Little Big and LOUD Pediatric Therapy

Little Big and LOUD Pediatric Therapy Individualized speech, language, and feeding therapy evaluations and services.

Little Big and LOUD also provides services for receptive and expressive language delays, pragmatic language disorder, articulation/phonology disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, early intervention, feeding skills, and stuttering disorder.

✨Tip Tuesday: Pause with PurposeIn speech and language development, sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is... ...
07/22/2025

✨Tip Tuesday: Pause with Purpose
In speech and language development, sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is... nothing at all.

One of the most effective strategies you can use at home? The Pause.

🧠 Why Pausing Helps:

Time to Process: Young children often need more time to understand what they hear and figure out how to respond.

Encourages Communication: When we leave space, kids are more likely to fill it—with a look, a sound, a word, or even a gesture.

Less Pressure: Silence can feel safe. It gives kids the freedom to respond at their own pace.

Builds Turn-Taking: Pausing teaches the rhythm of conversation—listen, wait, respond.

⏱️ When to Use the Pause:

After a Question: Ask, then wait 5–10 seconds before repeating, rephrasing and/or providing the response.

Verbal Routines: use simple and predictable words or phrases to assist with learning language through repetition and context. For example, “Ready, set,” (give them time to respond) “Go!”

During Play: Hold up a toy or pause in the middle of an action—see if your child reacts or initiates.

While Reading: Pause before turning the page or at the end of a sentence to invite anticipation or comments.

After a Response: Even if it’s unclear, pause. They might try again, clarify, or expand.

💡 Try This:
Count silently in your head: “1 Mississippi… 2 Mississippi…”
It may feel long at first, but those few extra seconds can open the door to big communication moments.

This week, try pausing with purpose—and see what your child has to say.

💡

🎄✨ Christmas in July! ✨🎄It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays — and we’ve got just what you need to ge...
07/15/2025

🎄✨ Christmas in July! ✨🎄
It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays — and we’ve got just what you need to get ahead! 🎁💡

Whether you’re building a wish list or looking to make playtime more meaningful, our Holiday Gift Guide is filled with therapist-approved toys that support speech and language development — and yes, kids and parents love them!

🧸 But toys alone don’t build language — the way you play makes all the difference.
Here are a few easy tips to boost communication while you play:

Get face to face: Sit at your child’s level to encourage eye contact and connection.

Model language: Label toys, actions, and feelings (“The dog is jumping!” or “You’re stacking the blocks high!”).

Pause and wait: Give your child space to respond — even a few extra seconds can help!

Follow their lead: Let your child choose the toy or game, then join in by narrating and expanding on what they say.

Repeat and expand: If your child says “car,” you can say, “Yes, the red car is going fast!”

💡 Want toy ideas that spark language-rich play?
👉 Check out our guide: https://www.littlebigloud.com/holiday-gift-list or visit our website.

Start your holiday prep now and give the gift of communication that lasts all year long. ❤️

🧠✨ Tip Tuesday: Why Early Action on Speech & Language Matters ✨🧠As a parent, it’s natural to hope your child will “grow ...
07/08/2025

🧠✨ Tip Tuesday: Why Early Action on Speech & Language Matters ✨🧠

As a parent, it’s natural to hope your child will “grow out of it”—but when it comes to speech and language development, early intervention truly matters.

Why Acting Early Makes a Big Difference:
👶 Your Child’s Brain is Most Ready to Learn in the Early Years
Between birth and age 5, a child’s brain is developing rapidly. This is the prime time for building strong communication skills.

⏳ Waiting Can Lead to Bigger Challenges
Delays in speech and language can affect how your child learns, plays with others, and manages emotions as they grow. Left unaddressed, these delays may become harder to overcome.

📊 Research Shows Early Help Works Best
Children who get early support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) are more likely to catch up to peers and do better long-term—in school and beyond.

💬 It’s Not Always “Just Late Talking”
While some kids do talk later than others, ongoing delays might point to broader issues like language processing difficulties, social communication challenges, or even developmental disorders.

🧩 Support Now Builds Confidence for Later
Early intervention helps your child communicate more clearly and confidently, reducing frustration and helping them thrive socially and emotionally.

👉 If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts. You don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral to reach out to us. Getting support early can make a life-changing difference for your child. 💙

🇺🇸 LBL will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day! 🇺🇸 We hope you and your family have a happy and ...
07/03/2025

🇺🇸 LBL will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day! 🇺🇸 We hope you and your family have a happy and safe holiday! We will reopen Monday, July 7. 🎆

✨Please help us welcome Ms. Ellie to the LBL team! 🌈 Ms. Ellie, a Knoxville native, earned her undergraduate degree in S...
07/01/2025

✨Please help us welcome Ms. Ellie to the LBL team! 🌈

Ms. Ellie, a Knoxville native, earned her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Public Health from the University of Tennessee—Go Vols! She went on to receive her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Ms. Ellie has experience working with patients in a variety of settings, including acute care, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), outpatient clinics, and schools. Her passion lies within the medical side of speech-language pathology. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, coffee, sports, and traveling. She is excited to be apart of the LBL team!

