend the interval before the next recall—first 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, and later, after an hour.

7. Rhythm Matching

Rhythm matching exercises are effective in cognitive speech therapy as they help enhance auditory processing skills, attention, and memory. These activities involve patients listening to and then replicating specific rhythms, which can be adjusted in complexity according to the patient’s ability.

Here are some sample exercises you can use in therapy sessions:

Basic Rhythm Clapping

Objective: To improve auditory processing and motor coordination.

• The therapist claps a simple two-beat rhythm (e.g., clap-pause-clap-pause).
• The patient listens and then attempts to replicate the exact rhythm.
• Gradually increase the complexity of the rhythm as the patient improves (e.g., clap-clap-pause-clap).

Rhythm and Word Association

Objective : To combine cognitive processing with rhythmic skills.

• Assign a specific clap or tap to different words (e.g., “apple” = one clap, “banana” = two claps).
• Say a sequence of words and have the patient clap the corresponding rhythm.
• Increase difficulty by speeding up the pace or using longer word sequences.

These activities are flexible and can be tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs. Consistent engagement with these exercises is crucial for effective rehabilitation, as regular practice helps integrate improved cognitive and communication functions into everyday life. Ensure the exercises are challenging yet achievable to encourage continuous improvement and patient motivation.

Conclusion on Cognitive Communication Therapy Activities for Speech Therapy

Cognitive communication therapy activities are essential components of language rehabilitation that significantly enhance how individuals understand and interact with their environment. These activities go beyond simply improving the mechanics of communication to enrich overall communicative competence.

By incorporating a range of stimulating and engaging exercises, therapists can greatly enhance a person’s ability to process and articulate information effectively. This approach not only aids in rebuilding language skills but also bolsters cognitive functions, critical thinking, and social interactions. Engaging in cognitive communication therapy is instrumental in developing both verbal and non-verbal communication capabilities, ultimately supporting broader life skills.

SpeechTherapyByPro is an  online speech therapy directory  that connects speech therapy pros with clients in need. If you’re a speech therapist, you can  Join our community and add your practice listing here . We have assessments, practice forms, and worksheet templates speech therapy professionals can use to streamline their practice. View all of our  speech therapy worksheets here .

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I'm Mara, a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Creative Connections. I started this practice to build an inclusive community where all ways of connecting, communicating, and experiencing the world are celebrated.

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Speech and Language Therapy

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My Core Values:

Unconditional Connection is a Human Right

We all deserve to enjoy being together and feel accepted - no strings attached. Unconditional connection sends a powerful message that relationships are stronger than the tough moments and helps build a child's sense of trust and safety.

Always Presume Competence

I believe that every person is capable of learning, communicating, connecting, and participating. I provide support to help people communicate and interact with others in ways that are meaningful to them.

Inclusion and Safety are Essential

I am committed to anti-racist, anti-ableist, and neurodiversity-affirming practice to cultivate a sense of safety and belonging for all my clients. My listening, learning, and unlearning will always be ongoing work.

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Key Signs of Verbal Autism and How to Support Communication

Explore verbal autism: understand its characteristics, diagnosis, and empowering strategies for effective communication.

Understanding Verbal Autism

What is verbal autism.

Verbal autism, a term often used within the autism spectrum, refers to individuals who possess the ability to speak but may face challenges related to communication and social interaction. This condition falls under the broader classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with verbal autism may communicate using spoken language but may struggle with the subtleties of conversation, such as tone, context, and social cues.

Characteristics of Verbal Autism

Individuals with verbal autism can show a range of characteristics. While they may be capable of verbal communication, their conversational skills and social engagement may differ from neurotypical peers. The following table outlines some common characteristics:

Understanding these characteristics is crucial for providing proper support and interventions for individuals with verbal autism. Developing customized approaches can greatly enhance their communication skills and social interactions.

Diagnosis and Identification

Diagnosing verbal autism.

Diagnosing verbal autism requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple professionals, including speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and pediatricians. The process typically includes the following steps:

• Initial Developmental Screening: Early screenings can identify any delays in communication or social skills.
• Comprehensive Assessment: A detailed evaluation is conducted to assess language abilities, social skills, and cognitive functioning.
• Diagnostic Criteria: Clinicians refer to established criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if the individual meets the criteria for verbal autism.

Signs and Symptoms to Look For

Identifying verbal autism can involve recognizing various signs and symptoms. These can vary widely among individuals but often include both verbal and non-verbal communication characteristics.

Being aware of the signs and the diagnostic process helps in the early identification and intervention of individuals with verbal autism. This can lead to more appropriate support strategies tailored to their specific needs.

Support and Interventions

When supporting individuals with verbal autism, several interventions can significantly enhance their communication skills. Two primary methods include speech therapy and behavioral therapy.

Speech Therapy for Verbal Autism

Speech therapy plays a vital role in improving communication abilities for those with verbal autism. This type of therapy focuses on enhancing speech clarity, language comprehension, and social communication skills.

Speech therapy sessions may vary in focus and duration, catering to individual needs. The following table illustrates common goals and outcomes associated with speech therapy for verbal autism.

