Swell Speech Therapy

Swell Speech Therapy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Swell Speech Therapy, Speech Therapist, Timonium, MD.

Swell Speech Therapy is a boutique pediatric speech & language practice that was founded to provide families the individualized, collaborative, and effective services they deserve.

Happy National SLP day!!🤍 It’s also  ‘s first birthday! We’ve officially been open for a year today & could not be more ...
05/18/2023

Happy National SLP day!!

🤍 It’s also ‘s first birthday! We’ve officially been open for a year today & could not be more grateful.

🎉 So thankful for the families that have trusted in us to help them grow & excited for what year 2️⃣ has in store!

It has been a year full of firsts and LOTS of learning. The one thing I will say is, GO FOR THE THING- whatever the “thing” might be for you! There are others waiting to lend a hand when needed and there is nothing like proving to yourself what you’re capable of.

📢 It’s the perfect time to think about summer services to work on speech & language over break! If that sounds like something your learner might benefit from head over to the link in our bio to schedule a quick consult! We currently have limited spots available ✨

📢 I’m so stoked to announce that I am officially an   after completing the  course for Gestalt Language Processing. 🧰 I’...
03/23/2023

📢 I’m so stoked to announce that I am officially an after completing the course for Gestalt Language Processing.

🧰 I’ve expanded my toolbox in identification, assessment, and therapy for those individuals using echolalia and scripting to learn language & I cannot wait to integrate all I’ve learned into supporting kids and their families.

🔎 You can now find me on the NLA registry through the meaningful speech website.

🤍 One of my favorite aspects of this field is the encouragement and opportunity to continue learning. There’s nothing like finding a community of neurodiversity-affirming, supportive therapists to reinvigorate my own passion!

We’re taking the rest of the year to rest & spend some much needed time with our people. We hope you all get a chance to...
12/23/2022

We’re taking the rest of the year to rest & spend some much needed time with our people. We hope you all get a chance to do the same 🤍

Happy holidays to all who celebrate- we’ll be seeing you in the new year! 🎉

It’s officially November, but I’m leaving you with 1️⃣ more AAC post for  Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is a great wa...
11/01/2022

It’s officially November, but I’m leaving you with 1️⃣ more AAC post for

Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is a great way to model AAC for our users.

It’s basically language modeling BUT using the device or materials the student is using for communication along with a verbal model.

🔑 The key here is to JUMP in! Get familiar with the system yourself and it’s okay to let your student see you exploring!

👍🏻 DO model in various familiar and natural opportunities throughout the day

👎🏻 DON’T expect a direct response after each model or feel the need to model every single word in the verbal model.

💡What’s your favorite take away from AAC Awareness month?! Let me know below!👇🏻

AAC encompasses a BIG category of materials & are usually divided into 2️⃣ categories: Low-tech & High-tech*Sometimes ma...
10/13/2022

AAC encompasses a BIG category of materials & are usually divided into 2️⃣ categories: Low-tech & High-tech

*Sometimes materials might even be labeled Mid-tech*

It’s nearly impossible to be familiar with ALL AAC materials out there, but I think it’s important to be aware that there ARE options that if one doesn’t seem to be a good fit, have no fear! Back to the drawing board to find a better match!💃🏻

🍁 October is for AAC Awareness!📱AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) was one of my first loves in grad school ...
10/04/2022

🍁 October is for AAC Awareness!

📱AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) was one of my first loves in grad school and something I still continue to explore today!

➡️ Follow along this month as we share some of the basics as well as the interesting facts about AAC!

✏️ Here’s another language tip for your Tuesday!How many times during interactions with early communicators do you find ...
09/27/2022

✏️ Here’s another language tip for your Tuesday!

How many times during interactions with early communicators do you find yourself prompting, “Here’s a ball! Say ball!” to get them to label items? 🙋🏼‍♀️

➡️ Maybe they respond, maybe they don’t! The problem is that it’s teaching communication as compliance instead of spontaneous connection.

