What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)? Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech. The child knows what they want to say, but their brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements necessary to say those words. In other words, the child knows what they want to say, but their brain has trouble making the muscle movements in their jaw, tongue,…
Speech Pathology for Lisps in Children: How Our Bondi Junction and Mascot Clinics Can Help Parents often contact our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics looking for Speech Pathology assessments for lisps in children. A lisp usually occurs when children have trouble producing specific sounds, particularly ‘s’ and ‘z’. In some cases, other sounds like ‘sh’, ‘ch’, and ‘zh’ are also affected. If you’re concerned about your child’s lisp, here’s what you need to know. Types of Lisps There are different types of lisps that children can experience: Interdental Lisp: This happens when a child produces ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds with…
Sensory issues in autism are very challenging. They challenge the child, parents, teachers and therapists. The sensory responses interfere with a child’s ability to learn. The Early Start Denver Model, ESDM, uses specific techniques to address the sensory issues of children with autism during the session. WHAT ARE SENSORY PROBLEMS? Young children with autism frequently have sensory issues. It is part of the diagnosis criteria for autism. We describe some children as ‘under responsive’. Theses children often appear passive and lethargic. Other children are described as ‘over responsive’. They children are more active and restless, and attention is poor. Some…
What is a Certified ESDM Therapist? A Certified ESDM Therapist is a professional trained to deliver the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) to fidelity. This means they can implement the ESDM accurately and effectively, ensuring the best outcomes for children with autism. Training and Certification Process To become certified, therapists must complete all levels of the ESDM training. After the initial training, they undergo 6-12 months of intensive training to meet ESDM fidelity expectations. This period involves: Submitting Videos: Therapists submit a series of videos demonstrating their ability to deliver the ESDM accurately. Writing Individualised Programs: They must prove they…
Why Are Children Picky Eaters? Understanding the Causes and Solutions If you’re a parent dealing with a picky eater, you’re not alone. Many families face the challenge of getting their children to eat a balanced diet. Understanding why children are picky eaters can help you develop strategies to encourage healthier eating habits. In this blog, we’ll explore the various reasons behind picky eating and offer some tips to address this common issue. Developmental Stages and Natural Preferences The Toddler Phase Picky eating often begins in toddlerhood, a period when children are naturally exploring their environment and asserting their independence. During…
Supporting Social Skills Development in Preschool with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Parents eagerly watch for their child’s social skills to develop during playdates, at the playground, and in preschool. However, socialising in preschool can be more challenging for some children, particularly those with autism. Learning social skills with a therapist doesn’t always ensure that a child will apply them effectively in a preschool setting. So, how do we support children in their Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) sessions to help them interact with peers and make friends in preschool? This is where ESDM social skills groups play a…
Unlocking Communication: AAC for Children with Autism and the Power of ESDM As a parent or educator of a child with autism, you know that communication can be one of the most challenging aspects of their development. You might have tried numerous strategies, feeling the frustration of limited progress. But there’s a beacon of hope that has proven to be a game-changer: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Paired with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy, AAC can transform the way children with autism communicate and engage with the world. Let’s explore how these powerful tools can unlock your child’s…