Speech & Myo Therapy Des Moines

09/06/2025

Speech and language rely on many types of memory. Difficulties with memory can make communication harder. For example, children and/or adults might have difficulty following and/or remembering directions; difficulty retelling stories; forget what was just said in a conversation; lose track of what they wanted to say mid-sentences; demonstrate word-finding difficulties; etc. Understanding and supporting memory skills can be a key part of improving communication. Let’s discuss the different types of memory and how they are connect to speech-language.

1. Working Memory
This is your brain’s “sticky note.” We use this type of memory to hold and process information while we’re speaking or listening. For example, when a child follows multi-step directions, they’re relying on working memory.

2. Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
To use speech-language skills effectively, we need to store and retrieve vocabulary, grammar rules, and sentences structures. This means long-term memory plays a big role in fluent conversation, storytelling, understanding others, and treatment progress as skills are carried over from previous sessions.

3. Episodic Memory
This is the memory of personal experiences. When someone shares a story about what happened at school or work, they’re tapping into episodic memory to organize thoughts, events, and to communicate them in a clear organized order.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often integrate memory-building strategies into therapy sessions - sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly. SLPs might work on recalling word lists, sequencing stories, or using visual cards during speech-language activities. Strengthening memory supports stronger, more efficient, and more confident communication skills. Memory and speech-language are deeply connected. When we support one, we often support the other.

09/03/2025

We're Here for You 💛

Whether your child is just starting therapy or continuing their journey, know that you’re not in it alone. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way—with encouragement, expertise, and care that’s tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Together, we celebrate progress (big and small) and work toward meaningful goals—one session at a time.

💬 Questions? Concerns? Just need someone to listen? We’re here for that, too.

08/31/2025

Reminder:

08/31/2025

08/26/2025

🥪🎒 As school starts back up, many kids are adjusting to new routines, new environments—and new eating expectations.

For picky eaters, this change can feel overwhelming.

Suddenly, they’re faced with:

🔹 Loud, busy cafeterias
🔹 Limited time to eat
🔹 Foods that look, smell, or feel unfamiliar
🔹 Peer pressure or social distractions
🔹 Packed lunches they may not feel safe exploring

If your child is suddenly eating less at school, coming home overly hungry (but refusing dinner), or you're constantly struggling to pack “safe” foods, you’re not alone.

👉 This is where feeding therapy and/or occupational therapy can make a real difference!

OTs and feeding specialists can help your child:

🍎 Expand their list of preferred foods
🧠 Regulate their sensory responses to textures, smells, and tastes
🥄 Build independence with self-feeding
🗣️ Communicate their food preferences in safe, respectful ways
🍽️ Feel more confident navigating mealtime in new settings

🌟 It’s not about “fixing” picky eating overnight—it’s about building trust, increasing comfort, and supporting your child’s relationship with food over time.

💬 Wondering if your child might benefit from OT or feeding therapy? Let’s chat. We’re here to help make mealtimes less stressful and more successful—at school and at home.

08/23/2025

Did you know we offer Lactation Support?

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, chances are you’ve heard of lactation consultants—but many parents aren’t sure when or why to reach out.

The short answer? Sooner is better than later. You don’t have to wait until there’s a problem to get support!

Here are some common reasons to connect with a lactation consultant:

🔹 You’re expecting and want to prepare
Get ahead of the game with prenatal education and personalized planning.

🔹 Breastfeeding is painful
Pain is not a normal part of feeding. Let’s find the root cause—whether it’s latch, positioning, or something else.

🔹 Your baby isn’t gaining weight well
We’ll look at feeding efficiency, transfer, and overall feeding patterns.

🔹 You suspect a tongue or lip tie
Lactation consultants often collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and support tethered oral tissues.

🔹 You’re dealing with low supply or oversupply
Both can be stressful—we’ll work together to balance your supply and meet your feeding goals.

🔹 You’re exclusively pumping or combo feeding
Yes, lactation support still applies! You deserve help making your unique feeding plan work for you and your baby.

🔹 You’re transitioning back to work or starting weaning
From building a freezer stash to managing emotions, a consultant can help you navigate the change smoothly.

🌟 Lactation consultants don’t just support breastfeeding—they support families. Your feeding journey should feel informed, empowered, and supported.

💬 If you’re struggling, curious, or just want to feel more confident, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to do it alone.

08/20/2025

Meet the owner Katie Husk, M.S., CCC-SLP

Katie Husk began her journey in science, but along the way, discovered her true calling—helping people find their voice, quite literally! As a speech-language pathologist, Katie thrives in a world where small steps lead to big wins. Her approach? Encouraging progress, one improvement at a time, with gentle guidance, patience, and a deep belief in what’s possible.

Katie loves tailoring therapy to each client’s unique strengths and needs. Her experience spans skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, and public schools, giving her a well-rounded perspective in the field.

She holds a Master’s Degree from Nova Southeastern University and is a proud member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Katie also brings advanced training in Myofunctional Therapy and earned her Lactation Consultant certification in 2024.

Whether she’s supporting little ones, teens, or adults, Katie brings heart, knowledge, and a personalized touch to every session.

