Speech Unbound

02/06/2026

🧠 Mindful Monday Review: The Big 9 👄
Did you catch Monday’s deep dive?

If you thought Speech-Language Pathology was just about "talking," think again! According to ASHA, our scope covers 9 essential areas of communication and swallowing.
From Cognition to Feeding and AAC, we look at the whole person to help them live life, unbound. 🚀

What area are you most surprised SLPs work with?

02/06/2026

Megan says!
How to avoid burnout?

1️⃣ set up & clean up happen in the session - work on executing functioning and following directions!
2️⃣ HEP is created during the session - parents / clients take ownership!

Use session times to avoid burnout!! It’s a win-win 🥰

02/05/2026

Guilty ! 🙋🏼‍♀️🙈

02/04/2026

Pawject Manager Report: The "Big 9" (Dog Edition) 🦴
Woof woof! Otto here. On Monday, the humans shared the ASHA Big 9—the nine areas SLPs work on. But did you know that being a professional Therapy Dog also requires a very specific set of skills?

To help the students and CFs out there remember the list, here is The Big 9: Dog Version!

Speech Sounds: Mastering the perfect "Woof" vs. the "Bork." 🗣️
Fluency: Feeling confident even when my tail-wagging moves too fast and out of rhythm when I'm excited. 🐕
Voice: Using my "awoo" to say good morning and talk back. 🎤
Language: Understanding "Heel," "Wait," and most importantly, "Eat." 🥣
Hearing: Developing "selective hearing" when Mom says "With me." 👂
Feeding/Swallowing: Expert-level crumb detection and safe floor-cleaning. 🥓
Cognition: Remembering exactly what was said even when I am across the yard. 🧠
Social Com: Knowing exactly which of my SLP humans need a head-nuzzle. 🐾
AAC (Augmented Animal Comm): Using my "need to go outside" button. 🌳

Whether you're a human SLP or a four-legged assistant, communication is about connecting with people. I’m proud to support the team across all 9 areas (especially #6)!

Which "Big 9" skill is your dog best at? Let me know in the comments! 👇

ClinicalFellow

02/04/2026

oh, we’re working on verbal working memory? I know just the activity - Swiftie TikTok dance for the win! We used verbal rehearsal strategies, visualizing the dance move paired with the lyric, and lots of repetition to absolutely CRUSH this dance!

02/03/2026

Don’t be that person! Provide time for the person to answer.

This goes for our children too — don’t answer for them, don’t speak for them. Instead, pause/wait, sit in silence, give them the time to respond!

02/03/2026

Where do snowmen save their money?

02/02/2026

🧠 Mindful Monday: Beyond "Speech" – Understanding the Big 9
Ever wondered why a "Speech" Therapist is working on things like memory, swallowing, or social skills?

In the world of Speech-Language Pathology, we follow what ASHA (our national association) calls the "Big 9." These are the nine specific areas that fall under our scope of practice. Whether you are a parent or a grad student preparing for the Praxis, understanding these pillars is key to seeing the entirety to what SLPs work on & seeing the "whole person."

1. Speech sounds-Articulation/Phonology: The production of sounds and use of sounds (literacy!).
2. Fluency: The flow of speech (addressing stuttering or cluttering).
3. Voice: The quality, pitch, and volume of the voice (and vocal hygiene!).
4. Language: How we understand others (Receptive) and share our own thoughts (Expressive).
5. Hearing: Addressing how hearing loss or processing impacts communication.
6. Feeding & Swallowing: The mechanics of eating safely and expanding food variety.
7. Cognition: The "Brain CEO" stuff! Attention, memory, and executive functioning.
8. Social Communication: How we use language to navigate social rules and relationships.
9. AAC: Using tools to help individuals communicate.

Why the "Big 9" Matter:
For Parents: Very rarely does a child struggle in just one area. SLP's look at the "whole person" and recommend further assessment for specific areas if needed.
For CFs or future CFs: This is the blueprint for your career! Your CF year is all about taking these nine categories and seeing how they come to life in a clinical setting (and maybe choose one or two to zone in on).

At Speech Unbound, we pride ourselves on having a team that specializes across these categories so we can support our clients from every angle.

Grad Students: Which of the Big 9 are you most passionate about?
Parents: Which one surprised you the most?
Let’s chat below! 👇

02/02/2026

❤️ Activity Spotlight: Valentine’s Day Cards! 💌
There is nothing better than a handmade card to make someone’s day! This February, grab the construction paper and glitter for a fun at-home activity that is secretly packed with learning opportunities.
Here is how you can turn card-making into a "speech and brain" workout:
1. Executive Functioning: Sequencing steps to complete a craft requires a plan! Have your child help you list the steps before you start.
"First, we fold. Second, we cut. Third, we glue/color!" * Challenge: Can they tell you what happens if we glue before we write? This builds that "cause and effect" awareness we’ve been practicing!
2. Building Language & Categories
Use the supplies to work on descriptive language: "Put the heart on top of the paper" or "Put the stamp inside." "Is the glitter shiny or dull? Is the paper smooth or bumpy?"
3. Sneaky Speech Sounds: Choose target words that fit the activity to get those reps in!
"S" sounds: Stickers, Stamps, Scissors, Sparkle.
"L" sounds: Love, Lick (the envelope!), Letter, Light blue.
💡 Pro-Tip: Give the Power of Two Choices! "Do you want to use the pink marker or the red one?" It keeps them engaged and in charge of their creation.

Who are you making a Valentine for this year? Tag a friend who needs a fun indoor activity! 👇

01/30/2026

If you call Speech Unbound, Ms.
Kathrine is likely to answer. She's the best at helping clients with scheduling, billing, and keeping this business up & running!

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

❄️ Stay Safe and Warm, Southeast Michigan!
Your safety is our top priority. We’ve gathered a list of warming centers across the tri-county area for anyone in need of a safe, warm place to stay.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please refer to the resources below:

Please stay off the roads if possible, keep your pets indoors, and check in on your neighbors. Stay warm, everyone! 🧣☕

Wayne County Warming Centers: https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Departments/Homeland-Security-Emergency-Management/Homeland-Security/Warming-Cooling-Centers
Macomb County Warming Centers: https://www.macombgov.org/departments/macomb-community-action/warmingcooling-centers
Oakland County Warming Centers: https://www.oakgov.com/community/emergency-management/need-to-know/safety/warming-and-cooling-centers