No judgement- we’ve all been there. But… there’s a better way! Model what you’re looking for them to say and add an expectant pause afterwards. Again-maybe they respond, maybe the don’t and that’s okay! Keep modeling during natural contexts & I think the results might surprise you! 🎉

Comment, like, or share if you’re ready to give it a try! 🤍

I know the feeling of hearing this possibly new to you term & thinking, “well great, now what?”1️⃣ The good news is a gr...
09/22/2022

I know the feeling of hearing this possibly new to you term & thinking, “well great, now what?”

1️⃣ The good news is a great first step is one you can start right this minute! Start (or continue) acknowledging all scripts/echolalia as communication. This can look like repeating the utterance back to the person or simply nodding or responding “yeah!” will go a long way. Then watch for what I call the ✨sparkle eyes✨ of recognition as if they’re saying “That’s it! You get it!!”

2️⃣ Then it’s time to dive in to all things related. There are lots of free content on this little app from & to get your feet wet!

3️⃣ Visit communicationdevelopmentcenter.com for ALL the goods and so many amazing resources!

We love our families! There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with clients to help share joy through communicatio...
09/20/2022

We love our families! There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with clients to help share joy through communication. 🤍

If you’re looking for guidance when it comes to speech and language- head over to our website (link in bio) to book a free consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you!

💬 Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) tend to develop language through stages known as Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)...
07/14/2022

💬 Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) tend to develop language through stages known as Natural Language Acquisition (NLA).

🧱 Full “chunks” of language are broken into single units with which more flexible opportunities for language can occur in later stages.

👀 Can you see why scripting/echolalia is a great foundation for communication? Let me know your thoughts!

🌞 Happy Friday! Here’s an end of the week reminder that echolalia (also known as scripting) can be a form of communicati...
07/08/2022

🌞 Happy Friday! Here’s an end of the week reminder that echolalia (also known as scripting) can be a form of communication! Especially for our early stage gestalt language processors.

🔈 Scripting is the repetition (immediate or delayed) of previously heard chunks of language. Do you have an immediate response of “I’m good, how are you?” after someone asks how you are? I bet you’re using a stored script and not even realizing it.

💬 In the past “scripting” has been deemed not functional and discouraged in a lot of settings (usually with autistic learners) however, research shows that isn’t the case.

📚 With some learners, scripts are the building blocks of language learning! Scripting can also serve as a sensory regulation tool which is also important and valid.

🕵️‍♀️ My favorite part about echolalia & scripting is how creative some learners are in the usage of their scripts. Sometimes a bit of detective work is needed to uncover the meaning in context.

🔍 Be on the lookout for a post next week detailing the stages Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) work through to start breaking these scripts down into more flexible language! 🤩

What could be more fun than talking about play on a Friday?? Ok- maybe a trip to the beach… or… actually playing rather ...
07/01/2022

What could be more fun than talking about play on a Friday?? Ok- maybe a trip to the beach… or… actually playing rather than just talking about it. 🤪

But I digress because I’m here to tell you that play really is the language of childhood. It’s important and I’ve found that incorporating play into my therapy sessions has changed the game in my book. 🗣

I even wrote a blog (!!!) about the benefits of child-led, play-based therapy & left the link in my bio for you to go on over & check it out. 👀 https://www.swellspeechtherapy.com/post/play-is-the-way-baby

Have a great weekend my friends and make sure to pack it with PLAY!

🕒 Tuesday Tip Time!! 🕒Coming @ you with another small change you can make that can be easier said than done: zip those l...
06/28/2022

🕒 Tuesday Tip Time!! 🕒

Coming @ you with another small change you can make that can be easier said than done: zip those lips 🤐

Now, I’m not suggesting we remain completely silent during play with our learners but periods of quiet are natural and can be beneficial!

As adults the vast majority of us feel the need to avoid the “awkward silences” 🥴 like a plague. So much so that we try to fill *any* silence with *any* relevant information.

However, silence during learning & play allows for processing time and help strengthen those important neural connections. 🧠

Adults models are great and an integral part of language development, but periods of silence creates opportunity for more independence & spontaneous language. 🤩

So, take the pressure of yourself to fill any silence with the perfect model or recast and enjoy some of those quiet stretches. 💆🏼‍♀️

To presume competence is to assume every child (& person for that matter) has the capacity to think, learn, and understa...
06/24/2022

To presume competence is to assume every child (& person for that matter) has the capacity to think, learn, and understand even without any tangible evidence to “prove” it.