08/17/2025

Thanks so much, Kelli!

08/15/2025

✏️ For many kids, starting a new school year is exciting. But for children with sensory sensitivities, it can also bring a flood of challenges—loud hallways, scratchy clothes, bright lights, and constant transitions.

The good news? With a little planning, we can help kids feel more prepared, confident, and regulated from day one.

🧠 Here are some sensory-friendly back-to-school prep tips from your favorite OT + SLP team:

🔹 Practice “preview” visits
If possible, walk through the school building before the first day. Visit the classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground. Snap photos and talk about what each space sounds, smells, or feels like.

🔹 Build a “sensory survival kit”
Include fidgets, headphones, sunglasses, a chewy necklace, or lotion with a calming scent. Keep it in your child’s backpack or cubby, and teach them when/how to use it.

🔹 Test the wardrobe ahead of time
Let your child try on school clothes to check for itchy tags, stiff seams, or uncomfortable fabrics. Stick to known favorites if needed—comfort = confidence.

🔹 Rehearse routines
Role-play classroom tasks like hanging up a backpack, walking in line, or asking to go to the bathroom. Predictability lowers sensory stress.

🔹 Connect with your team
Share sensory needs with your child’s teacher and support staff before school starts. Many are happy to make small accommodations that can make a big difference.

🌟 Every child deserves to feel safe and supported in their learning environment. And sensory-friendly doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what works best for your child.

08/12/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 🎒✨

A new school year is just around the corner — and for many kids (and parents!), that means big changes to routines, expectations, and daily rhythms.

Transitions like this can be especially challenging for children who thrive on consistency or need extra time to adjust. But with some simple strategies, we can help make the shift smoother for everyone.

🧠 Here’s how you can support your child as school approaches:

🔹 Start adjusting routines early – Begin easing into earlier bedtimes and wake-ups about 1–2 weeks before school starts. Practice morning and evening routines to reduce first-day stress.

🔹 Talk it through – Use simple language to explain what’s coming. Visual calendars, stories, or countdowns can help make the concept of “back to school” more concrete.

🔹 Practice communication skills – Role play greetings, asking for help, or classroom routines (“Can I use the bathroom?” or “Where do I put my backpack?”).

🔹 Prep emotionally – Validate their feelings. “It’s okay to feel nervous or excited. Grown-ups feel that way too!”

🔹 Build independence – Give your child opportunities to make choices, follow multi-step directions, and manage small tasks—like packing a snack or putting on shoes.

✨ Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning after a break, we’re here to help support strong communication skills and confident transitions!

💬 If you need extra guidance or want to check in before the year begins, reach out! We’re happy to help however we can.

08/08/2025

𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 ☀️🧠

That stretch between the last summer trip and the first day of school can feel loooong—especially when kids are “so bored” and routines are wearing thin.

But guess what? Some of the best learning happens in those simple, everyday moments—no fancy materials or big outings needed!

Here are a few SLP + OT-approved ways to sneak in skill-building during the final weeks of summer:

🔹 Make a snack together

Practice sequencing, following directions, requesting, and vocabulary.

Bonus OT boost: scooping, spreading, pouring, and using utensils = fine motor gold!

🔹 Create a backyard obstacle course

Work on action words (jump, crawl, spin!), spatial concepts (under, over, between), and body awareness.

🔹 Go on a “word walk”

Pick a theme (colors, animals, shapes) and describe what you see.

Or turn it into a scavenger hunt—great for attention, movement, and language!

🔹 Sort the laundry (yes, really!)

Match socks, group by color, count items, describe textures.

Bonus: your laundry gets folded. 😉

The best part? Your child is building language, motor skills, independence, and confidence... just by spending time with you.

🌟 If you're looking for more ways to support speech and motor development at home, we're always here to help!

08/04/2025

Big transitions (like heading back to school!) can stir up big feelings—and that’s completely normal. Excitement, nerves, frustration, and overwhelm can all show up in the same day... sometimes even the same hour.

But kids don’t always have the tools to name or manage those feelings—yet. That’s where we come in.

Here are a few simple ways to help your child begin building emotional awareness and regulation skills:

🔹 Name it to tame it
Use clear words for feelings: "It looks like you're feeling frustrated."
Helping your child label emotions builds self-awareness and helps them feel understood.

🔹 Create a calm-down space
Set up a cozy spot with calming tools: soft pillows, fidgets, books, noise-reducing headphones, or calming visuals. Practice using the space before they’re overwhelmed.

🔹 Use visuals
Try feeling charts, emotion wheels, or "zones of regulation" colors to help your child identify how they feel and what might help.

🔹 Practice strategies during calm moments
Deep breaths, counting, stretching, wall pushes, or hugs—teach these skills when your child is regulated so they’re easier to use when they’re not.

🔹 Connect, then correct
Before jumping to solutions, offer connection and empathy: “I see that this is really hard.”
Kids regulate best when they feel safe and supported.

💬 Emotional regulation is a learned skill—just like reading or riding a bike. If your child struggles to manage big feelings, you're not alone. And we’re here to help!