Speech Therapy Adventures

02/07/2025

Just before the school holidays wrapped up, I had the chance to run another DIR 101 training—this time with an amazing team from AWWA.

The group included Paediatric OTs, Speech Therapists, and Physios from Early Intervention Centres and the DS-LS Programme. I loved how interactive and thoughtful they were—asking questions, reflecting on their practice, and finding connections between DIR Floortime and their own roles.

These were such rich discussions, and it’s always meaningful to be part of a group’s discovery process as they explore a relationship-based, developmental approach to therapy. 💛

18/06/2025

Hearing loss affects people of all ages and often goes unnoticed and hearing loss is more common than you think! 👂
Help is available💡

Hearing loss is a common condition, affecting 3% of Singaporeans—and over 16% of those aged above 60. Dr Goh Xueying, a Consultant at the Department of Otola...

10/06/2025

Another incredible run of DIR Floortime 101 with the amazing social work team at MINDS!

We were deeply inspired by this passionate and skilled group of professionals who serve clients across the lifespan—from children to adults, and in a wide range of settings: homes, schools, and community services. Their commitment to providing holistic, person-centered support was truly impressive.

This time, the training included real-world examples from adult clients, making the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) more relatable and easier to recognize in their day-to-day work. It was a powerful reminder that DIR Floortime is a universal model—supporting emotional development and connection at every age, from infants to the elderly.

It was a privilege to facilitate such meaningful discussions with a transdisciplinary team who were eager to collaborate, learn, and build a shared language to better support the people they serve.

Thank you, MINDS, for the incredible work you do and for your openness to learning a relationship-based approach.

30/05/2025

🎉 We Did It! Speech Therapy Adventures is now ICDL Accredited! 🎉

I’m incredibly proud to share that Speech Therapy Adventures has officially been awarded ICDL accreditation—and we’re the first organization in Singapore to receive this honor! 🥇

This accreditation is not just a badge—it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the DIRFloortime® model as the heart of our practice. We underwent a rigorous process to demonstrate that everything we do—from clinical care and caregiver support to staff development and community collaboration—is firmly rooted in developmental, respectful, and neurodiversity-affirming values.

🌱 What is Floortime?
DIRFloortime® is a respectful, playful approach to addressing social communication difficulties across the spectrum. It helps children grow both socially and cognitively by meeting them where they are developmentally and guiding them toward higher-order thinking. Through meaningful interaction and shared joy, we enhance emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving—all essential for academic and lifelong learning.

We don’t follow behaviorist models. We don’t “fix” children. We connect, honor their uniqueness, and nurture their growth—not only for children, but also for the adults and families we serve.

At Speech Therapy Adventures:
✨ We follow each child’s lead.
✨ We support parents and caregivers with authenticity and empathy.
✨ We honour each person’s unique profile—whether child or adult.
✨ We build real relationships, not just with our clients but also with the families and professionals who walk alongside us.

This same philosophy flows into how we collaborate with other professionals, community organizations, and even in how we design our programs. Respect. Connection. Growth.

🌱 With this accreditation, we are now also able to offer DIRFloortime® 201 courses locally in Singapore—empowering other professionals and organizations to bring this powerful approach to even more families.

If you’re looking for therapy that is fun, joyful, and developmentally meaningful, or if your organization is interested in hosting a Level 200 DIRFloortime® course, I’d love to connect.

📩 Reach out anytime—we’re just getting started!

12/05/2025

What’s the difference between speech, language, and communication?
Ever wondered what a Speech Therapist really looks for when working with your child? In this video, I break down the key areas we assess—speech clarity, language development, and social communication—and explain how each one plays a role in your child’s ability to connect, express, and grow.

11/05/2025

🌟 Closing Two Enriching Days of Floortime in Mandarin! 🌟

Two days of speaking (almost) non-stop Mandarin later... my brain is definitely ready for a nap — but my heart is so full! 💛

What a joy and privilege it was to teach and learn alongside such an engaged group of professionals from across China. This group brought curiosity, passion, and a growing familiarity with the developmental model — something that really stood out to me this time. In our August cohort last year, 45% were already using a developmental approach; this year, that number jumped to 58%! A steady shift is happening, and it’s exciting to see Floortime gaining ground.