If we fail to presume competence for our learners, the potential consequences can be harmful & dangerous.

Some ways to put this into daily practice:
• Describe learners by abilities & needs not developmental or functioning level
• Provide all learners with a means to communicate about academic and social topics
• Never predict that certain learners will never acquire certain knowledge or skills
• Speak directly to learners rather than “through” adults that may be assisting
• Use age-appropriate vocabulary & inflection when talking to learners
• Respect learners’ privacy!

What’s the difference between school-based and private speech therapy? 🤔This is a common and completely valid question a...
06/20/2022

What’s the difference between school-based and private speech therapy? 🤔

This is a common and completely valid question a lot of parents have. Therapeutic services through your local school system are FREE and should absolutely be utilized where qualified. There are some differences where the benefits of private speech therapy are helpful to know! ➡️➡️➡️

1️⃣ Individualized Treatment- In a perfect world all treatment is completely individualized, however, caseloads in the schools can make that tricky with mixed groups and learning levels. Private speech therapy allows for 100% individualized treatment in 1:1 environments with the freedom & flexibility to pivot as needed in real-time.

2️⃣ No Eligibility Criteria- In order to qualify for services in the school setting, the concerns need to have an adverse affect on the child’s educational performance. The concerns may need to be quite substantial before qualifying on standardized testing.

3️⃣ Family Involvement- Outside of yearly team meetings it’s hard to maintain daily/weekly parent contact with a caseload of 30+ students throughout the year when there are only so many hours in the day. Private speech therapy can occur in the home or a setting where the family can participate in therapy and set aside time each week to discuss progress and review tips for carry over.

4️⃣ Convenience- Services at Swell Speech Therapy are provided in the home or natural environment. We come to you so there is one less activity to get to & from. Research also shows that therapy provided in a child’s natural environment is ideal for engagement & progress.

I’ve seen these differences first-hand as a school-based therapist. I love both settings, but there are benefits to each in their own ways.

Questions? Comment below ⬇️ or message us! 🤍


My  #1 simple tip for fostering language is this: STOP 🙅🏼‍♀️ playing 20 questions!!🔈 Let me be clear though, just becaus...
06/14/2022

My #1 simple tip for fostering language is this: STOP 🙅🏼‍♀️ playing 20 questions!!

🔈 Let me be clear though, just because it’s easy to share does not mean it’s easy to do!

💬 For whatever reason I find that our knee-jerk reaction when talking with young kids is to Question Queen 👸🏼 them into oblivion. I get it & I’ve done it! But I’ve learned that by eliminating the majority of my questions for comments & narrations I create a more natural context for learning that feels more like play and less like a pop quiz. You might even notice the possibilities for language modeling really is endless this way!

🎉 The great news is this just takes some practice! The more you can observe yourself during these situations the more often you can switch the script. Practice makes progress & I bet you’ll be surprised by the result!

The full quote from Mr. Rodgers reads: “Anything that we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional gr...
06/02/2022

The full quote from Mr. Rodgers reads: “Anything that we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service”

It’s a quote Elizabeth Bonker used as a call to action in her recent valedictorian commencement speech. Elizabeth is a nonspeaking autistic who used text-to-speech to address her fellow graduates. If you haven’t yet watched her speech I highly encourage you look it up.

When I recently heard Elizabeth’s address I was reminded of my “why” behind opening

My desire to foster that growth Mr. Rogers’ talk about ⬆️ fuels every decision & every step along this (sometimes nerve-wracking) path for me.

I’ve seen the difference meaningful connections can make- especially when it comes to communication & I’m honored I get to be a part of it. 🤍

What are some common signs a child might benefit from specialized intervention when it comes to speech and language? 🤔 S...
06/01/2022

What are some common signs a child might benefit from specialized intervention when it comes to speech and language? 🤔

Swipe through ➡️ to read the most common indicators related to language, speech, and fluency for kids.

Still unsure? 🧐 No worries! Remember- all of us (kids included!) are different and not everything is always clear cut. We’re always happy to answer questions- head to the website in our bio to book a free consult 🤍

Address

Timonium, MD

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 4am - 8am
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - 8pm

Telephone

+14102977697

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