Tryumph Speech Therapy

11/01/2025

Hey, parents! Did you know your baby is communicating way before those first words? If your little one can reach or even better, point, they can make a choice!

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I want to show you how powerful this is. The very first task I used to teach my son how to choose was offering him two books during bedtime story time. This was a highly motivating activity, so he learned quickly! I’d present two book choices at a time and make sure to pause and wait. His face would light up every single time he reached out to choose which book was next. After that, I moved to simple everyday tasks like offering two food options at snack time.

I really put his skills to the test when shopping for a friend’s first birthday. Even at nine months old, my preverbal baby hand selected every single gift, including the card and gift bag! He used eye gaze, reaching, and touching to clearly tell me what he wanted to get his friend.

Give it a try! You might be surprised. Your child is more capable than you may think!

10/25/2025

Want an easy way to boost your child’s first words? Just add sound effects! 🐄🚗

As a pediatric speech therapist, I always encourage parents to use simple, everyday environmental sounds! They are highly motivating for young children and a perfect bridge to verbal imitation. Think simple animal sounds or vehicle noises like a firetruck’s exciting “wee-ooo!” 🚒

Why this works: When children are first learning to talk, it’s developmentally appropriate for them to drop final sounds. That’s why those easy, single-syllable sound effects are a great starting point! Instead of expecting the full word “milk,” try modeling “mmm” or “moo.” For a sheep, it’s just “ba-ba.”

By keeping the sounds simple and fun, you’re setting your little one up for success and making communication a positive experience!

Shout out to ! We had a blast at today’s Trucks and Treats event!

10/24/2025

ATX Parents of Big Kids: Ready to make this Halloween more than just a sugar rush? 🧐🎃👻

If your child is between 5 and 10 years old, they’re likely already strategizing about their candy haul, trades, and what to keep vs. what to share! As an in-home pediatric speech therapist right here in Austin, I know those little hands and mouths thrive on different kinds of sensory input.

Let’s give them treats that spark conversation and creativity!

Check out this reel for my top 10 non-candy items perfect for school-age kids. Think fun tools for fine motor skills, cool fidgets, or items that encourage talking about what they got! It’s a great way to support their developing communication skills without them even realizing it.

❌🍬What’s the coolest non-candy item your child has ever received? Drop it in the comments! 👇

10/19/2025

A feeding therapy secret: The goal isn’t always the bite! 🤫
Let’s shift the focus from consumption to exploration. When you remove the pressure, a child’s natural curiosity kicks in! Allowing them to touch and interact with a new food makes the experience playful, positive, and increases the chances they’ll try it later. Start with fun and the eating will follow!

08/27/2024

Kids have the best drawings!

05/07/2024

The nostalgia! 🖤🔦Shadow puppets are a fantastic way to engage kids in creative play without spending a dime. It encourages them to think outside the box, problem-solve, and even work on their storytelling skills. Plus, it's so much fun! 💡🦆🐰🐶🗣️

How to make shadow puppets in a 1930 article from Modern Mechanix.

02/12/2024

https://tryumphspeech.com/blog/language-development-milestones-the-first-3-years-what-to-expect-and-when-to-worry

01/24/2024

📚FREE 15-wk program. Starting February 5th! Register now! ⬇️
More info at: https://www.austinymca.org/childcare/early-learning-readiness/

01/17/2024

Oh, you won’t believe the amazing benefits of incorporating play into speech therapy! At Tryumph Speech Therapy, our talented speech therapist knows how to make learning a delightful and effective experience just by using simple toys such as blocks and tiles. Get ready to see your child’s speech and language skills soar! 🤗