Unbabbled

According to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, an estimated 1 in 59 children in the U.S. have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls). While the prevalence of autism has increased over the past decade, it’s still a confusing, overwhelming and unfamiliar diagnosis for many families. In this episode, we speak with Cathy Guttentag, P...

It’s December and for many that means the start of a very busy holiday season. From travel, to major changes in schedules, to unfamiliar holiday traditions, this can be a difficult season for children to navigate. However, there are a few simple strategies parents can use to take some stress out of the holidays for the whole family.  In this episode, our hosts Meredith and Stephanie discuss a numb...

Research shows that children as young as elementary school are having experiences with drugs, alcohol, suicide and bullying, with cyber bullying peaking in sixth and seventh grades. However, there are strategies parents and educators can implement to help children avoid engaging in these high-risk behaviors.  In this episode, Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S discusses high-risk behaviors in children an...

Recorded live from an adult education session held at The Parish School, this episode features return Unbabbled guest, author, professor and speaker, Jordan Shapiro, PhD. In this episode, Jordan delivers his presentation: “The Digital Sandbox: What Grown-Ups Need to Know About the New Childhood." He discusses the fear associated with screen time; children’s use of videogames, smart phones and...

My 18-month-old isn’t walking... My 2-year-old only says a few words... My gut tells me something’s wrong, but my pediatrician says we can wait and see. My Mom told me, “your cousin didn’t talk until 3 and she’s fine.” My friend says, “he’ll talk when he’s ready.”  Who do I listen to and where do I go for help?? If any of this sounds familiar, this episode is for you! In this episode, Anne Powers,...

Developmental milestones, standardized tests and grade standards can all be great tools for parents to use as guides. However, every child is so much more than a score or answers on a test. In this episode, Justin Keller discusses how having a child with developmental delays shifted his perspective on parenting and life in general. Justin shares how his son has changed him for the better, includin...

We can all pretty much agree that digital technologies such as tablets, smart phones, video games and social media, have changed the childhood of our youngest generation. But has the introduction of these technologies really differed all that much from the introduction of say…the sandbox?  In this episode, we chat with Jordan Shapiro, PhD, an educational pioneer, college professor and father of tw...

When people hear the term “music therapy,” the typical picture that comes to mind is using classical or new age music to reach a state of relaxation. That is just one of the common misconceptions Karina Hall, Board-Certified Music Therapist at The Parish School, addresses. During this episode, Karina explains what music therapy is, who could benefit from it, and ways music therapy can be used to s...

Since 1983, The Parish School has educated children who have communication delays and learning differences, empowering them with the tools to succeed. In this episode, The Parish School’s director of arts and sciences, Terri Garth, discusses the history of The Parish School, provides background on the school’s founder and delves into the educational philosophy, therapeutic approach, and underlying...

Back-to-school is often a time of mixed feelings for both children and parents, especially if the child has communication, motor or learning difficulties. In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Meredith discuss tips to help families make the transition from summer to school smooth and positive for the whole family. They discuss the importance of building communication with the teacher, attending mee...

“Talk to your pediatrician.” It’s the advice parents hear frequently when they have a concern about their child. However, no one tells you how to bring up these concerns or what to look for in the pediatrician’s response. In this episode, Marshall Lerman, MD discusses tips for finding a pediatrician that fits your family and bringing up concerns with your doctor, while empowering you to become a s...

Children with communication disorders and learning differences are more likely than their neurotypical peers to have mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. In this episode Lily Yoder , Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), joins us to discuss the basics of mental health in young children and the overlap between communication disorders, learni...

For parents of young children, eating is often one of their top struggles. Are they eating enough? Are they eating the right things? My child only eats nuggets, fries and crackers - help! In this episode, Occupational Therapist, Jennifer Woody, discusses picky eating and provides some much-needed clarification on what is "typical" for young children. We also provide resources for familie...

Childhood Apraxia of Speech expert Nancy Kaufman explains the unique disorder while discussing her treatment approach and steps parents can take toward diagnosis and treatment. Nancy is a speech-language pathologist, renowned expert in childhood apraxia of speech, and the owner and director of the Kaufman Children’s Center. Since 1979, she has dedicated herself to establishing the Kaufman Speech t...

According to today’s research, you need two things to be successful in adulthood, and grades aren’t one of them – social competence and grit. In this episode, nationally-recognized speaker on Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking® methodology and founder of the Social Learning program at The Parish School, Renee Attaway, discusses social-emotional learning, and its far-reaching impact on a chil...

Navigating the world of special education, communication delays and learning differences can be a challenge. Tune in twice a month to hear Stephanie Landis and Meredith Krimmel, two speech-language pathologists at The Parish School, interview guests from parents to industry professionals with the goal of providing guidance, insight and hope to those touched by children who are differently wired. E...

Playworkers Ali Wood and Jill Wood talk about adventure playgrounds and the importance of free-play and risk-taking in a child’s development. Adventure playgrounds are environments where children create their own worlds and build their own play space with a variety of tools and scrap material: lumber, hammers, nails, house paint, yards of fabric, pallets, wooden crates, and plenty of time and free...

Professor, author and creativity expert Dr. Ron Beghetto shares his advice on how parents and educators can help children utilize their strengths and develop confidence by allowing space for creativity within structured learning experiences.  Guest info, including bio, books and publications: http://www.ronaldbeghetto.com/ Support the show

Elementary educator Jessica Brock explains project/inquiry-based learning and discusses how it is an engaging and effective teaching method for children who learn differently. Definitions of Terms: Pragmatic language , also referred to as social communication, is the rules of how we use language, these often change within different social situations.  * There are three main skill areas of pragmati...