🎉Tip Tuesday! What’s an AAC device? 📱 What’s an AAC Device?An AAC device is a tool — often a tablet or dedicated speech-...
07/01/2025

🎉Tip Tuesday! What’s an AAC device?

📱 What’s an AAC Device?
An AAC device is a tool — often a tablet or dedicated speech-generating device — that allows your child to select words, pictures, or symbols to “speak” using a voice output.

✅ It can be customized to your child’s vocabulary, interests, and developmental level.
✅ It gives your child the power to express their thoughts, make choices, tell stories, and connect with others — just like any communicator.

❌ Common Myths – Let’s Bust Them!

🚫 “AAC means my child won’t talk.”
✅ AAC can actually support speech development. Research shows kids are more likely to develop speech with AAC than without it!

🚫 “AAC is only for older kids or those with severe disabilities.”
✅ AAC is for anyone who needs help communicating — even toddlers can benefit!

🚫 “They need to try harder to talk before getting a device.”
✅ Communication is a right, not a reward. Early access to AAC can reduce frustration and support learning.

👀 What Is Modeling?
Modeling means you use the AAC device to show your child how to say words or build messages — just like we model spoken language for babies long before they talk!

🧠 Think of it as:
🔁 “You point, they learn.”
📚 Just like reading books teaches vocabulary, modeling on AAC teaches your child how to use their system.

💬 Remember:
Using AAC is like learning a second language — they need to see it and hear it many times before they can use it!

You’re helping build their communication foundation every time you model. 🧱💙

🌟 Tip Tuesday! 🌟 Help Your Child Build Speech Sounds at Home! 🗣️🎉Speech sound practice doesn’t have to be boring—turn it...
06/24/2025

🌟 Tip Tuesday! 🌟 Help Your Child Build Speech Sounds at Home! 🗣️🎉

Speech sound practice doesn’t have to be boring—turn it into play! Here are 4 fun, easy ways to support your child’s sound development:

🅿️ Sound of the Week
Pick a sound like /p/ and play with it all week! Try:
• Pop bubbles 🫧
• Push cars 🚗
• Pick up blocks 🧱

🪞 Mirror Talk
Sit together in front of a mirror. Say sounds slowly while your child watches your mouth. It helps them see how to make the sound!

🐌 Slow and Silly
Exaggerate target sounds during books or play. Stretch them out—“Biiiiiig baaaall!” The sillier, the better. Kids pay attention when it’s fun!

🐄Animal and vehicle sounds are great practice! Say things like:
• “Moo!” 🐮
• “Quack!” 🦆
• “Vroom!” 🚙
• “Beep beep!” 🚨

💬 These playful moments go a long way in helping your child learn new sounds. Have questions? We’re always here to support you and your child’s speech journey!

🔥⛺️Camping Week at LBL!⛺️🔥Ms. Alayna has outdone herself this week- we LOVE a good theme and we’re going camping! Yes, t...
06/19/2025

🔥⛺️Camping Week at LBL!⛺️🔥

Ms. Alayna has outdone herself this week- we LOVE a good theme and we’re going camping! Yes, that’s a real tent (with a campfire, too!😍)Our little adventures have had a blast exploring speech and language in the great indoors this week!

We’re so proud of our AMAZING therapists who go above and beyond to make learning fun and exciting! Thank you for your part in making LBL so special!🌈

Have YOU been camping yet? Drop a photo in the comments- we’d love to see your adventures! 📸

👶🏼Tip Tuesday! Let’s talk pacifiers!Pacifiers (or “pacys”) can be a soothing lifesaver for infants- but long-term use ma...
06/17/2025

👶🏼Tip Tuesday! Let’s talk pacifiers!

Pacifiers (or “pacys”) can be a soothing lifesaver for infants- but long-term use may impact your child’s speech development. Here’s what every parent should know:

🗣️ How Pacifier Use Affects Speech:
Prolonged pacifier use (past 12 months) can interfere with oral muscle development and tongue movement, which are essential for clear speech.

Constant sucking may limit your child’s ability to babble, imitate sounds, and develop expressive language, especially if the pacifier is often in their mouth during waking hours.

🦷Dentition Concerns:
Extended pacifier use (especially past age 2-3) can impact bite alignment and oral structures, potentially causing an open bite or crossbite.

These changes can affect both chewing and articulation of sounds like /s/, /z/, /t/, and /d/.

⏳ When & How to Fade It Out:
Start reducing pacifier use between 6-12 months.

Aim to eliminate completely by 18-24 months, per recommendations from pediatricians and speech-language pathologists.

🛠️ Tips & Tricks to Wean Off the Pacy:
Limit daytime use first — allow only at naps or bedtime.

Use a “pacy box” to store it and say goodbye in the morning.

Offer alternatives for comfort: loveys, teething rings, songs, or snuggles.

