A to Z Speech Therapy

06/23/2025

x x invite you to a Mom’s Night Out! 🖤 Join us on July 25th from 5–7 PM at Brass + Oak for shopping, connection, and raffles from some of your favorite local Brighton businesses!
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06/16/2025

Wondering when your child should be saying certain speech sounds? Here’s a quick breakdown of articulation norms by age!⁣

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Contact us if you have concerns about your child’s speech, we’re here to help!⁣ 🗣️🩵
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06/12/2025

Turn popsicle sticks into powerful myo tools this summer! 😋☀️

Here are 3 simple, effective ways we use a popsicle stick to support oral motor skills (and why they matter!):

1️⃣ Touch “the Spot”
Rub the stick just behind the upper front teeth (on the alveolar ridge) to help your child find their tongue’s rest spot.
➡️ Supports proper oral rest posture — tongue up, lips closed, breathing through the nose.

2️⃣ Lip Seal Challenge
Place the stick between the lips (no teeth!) and hold it there for a few seconds (or longer!).
➡️ Strengthens the orbicularis oris muscles and promotes nasal breathing which is essential for facial development and airway health.

3️⃣ Tongue Movements
Place the stick to the side or top of the mouth and encourage your child to reach their tongue to touch the stick side to side and up and down. Then, gently scrape the sides of the tongue to create a “skinny” tongue shape.
➡️ These movements build tongue strength, coordination, and awareness which are critical for clear speech, safe swallowing, and efficient feeding.

Try this after snack time for a fun, functional oral motor boost!
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06/11/2025

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Eight years after being featured on World News Tonight, David Muir shares the inspiring milestone achieved by Robby Heil – the former team hydration manager who became a football hero.

06/04/2025

If your search history looks like this, you’re not alone! Parents want answers, especially when it comes to their child’s development. We’re here to help! 🩵
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A to Z Speech Therapy is a mother-daughter owned private practice offering speech, language, and orofacial myofunctional therapy for pediatric clients. We also offer social skills groups, educator in-services, and parent education consults.

06/02/2025

If you’ve seen us out and about, you’ve probably spotted this logo with our favorite phrase on the back of our t-shirts! 🩵

This summer, keep your child’s progress moving forward or give them a head start before school begins. We’re offering virtual and in-office speech and myofunctional therapy tailored just for your child.

Contact us today to get on the schedule! ☀️

05/29/2025

Intern Introduction! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Kaitlin Ruschak, our graduate student intern from Grand Valley State University to A to Z Speech Therapy starting at the end of June! As a GVSU alum myself, this feels like such a full-circle moment! ⚓️💙

Here’s a little bit about Kaitlin:
“My name is Kaitlin Ruschak. I am in graduate school at Grand Valley State University. I have always loved working with kids and I’m excited to be able to continue helping children with their speech needs while working at A to Z Speech Therapy this summer. Outside of work, I love playing pickleball with friends or going for long walks outside.”

We can’t wait for you all to meet her!

05/27/2025

Not every tongue or lip tie needs to be released! That’s why a full functional evaluation is key! 👅👄

A release may be needed if the tie:
• Impacts feeding or swallowing
• Affects speech or oral movement
• Contributes to mouth breathing or sleep issues
• Makes oral hygiene difficult or painful (especially with lip ties near the upper gumline)

Myofunctional therapy can support progress BEFORE and AFTER a release.

We have a trusted list of providers who perform frenectomies if needed and we’re happy to help guide you!
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05/19/2025

This is a great option for families interested in our social skills summer camp!

‼️The deadline to apply for recreation scholarships is May 30‼️

Scholarships of up to $400 are awarded to eligible children with IEPs and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to participate in camp or recreational fun! Funds are limited, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Apply today!

For more information and to access the application, visit https://www.arclivingston.com/scholarships/