Communication Exchange - Independent Speech & Language Therapy

22/07/2025

I know I’ve posted something similar before but it still resonates.

11/04/2025

Rethinking and how often, as adults, we operate side-by-side

Just because they’re not talking doesn’t mean they’re not connecting.
Just because they’re not playing together doesn’t mean they’re not playing with.

Parallel play—when kids play side-by-side, doing their own thing—is often misunderstood as a “baby” stage of development. But here’s the truth: older kids do it, too. Teens do it. Adults do it…ever heard of coworking spaces?

In a healthy play ecosystem, not every moment needs to be loud, cooperative, or obviously social. Some kids draw next to each other without a word and still feel deeply seen. Others build in quiet rhythm, sharing glances, ideas, or just space. This kind of play honors autonomy while building belonging.

When we zoom out, the play ecosystem isn’t just about what kids do—it’s about the invisible threads between them:
• Proximity that builds comfort
• Mirroring that builds connection
• Quiet that builds trust

They are playing together—just not the way adults expect.

31/03/2025

19/02/2025

11/11/2024

A helpful visual for explaining how aspects of can present in the classroom and at home

Our 'DLD Bubble' resource is an eye catching way to explain the features of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Please share it widely. It would make a great addition to a presentation or a notice board.

Please note that this is a general guide, designed to raise awareness, and that DLD presents very differently in different people. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have DLD then please consult professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists/ Speech-Language Pathologists.

To download the resource go to:
https://radld.org/dld-awareness-day/resources-media-ideas/teacher-kit/

04/11/2024

New Online Training for Parents/Carers: Understanding and Supporting your Child

We have some spaces available on our new Parent/Carers sessions starting this week. Understanding and Supporting Your Child, is a two session input for parents currently waiting for assessment from CAMHS and for those who may have questions about some areas of their child's development. As parents/carers, if we have a good understanding of our child's challenges, we can put in strategies now to support our child's development. Anxiety can be high, but with a good understanding, we can significantly reduce this in a proactive and preventive way by adapting environments to better suit a child's needs.

Booking via Eventbrite:

Wednesday 6th & 13th November 6.00 - 7.30pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1059904375519?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday 20th &27th November 12.30 - 2.00pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1059525773109?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/09/2024

This is a great tool...How would you fill in this wheel?
https://livedexperienceeducator.com/blog/thespectrumofexecutivefunction

27/08/2024

All about the protective factors or conditions that make the difference to a young person who is tries more than you realise

12/08/2024

Brilliant check-in before an ‘ask’ 👍

This is good! Interoception at work here! This plays a major role in EF skills. https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-interoception/

12/08/2024

Did you know that proprioception can significantly enhance attention, focus, and other executive functioning skills? Proprioceptive activities, like the options in the image, provide deep pressure input that helps regulate the nervous system. https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/

Heavy work input through the proprioceptive system can be calming and organizing, making it easier for individuals to concentrate and stay on task. Engaging in these exercises can improve body awareness, which is crucial for planning and executing movements effectively. https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-activities-improves-body-awareness/

By integrating proprioceptive activities into daily routines, individuals can experience better self-regulation, reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive functions, leading to improved performance in academic and everyday tasks.

💚Image lists proprioception ideas: Wall push ups, hand squeezes, jumping jacks, animal walks, chair push ups, obstacle courses, deep breathing, weighted blankets, resistance tunnel, weighted ball use, therapy band exercises, burrito roll in in a blanket, stomping, planks, joint compression, therapy ball activities, massage, crab walks, bear walks, wheelbarrow walking with hands on tape lines to keep it slow and controlled, body sock, yoga, push ups, chair dips, squish between couch cushions...

08/08/2024

Please see the picture below for information on our Sensory Training for Education Staff✏️! This is for anyone who works in education across Tayside and would like to learn more about sensory processing and how to support young people within education settings. The link below leads you to the form to book a space, or you can scan the QR code in the photo. Please feel free to pass this onto anyone you think would like to attend! Happy Training! 🙋‍♀️🏆🙋‍♂️
https://forms.office.com/e/zjpn5jGdRq