Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can be an inconvenience. It can be especially inconvenient around the holidays when eating is a huge part of gathering in today's society. Jenny Overly, a registered dietician, discusses the importance of effectively modifying textures of foods without sacrificing enjoyment or dining experience.
World Series Athlete Speaks About His Stutter
George Springer plays center field for the Houston Astros. The Astros clinched a spot in the World Series this season and they currently lead the series 3 games to 2. What you might not know about George Springer is that he stutters. George openly discusses his stutter and it's impact on his childhood and baseball career in the interview below. George is currently a spokesperson for the Stutter Association for the Young (SAY) where he encourages kids to be who they are and enjoy life, stutter and all!
See the full interview here.
To learn more about SAY, visit their website.
"Kids Really Rock" Day at Lawn On D
On Sunday, October 1st, Boston's "Lawn on D" is hosting a kid's day with family-friendly music, food, and art activities. Check out the website for lawn hours, directions, and more details about the event!
Join the 3rd Annual "A Cure in the Nick of Time" Event
Join the Speech Language Pathology Center Team in supporting our good friend!
A Cure in the Nick of Time
Third Annual Run / Walk
Saturday, September 30th 2017
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
9:00 AM Registration
The Powder Point Loop
Starting at Duxbury High School
Runners and Walkers of all levels and ages are welcome
Awards will be presented to the top finishers
Raffle will be held in the High School following the event
100% of proceeds will be donated to the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF)
Visit www.acureinthenickoftime.com for more information and to make a donation!
May the day bring sunshine for this year's walk! Best wishes from the SLP Center 2016 Team.
Back to School Sleep Tips
The kids are back in school, but are their sleeping habits back in a routine yet? If not, check out these tips from the National Sleep Foundation to promote healthy sleep habits all year!
Patriots Opening Day is Thursday!
Thursday, September 7th is opening day for the NFL and the Patriots will be kicking off the season against the Kansas City Chiefs!
Wear your Pats gear to speech therapy on Thursday to show your team spirit!
Free Apps for Preschoolers!
Check out this list for the top 100 applications for preschool-aged children.
This list includes educational apps, game play, and more!
Target Releases New Line of Sensory-Friendly Clothing for Kids
It's time for back-to-school shopping, again! Target is hoping to ease the difficulty of shopping for clothes by releasing a new line of sensory-friendly clothing items for kids. "Cat & Jack" is Target's house brand and will now include the new, affordable items! Kudos, Target!
Learn more about the clothing line in this article!
Could this glove help Parkinson's sufferers?
A new glove, called GyroGlove, was developed to help lessen tremors for individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease. This glove is reported to assist with steady and deliberate movements. The glove was developed by a medical student in London and is expected to be released in 2018.
SLPs and Skepticism of Baby Food Pouches
Baby food pouches are a quick, convenient alternative for busy parents and hungry children. Speech-Language Pathologists are skeptical of their benefits, as they can be associated with underdeveloped oral motor skills, limited food exposure, and picky eating habits.
Natalie Stasenko, a registered dietician, outlines her opinion on baby food pouches in an article with Parents Magazine. Read the full article here.
ABC's New Show Follows the Life of a Doctor with Autism
This fall ABC is set to debut a new TV series called "The Good Doctor". The show follows the life of a young doctor, diagnosed with autism and savant syndrome. He is believed to be medically gifted, but his colleagues are skeptical.
Tune in Monday, September 25 at 10 PM for the series premier.
Cognitive Training May Help Delay Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers have reviewed the current literature in regards to cognitive training and it's effects on memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. There is strong evidence to support that specialized cognitive training can help delay memory loss. Other efforts including controlling blood pressure and including aerobic exercise in your day to day routine.
Free Fun Fridays in Boston This Summer!
Approximately 85 museums are waiving admission fees this summer. Don't miss your chance to explore Boston!
"Here’s how it works: A handful or two’s worth of museums waive all fees on one designated Friday between June 23 and Aug. 25. All together, that means 10 days of free museum access throughout the summer. The deal is for guests of all ages, whether they live in state or out of state. Parking and transportation are not included."
The World's First Water Park For People With Disabilities
Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio, TX
Gordon and Maggie Hartman of San Antonio, TX have opened a one-of-a-kind theme park in honor of their daughter, Morgan, who has physical and cognitive challenges. Gordon Hartman recognizes that "families with special-needs members have great demands on both their financial and emotional resources led to his commitment to admit anyone with a special need free of charge."
The theme park includes a water park, swing park, carousel, gymnasium, picnic areas, ferris wheel, music garden, express train, and more! The park is ultra-accessible, including recessed bases/swings/pods on rides for wheelchairs, braille signage, and rubberized surfaces with ramps throughout. Their mission is to "provide a safe, clean and beautiful environment free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals – regardless of age, special need or disability – can come to and enjoy."
Autism Eats promotes "autism-friendly" family dining!
Harbor Fire Bar & Grill - 239 Dyke Road, Marshfield, MA
June 13, 2017 6:00-8:00 PM
Visit "Autism Eats" by selecting the picture above for tickets and information.
Excerpt from Autism Eats website: “For those of us who have a child with autism dining out can be anxiety provoking and stressful. As parents, we may feel that "all eyes are on us" when our kids exhibit certain behaviors, have outbursts or refuse to sit still. Other diners may be disturbed and the well intentioned wait staff doesn't really know the best way to help out. Many of us decide it is just not worth the effort and that is unfortunate. We created Autism Eats to bring the fun back to eating out. Our dinner parties are held in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities. Food is served buffet or family style so there is no waiting. Music and lighting are adjusted to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.”
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!
May brings sunshine, warmer weather, and beautiful flowers in bloom! It's also Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM)! BHSM is designed to raise awareness about communication disorders. The American Speech and Hearing Association and it's members play a vital role in providing treatment to those affected by speech, language, and hearing disorders.
To celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month, the SLP Center will be offering complimentary speech and language screenings. Call the office at 781-792-2700 to schedule a screening today!
Comedy for Kids with Autism at ImprovBoston!
ImprovBoston is hosting a daytime comedy event for kids with autism and their families. This event is designed to provide a fun environment for kids "without fear of loud noises, sudden light changes, or intimidating moments onstage."
Event info: "Improv for Everyone" Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:00AM at ImprovBoston in Cambridge, MA. See the link below for tickets!
"A downloadable guide will preview the structure of the show, the audience experience start to finish, the layout of the venue and the available quiet room, the sensory-friendly production adjustments, and where they can sit if they’d like to participate. The cast will also provide visual prompts to take suggestions for kids who communicate visually rather than verbally."
Go Green this Earth Day!
Saturday, April 22, 2017 is Earth Day!
Earth Day began in 1970 when there was a national movement to improve our environment. See the link below to find ways you can get involved in and around Boston. Let's all go green together for a healthier world!
“Light It Up Blue” for World Autism Awareness Day! #LIUB
April is World Autism Month! Let’s kick it off on April 2, 2017, World Autism Awareness Day. This is Autism Speaks 9th annual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, designed to increase awareness and acceptance. Wear blue to show your support of those living with autism. Visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/LIUB to learn more!
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month in April!
Read the discount details by selecting the Proloquo2go picture ->