Gradual trimming: Cut a tiny piece off the tip each day until the suction is gone.

Celebrate milestones: Have a “Bye-Bye Pacy” party or give it to the “Pacy Fairy.”

Be consistent — avoid offering it during tantrums once the process has begun.

👶 Your child’s early years are crucial for developing strong communication skills. Helping them transition away from a pacifier supports healthy oral development, speech clarity, and overall confidence in communication.

We would love to hear from YOU- what tips and tricks worked for your family when it came to saying goodbye to the pacy? 👋

# tiptuesday # pacifierweaning

Tip Tuesday! 🍉 We’re back with another fun and easy summer activity to help your little one (or even your BIG kid!) stay...
06/10/2025

Tip Tuesday! 🍉 We’re back with another fun and easy summer activity to help your little one (or even your BIG kid!) stay cool and build speech and language skills at home.

💦Water Balloon Word Pop – A Fun Summer Speech Game!

Looking for a playful way to boost your child’s speech and language skills this summer? Try this Water Balloon Word Pop activity! Perfect for practicing articulation, following directions, and expanding vocabulary.

💧 What You’ll Need:

Filled water balloons (try different sizes!)

Small printed pictures or words

Tape

A safe outdoor space—and a towel!

🎯 How to Play:

Choose your child’s target words (e.g., sounds like /s/, /k/, or multisyllabic words).

Tape each word/picture onto a water balloon.

Have your child say the target word 3–5 times clearly.

Once they’ve practiced, give the go-ahead to POP the balloon—by stomping, squeezing, throwing, or even sitting on it!

🗣️ Language Boost Tips:

Emphasize verbs: squeeze, stomp, pop, throw, splash!

Incorporate prepositions: on the grass, over the bucket, under your foot.

Practice following directions: “Throw the balloon under the table” or “Pop the red one first!”

💡 Why It Works:
This activity combines speech practice with sensory fun and movement—helping kids stay engaged while learning. Plus, it’s a great way to generalize articulation skills outside of structured therapy!

🌞 Tip Tuesday: Poolside Speech Fun + A Special Summer Event! 💦Summer is the perfect time to have fun and build speech an...
06/03/2025

🌞 Tip Tuesday: Poolside Speech Fun + A Special Summer Event! 💦

Summer is the perfect time to have fun and build speech and language skills—and we’ve got a great opportunity to do BOTH!

🎉 Community Highlight:
We’re excited to share a fun and inclusive summer event for families!
Karns Lions Pool has partnered with Knoxville Challenger Sports to offer a weekly inclusive swim experience for children and adults with special needs. 🧡

🗓️ Beginning June 9, each Monday from 6:30–8:00 PM, the pool will be open for dedicated swim time where families can relax, play, and connect.
To participate, please reach out directly to Knoxville Challenger Sports to reserve your spot.

Be sure to follow and on social media for updates and details!
What a great way to cool off, enjoy family time, and sneak in some speech practice! ☀️

💬 Poolside Speech & Language Tips:
You can support communication skills during pool time with simple, fun strategies!

👂 Try using words like:

Actions: jump, splash, float, kick

Descriptions: cold, wet, big, fast

Locations: in, under, next to, on

🗣️ What to do:

Narrate the fun: “You’re kicking so fast!”

Offer choices: “Do you want to jump or float?”

Play turn-taking games: “My turn to splash… now your turn!”

Repeat key words often to help them stick

💡 Follow your child’s lead and have fun with it—some of the best language learning happens when everyone’s relaxed and enjoying themselves.

We hope to see you poolside this summer! 💦💬

📚Tip Tuesday! How to read a book with your little one- it’s more that just the words! Reading with your child doesn’t h...
05/27/2025

📚Tip Tuesday! How to read a book with your little one- it’s more that just the words!

Reading with your child doesn’t have to mean sticking strictly to the words on the page. In fact we encourage you to get playful, make it interactive, and follow your child’s lead! Here are a few fun, language-rich ways to turn book time into quality connection time:

✨Make sounds & be silly
Use animal noises, vehicle sounds, or silly voices for characters. (“Moo!🐮 “Vroom!”🚗) These grab attention and keep your little one engaged- even before they understand all the words.

🤚Point and label
Point to pictures and name what you see “Dog!” “Ball!” “Red apple!” This builds vocabulary and helps little ones connect words to real- world objects.

❓Ask simple questions
Try questions like “Where’s the kitty?” or “What’s that?” If they’re not ready to answer, that’s okay! You’re modeling how to explore language.

👶🏼 Follow their lead
If your child flips ahead or gets stuck on one page- go with it! Talk about what they’re looking at, even if it’s out of order. Every page has something to explore!

🗣️Add on if they’re listening
If they’re tuned in, build on what they show interest in. “That’s a truck! It’s a big red truck. Look, it has big wheels!”

Reading should feel fun and relaxed, not a lesson. The goal is connection, communication, and enjoying a story together. ❤️

Happy reading!

💡

Address

Knoxville, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+18652132844

Website

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