by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP Over the decades, “use it or lose it” has included everything from physical conditioning and money to mechanical systems and faith. Scientists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other health professionals likewise adopted the maxim to simplify and summarize the principles of neuroplasticity for the rest of us.From birth [...]
So your baby is really starting to meet some major milestones! She’s sitting up, rolling over, scooting for items, and maybe even crawling! You’ve probably noticed that your baby’s attention span is longer and the two of you can engage in simple play activities together. It’s such an exciting time and I [...]
Raising a child is an amazing yet challenging journey. As the adult in the relationship, we’re in a position to provide all of the tried and true guidance that — if only he or she would listen — would produce the best life imaginable (or so we hope). Yet, how many times [...]
by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP All parents know the joys (and challenges) of encouraging speech in a baby or young child. One moment she’s reacting intently to your “words of wonder” and the next is something like talking to the sky. All of this –and oh, let’s not forget the endless variety [...]
by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP Over 30 million youth participate in organized sports involving some form of physical contact each year. With sports, it’s no secret that injuries are bound to happen, and some may even consider it “part of the game”. While the general tradeoffs may seem obvious, not every injury [...]
by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP Books are one of the greatest teachers for our children. They help encourage and foster language development in the youngest of readers as well as expand the vocabulary of older readers. When children are younger and exposed to picture books, they make connections to the bright and [...]
by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP Everyone that’s ever tried to get a 5 month old to “talk” will tell you, there are few things more irresistible than a baby’s attempt to speak. They might even make expressions as if their words (sounds) explained something profound. While incredibly adorable, a baby is [...]
by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP During the period from birth to three months (or longer, every baby is different) you should start to notice your child reaching the following receptive and expressive language milestones: In the area of receptive language (hearing and understanding), you will see your baby: [...]