Speech therapists utilize a variety of techniques including modeling, role-playing, and interactive exercises to foster communication skills. Progress is regularly monitored and adjustments are made to better meet individual needs.

Behavioral Therapy for Communication

Behavioral therapy also serves as a helpful intervention. This approach focuses on encouraging positive communication behaviors and reducing challenges associated with verbal autism. Through structured interventions, individuals are taught effective communication strategies.

The following table highlights key components of behavioral therapy for communication.

Behavioral therapists work closely with individuals to develop custom strategies that include social skills enhancement and emotional regulation. Consistent practice encourages effective communication and builds confidence in social settings.

By implementing both speech therapy and behavioral therapy, individuals with verbal autism can further develop their communication abilities, enabling better interactions and relationships within their communities.

Communication Strategies

Effective communication strategies are essential for individuals with verbal autism to express themselves and connect with others. Two prominent approaches include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the use of visual supports, including social stories.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication encompasses various methods that aid communication for individuals who may struggle with verbal expression. AAC can include low-tech options, such as picture exchange systems, as well as high-tech tools like speech-generating devices.

AAC approaches can be tailored to meet individual needs, enhancing communication abilities and supporting social interactions. Below is a comparison of different types of AAC tools:

Visual Supports and Social Stories

Visual supports and social stories are effective strategies that can facilitate understanding and communication for individuals with verbal autism. Visual supports can include charts, diagrams, and images that provide contextual cues, helping individuals process information more effectively.

Social stories are narratives that describe social situations in a simple and relatable manner. They help prepare individuals for various interactions by outlining specific behaviors and expectations. These stories often include visual aids to enhance comprehension.

Here's a summary of the features of visual supports and social stories:

These communication strategies empower individuals with verbal autism, encouraging them to express their thoughts and engage more successfully with others.

Building Relationships

Establishing strong relationships for individuals with verbal autism involves creating supportive environments and encouraging social interactions. Both aspects play a crucial role in fostering communication skills and enhancing overall well-being.

Creating Supportive Environments

Supportive environments are essential for individuals with verbal autism to thrive. These environments should be structured, predictable, and tailored to meet their unique needs. Key elements include:

In addition, fostering an understanding and accepting environment among peers and caregivers promotes a sense of belonging. Providing training for family members and staff can help them recognize the communication styles and needs of individuals with verbal autism.

Encouraging Social Interactions and Connections

Social interactions are vital for developing communication skills and building relationships. Encouraging these connections can be achieved through various methods:

Creating opportunities for these social interactions in both structured and informal settings can significantly enhance an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. This approach not only helps build self-esteem but also promotes a sense of community and support among individuals with verbal autism.

Empowering Individuals with Verbal Autism

Empowerment plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with verbal autism. By focusing on their strengths and advocating for inclusive spaces, society can help them thrive.

Focusing on Strengths and Abilities

Individuals with verbal autism often possess unique strengths and abilities that can be nurtured. Recognizing and cultivating these talents can lead to improved self-esteem and personal growth. Some common strengths may include:

Encouraging the development of these abilities can lead to opportunities for success in various fields such as technology, art, and research.

Advocating for Inclusive Spaces

Advocacy for inclusive spaces ensures that individuals with verbal autism have access to environments that support their needs. Creating such spaces can be beneficial in educational settings, workplaces, and community activities. Key points for advocacy include:

By focusing on strengths and advocating for inclusive environments, society can empower individuals with verbal autism to live fulfilling and enriched lives.

https://www.adinaaba.com/verbal-autism-in-aba-therap

https://www.verywellhealth.com/speech-vs-communication

https://www.thetransmitter.org/how-to-define-verbal-ability-in-autistic-children

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Implementation of an Integrated Approach in Speech Therapy Examination

• First Online: 07 May 2024

Cite this chapter

• Elena L. Voroshilova   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3782-3823 4 ,
• Olga E. Gribova   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6289-4703 4 ,
• Tatyana V. Koshechkina   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5889-4156 4 &
• Alevtina Y. Dymkova   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5151-8753 4  

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Speech therapy examination is one of the most important stages in the system of psychological and pedagogical support. Currently, there are various approaches to its planning and implementation. Most often, a “modular approach” is used in which each component of the speech-language system is considered in isolation, which prevents the formation of a holistic view of the level of formation of the child’s speech activity and the specifics of the manifestation of speech underdevelopment. This approach is contrasted with an integrated approach to speech therapy examination. The research reveals the essence of the integrated approach as a methodological basis for organizing the process of speech therapy examination.

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Acknowledgments

The research was carried out within the framework of the research “Clinical, psychological and pedagogical research of a modern child with disabilities.”

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Elena L. Voroshilova, Olga E. Gribova, Tatyana V. Koshechkina & Alevtina Y. Dymkova

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Voroshilova, E.L., Gribova, O.E., Koshechkina, T.V., Dymkova, A.Y. (2024). Implementation of an Integrated Approach in Speech Therapy Examination. In: Solovyova, T.A., Arinushkina, A.A., Kochetova, E.A. (eds) Educational Management and Special Educational Needs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57970-7_10

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