PlayTalk&Grow Speech Therapy

01/13/2026

01/13/2026

This article supports the need for new research on alternative communication methods for nonspeakers. Rather than dismissing their abilities to have open communication on letterboards - research and prove that it's possible.

"At least one third of autistic people have limited or no speech. Most nonspeaking autistic people are never provided alternatives that would enable the full range of expression that speech allows, significantly limiting their access to educational, social, and employment opportunities."

"In fact, other research shows that influence does not always occur, and there are independent typers who attribute their skill to the range of assistance they received during training. We believe it is time to revisit assisted methods to teach typing in order to understand their potential, as well as their limits, including how successful learners became independent and for whom these methods would be a good match."

At least one third of autistic people have limited or no speech. Most nonspeaking autistic people are never provided alternatives that would enable the full range of expression that speech allows, si...

01/13/2026

Chrissy has been learning something new over the last 8 months. She is a conditional graduate of the Spelling2Communicate practitioner training from i-ASC. Only a few final competencies to go and then she will be a fully certified S2C practitioner.

She is working with nonspeakers and minimal speakers to support their communication letterboards and is having a lot of success!

Listen to spellers and nonspeakers. They have so much to say!
Learn more about S2C: https://i-asc.org/

01/08/2026

✨ Now Accepting New Speech Therapy Clients! ✨
No waitlist — openings are available to start immediately! We’re here to support communication growth in a fun, caring environment.
📩 Email us or call today to reserve your spot.
office@playtalkandgrow.com
(828) 656-5188

12/23/2025

Hi! Welcome to PlayTalk&Grow, where learning feels like play and every child’s voice matters. We’re so excited to show you around our pediatric speech therapy clinic and share how we support communication, confidence, and connection—one child at a time.

Accepting new patients!! Call now!

📍West Asheville, North Carolina
📞 Call us: 828-656-5188
📧 Email us: office@playtalkandgrow.com

12/11/2025

While the SLPs in NC won yesterday and our Medicaid rates will be restored to the September 30th rate, it's not over. The government has to pass a budget early next year to keep funding Medicaid, or many will lose their funding, and the problem is far worse than our reduced rates. These cuts are a result of reduced federal and state funding and failure to pass budgets. We need our representatives to hear from those this will affect!!!

This is an announcement from NC Medicaid posted yesterday:

-NC Medicaid Provider Rate Update
A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid
Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of North Carolina. We know the provider rate reductions implemented in October created real challenges for you, your staff, and the individuals you serve. Those reductions were necessary to keep the Medicaid program solvent in the absence of adequate funding from the General Assembly.

Recent court rulings now require NCDHHS to reverse those reductions and restore rates to their September 30, 2025 levels. While this change brings short-term relief, it is important to be clear: the underlying financial crisis has not been resolved.
Medicaid is currently underfunded by $319 million. With the rate reductions no longer an available tool at this time, NCDHHS now has no remaining mechanisms to responsibly manage this funding gap. As a result, the Medicaid program is projected to run out of money early next year.

If this happens, the consequences will be far more severe than the rate change. The stability of the entire Medicaid program – and the care provided to more than three million North Carolinians – is at risk.
We want to ensure you have a clear understanding of the situation:

The restoration of rates does not mean the problem has been resolved.

The financial risk to Medicaid is greater now than before.
Decisions about future funding are solely in the hands of the General Assembly.

We will continue to communicate transparently as the situation evolves and keep you informed of any developments that may affect the people you serve. We remain deeply grateful for your partnership and dedication during this time of significant uncertainty.

Send a message to learn more

11/03/2025

Bring your speller to Atlanta! I'll be there interning to finish my training!

S2C Internship Outreach: Georgia
December 12 -16
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

I-ASC will be conducting an Internship Outreach for S2C Practitioners in Training under the supervision and mentorship of Elizabeth Vosseller. Interns will offer FREE S2C sessions to complete the internship portion of I-ASC's S2C Practitioner Training Program.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (FREE)
https://i-asc.org/event/s2c-internship-outreach-georgia/

10/31/2025

Let’s go skate!!!

Sensory friendly and homeschool opportunities!!!

Hours of Operation & Session Times
Monday – Friday, (Nov 26 - Dec 19 and January 5 - 16)
3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturdays, Sunday and Holiday Season, (Dec 20 - January 4 & 1/19)
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours:
December 24: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
December 25: CLOSED

Special Programming & Events
Tuesdays: Weekly Locals Family Skate – Half Price Admission

Wednesdays: Old-Time Christmas Concerts
Sessions: 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting)

Thursdays: Holiday Movie Nights
Start time: 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy the show from the rink or from a skate-side chair.

Movie Schedule:
11.27: Nightmare Before Christmas
12.4: Elf
12.11: Home Alone
12.18: A Christmas Story
1.1: Frozen
1.8: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone

Inclusive Skate Nights
Sensory-friendly evenings with reduced lighting, lower music volume, smaller crowds, and trained staff. Chairs and other skating assist will be available
Dates: December 1, and 15
Session Times: 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Middle School Skate
A special session just for middle schoolers.
Date: December 8
Session Times: 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Homeschool Skate
A special session just for homeschoolers.
Date: Every Thursday and Friday by advance group booking only. Email info@ashevilleyards.com
Session Times: 10:00 a.m, 11:30 a.m.. and 1:00 p.m.

More info: https://www.ashevilleyards.com/ice-rink/

09/28/2025

October is AAC awareness month! If you have been wanting an AAC app for your child or to build your selection as a SLP, now is the time! Discounts all month.

WooHoo! It’s almost October 🎉 …which means it’s almost time for AMAZING deals on AAC apps and special education supports for AAC Awareness Month!

A huge THANK YOU 🙏 to the vendors and developers who make these important supports accessible to more people in our AAC community.

💡 I’ve put together two downloadable versions:
• Graphic (clickable PDF with all the deals)
• Screenreader-friendly, simplified text version

👉 Download them here: https://bit.ly/AACAwarenessDeals2025

Let’s spread the word so families, educators, and professionals can take advantage of these savings all month long!

09/28/2025

We are looking for another SLP to join our Team!!! Send resumes to office@playtalkandgrow.com

We are looking for a clinician who is passionate about our field. Must be well-versed in neurodiversity affirming practices and use a strengths-based model. Desired experience of up to 2 years in the field with knowledge in Articulation Disorders and treatment strategies, AAC, language, autism, and early intervention. Full-time position available. Base salary or paid per-visit pay scale.

You will be taking over an existing caseload of 30-40 patients. Most of these patients are children with articulation delays.

09/14/2025

Discover what teens have to say about our group! We are looking for more teens to join our Neurodiverse Teen Group.

All genders are welcome. Ages 16-18 with an interest in meeting other teens. This is a hangout group. We play games, have snacks, and have conversations. It's not therapy, but guidance is offered if there is interest.

We meet on Monday evenings at 5:00 p.m. at our office. Cost is $20 per meeting, but we are flexible if this is a barrier.

Contact Chrissy at office@playtalkandgrow.com to enroll or for more details.