Over the two days, we dived into the core pillars of Floortime: regulation, connection, and engagement. Everyone took on the challenge of crafting their own memorable phrases for each Functional Emotional Developmental Capacity (FEDC) — and their take on FEDC 1 was especially heartfelt and clever.

We even had a mini quiz to wrap up our learning on Day 2 — and not one, but two participants tied for the 3 top spots on the leaderboard! 🧠✨ This group really absorbed the material and came alive with thoughtful questions and great energy. They warmed up fast and weren’t afraid to dig deep — which made the discussions all the more meaningful.

To all who joined us: thank you for your stories, your insights, and your incredible dedication to the children and families you serve. You made these two days both impactful and fun — and I truly hope this is just the start of more shared learning, across languages, time zones, and hearts.

#早期干预 #融合教育

08/05/2025

🌸 This Mother’s Day weekend, I’ll be doing something special — teaching the second run of DIR 101 in Mandarin! 🌸

It’s been days of preparation, practice, and polishing my Mandarin speaking skills. Each time I teach this course, it feels a little different — more refined, more connected, and always more meaningful.

This round feels particularly special. I’m thrilled to have an additional guest speaker and a course facilitator joining me, making this learning experience even more engaging for our participants. It’s heartwarming to see the Mandarin-speaking community coming together to bring DIRFloortime® to families and professionals in China.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. Here’s to nurturing relationships, supporting emotional development, and growing our practice together. 💬❤️

#母亲节周末

02/05/2025

🌟 What an unforgettable Saturday! 🌟

It was truly an honour to partner with Faith Hearing and Cochlear for a powerful session on Hearing Advocacy in the Workplace—a topic that doesn’t often get the spotlight it deserves.

🎙️ We explored what it really means to thrive at work with hearing challenges. Because let’s face it—success takes two hands to clap.
✅ Yes, workplace practices must become more inclusive.
✅ And yes, individuals with hearing loss need practical tools to advocate for themselves confidently.

In this talk, we didn’t just say, “Speak up for yourself.”
We showed how—with real strategies, real disclosure frameworks, and real success stories from inspiring professionals who’ve done it themselves.

💬 The feedback? Overwhelmingly positive—with 100% of attendees saying they were extremely satisfied. We’re still soaking it in!

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to explain your hearing needs, ask for support at work, or handle tricky conversations with confidence—
✨ Then our July Hearing Advocacy Programme is for you.

📅 4 weeks.
🗣️ Real-life roleplays.
💪 Skills you can actually use.

Visit www.speechtherapyadventures.com.sg to learn more and register.

Let’s build a workplace culture where everyone is heard—and understood.

19/03/2025

✨ Reflections on an Inspiring 2-Day DIR Floortime Training! ✨

Over the past two days, I had the privilege of delivering a certified DIR Floortime course to an incredible group of Allied Health Professionals—Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, Social Workers, and Psychologists from MINDS.

From the outset, participants brought diverse perspectives to the training. Some arrived eager to deepen their understanding, while others were unsure of what to expect. Despite these differences, one thing remained constant—everyone was open to learning. As we progressed through the course, many found their existing beliefs challenged by the Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model, prompting thoughtful discussions and new insights.

💡 Standout Moments:
🔹 A fresh perspective on child development that shifts traditional approaches.
🔹 Recognizing play as a powerful tool for emotional and social regulation.
🔹 Emphasizing relationships as the foundation before focusing on skill development.
🔹 Witnessing "aha" moments as case studies and videos brought theory to life, bridging concepts to real-world practice.

💬 Feedback Highlights:
✅ 98% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the course deepened their expertise in DIR Floortime.
✅ Many found the delivery engaging and appreciated the structured, theoretical approach.
✅ The biggest takeaway? The importance of being present, attuned, and flexible in interactions with our clients.

It was truly an honor to guide this group through such meaningful discussions. Seeing professionals from different fields collaborate and exchange ideas reaffirmed why I love teaching DIR Floortime—it fosters connection, understanding, and a shared commitment to supporting clients of all ages.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended! I’m excited to see how you apply these principles in your work.

03/03/2025

🎙️ Advocating for Hearing on World Hearing Day at CNA938 🎧

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to speak on CNA938 with presenter Cheryl Goh in conjunction with World Hearing Day! We had a meaningful one-hour conversation about the realities of hearing loss—how it affects daily life, the link between peripheral hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults, the challenges of self-advocacy, and most importantly, how we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with hearing impairment.

One key topic we discussed was how to help individuals cope with frustration and isolation. Hearing loss isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection. Many struggle not just with the physical challenge of hearing but also with the emotional toll of feeling left out in conversations. Beyond communication strategies and assistive technology like live captioning, community support plays a vital role.

This is exactly the kind of advocacy and awareness we need to normalise in workplaces and everyday life.

Let’s keep this conversation going—how do you support inclusion for those with hearing loss in your community or workplace? 💬👇

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here:
🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/daily-cuts/wellness-hour-world-hearing-day-hearing-struggles-those-hearing-loss-4972191

23/01/2025

🎙️ What an Exciting Day!

I had the privilege of sharing about speech therapy on my very first radio interview today at Mediacorp. What made it extra special was being hosted by Soo Sien, whose warmth and familiarity made me feel so at ease.

We talked about so many important topics, like:
✔️ When should parents consider speech therapy for their child?
✔️ What does a speech therapist actually do?
✔️ How can parents play an active role in their child’s progress?

You can catch the full conversation here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/daily-cuts/when-does-someone-need-speech-therapy-4891216?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_23012025_cna

✨ Speech Therapy Isn’t Just About Speech
Many parents think speech therapy is just about articulation, but it’s so much more than that! It’s about helping children communicate—whether it’s forming longer sentences, navigating social communication, or even building skills like turn-taking and understanding emotions. We also support adults with challenges like hearing loss and adjusting to cochlear implants.

🌟 The Value of Early Intervention
One of the key messages I shared was this: the earlier we can help a child, the better the outcomes. If you’ve noticed your child struggling with communication—whether it’s speech sounds, understanding language, or social skills—don’t wait. Seeking support early can make a world of difference in their development.

💡 Every Child Teaches Us Something New
As a therapist, I’ve had the joy of learning so much from the children and families I work with. Each journey is unique, and the progress we make together is a testament to the power of connection, understanding, and play-based learning.

If you’re curious about how speech therapy could support your child or you’re just looking for a little encouragement, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep this conversation going—you are your child’s biggest advocate!

23/01/2025

🎙️ What a Memorable Experience!

Today, I had the privilege of stepping into the Mediacorp studio for my very first radio interview. What made it even more special was having a familiar face, Soo Sien, as my host. Her warmth and expertise made it an easy and enjoyable conversation.

During the interview, we delved into some important topics that are close to my heart. (You can listen to the podcast here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/daily-cuts/when-does-someone-need-speech-therapy-4891216?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_23012025_cna)

✨ The Diversity of Speech Therapy
Speech therapists work with a broad range of individuals—from children with articulation challenges, language delays, and social communication needs to adults facing difficulties like hearing loss or adjusting to life with cochlear implants. The variety in this field keeps me continuously learning and growing, making every day unique and impactful.

🌟 The Importance of Early Intervention
One key message I wanted to emphasize during the interview is the value of seeking help early. Whether it’s a toddler struggling with speech sounds or a child navigating social communication skills, early intervention can unlock their potential and set them on a path for success.

💡 A Profession of Fulfillment and Perspective
As I reflect on my journey as a speech therapist, I am constantly reminded how rewarding this career is. Each client I work with teaches me something new and shifts my perspective—be it about resilience, creativity, or connection. Growing older with this profession has truly been a gift.

📻 Behind the Scenes Magic
Watching Soo Sien in action was eye-opening. From reading the news flawlessly to operating multiple controls, she made a highly coordinated job look effortless. It was a reminder that, much like speech therapy, there’s often a lot of unseen effort behind the scenes to make things flow seamlessly.

For anyone considering a career in speech therapy or parents wondering whether to seek help for their child, I hope this podcast inspires you. Let’s continue empowering lives through communication.