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Can Thumb Sucking Impact Speech Development? What Every Parent Needs to Know

  Thumb sucking or pacifier use is a common source of comfort for infants and toddlers. For many parents, it seems harmless—especially if the habit fades before permanent teeth erupt. But recent research suggests this behavior may have more long-term consequences than we once thought. A joint study conducted in the U.S. and Chile revealed that children who sucked their thumbs or used pacifiers beyond three years of age were three times more likely to develop speech impediments. That’s a wake-up call for parents, pediatricians, and therapists alike. Let’s break down the potential effects of prolonged thumb sucking into three key areas: language development, speech articulation, and oral structure. 1. Language Development: The Foundation of Communication Language development begins with early vocal play—those coos, babbles, and playful sounds babies make while staring at mobiles or interacting with caregivers. These vocal explorations are critical building blocks for meaningful commu...
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Parent’s Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speec

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  Hearing that your child may have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) can feel overwhelming at first—but you’re not alone. Understanding what CAS is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to help your child is the first step toward progress and confidence. Let’s walk through what every parent should know. đŸ‘‡ What Is Apraxia of Speech? When children learn to speak, their brain develops a “muscle plan” that tells the mouth, jaw, and tongue how to move to make sounds. In children with apraxia, the brain knows what it wants to say, but the message gets scrambled on the way to the muscles. Unlike other speech disorders, it’s not about weak muscles—it’s about confused coordination. Children with apraxia may: Mispronounce sounds or syllables Leave gaps between syllables (e.g., “ba...nana” instead of “banana”) Say similar-sounding words incorrectly (like “batch” instead of “patch”) But remember: Every child’s experience is different, and CAS can sometimes look like other speech or langu...
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Speech Therapy Plano – Empowering Children Through Compassionate Care

  At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas , we believe that love, respect, and acceptance are the foundation of every child’s success. These values are at the heart of everything we do, especially in our Plano speech therapy clinic , where families find compassionate care, expert guidance, and lasting results. Since 2001 , we’ve proudly served children and families across Plano, Frisco, and McKinney , offering pediatric speech and occupational therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our highly skilled therapists use the latest evidence-based techniques to help every child reach their full potential — in speech, communication, sensory processing, and beyond. We’re more than just a clinic — we’re a community. Each of our locations maintains a warm, small-clinic feel while delivering the high-quality therapy services and technology systems demanded by modern healthcare. Whether you're looking for speech therapy in Plano for articulation, language processing, or ...
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Location: Plano, TX, USA
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A Path to Meaningful Communication - Autism

  Many children on the autism spectrum use echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases either immediately or later after hearing them. According to Barry Prizant (1987), echolalia is characteristic of at least 85% of autistic children who develop speech. In the past, echolalia was often viewed as non-functional speech that needed to be eliminated. However, perspectives have shifted. Experts now recognize that echolalia serves a purpose—it provides insights into how autistic individuals feel and what they are trying to express. For instance, many parents have heard their child say, "Do you want a cookie?" when they actually want a cookie. They are repeating a phrase they've previously heard in a relevant context. Instead of dismissing this, we can guide this behavior toward more typical communication patterns. Strategies for Supporting Children Who Use Echolalia Drawing from Kathleen Ann Quill’s book, Teaching Children with Autism , and insights from Patrick J. Rydell ...
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Advances in Hearing Loss Therapy: Technology, Treatment, and Communication

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  Children with hearing loss are making remarkable strides in oral communication thanks to early diagnosis and technological advancements. Today, even those with severe hearing impairments can learn to speak, develop oral language skills, and attend mainstream schools. With the right support, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy, children can achieve significant progress in their communication abilities. Types of Hearing Loss Hearing loss generally falls into two main categories: conductive and sensorineural . Conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer or middle ear fails to function properly, blocking sound from reaching the inner ear for processing. This condition is often caused by ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear and is frequently treatable with medication or surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This is the most common type of hearing loss and cannot be surgi...
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Location: Texas, USA
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What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)? Diagnostic Criteria & How to Get Help

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  Communication disorders affect children in different ways. Some stem from psychological conditions impacting the brain, while others arise from physiological issues affecting the mouth and speech organs. Regardless of the cause, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can play a key role in helping children improve their communication skills —sometimes even resolving speech difficulties entirely. What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do? Think of an SLP as part doctor, part language expert. They work with children experiencing: ✅ Language disorders – Trouble understanding or using words in conversation ✅ Speech-sound disorders – Difficulty pronouncing words correctly ✅ Childhood fluency disorders – Stuttering or disruptions in speech flow ✅ Social communication disorders – Struggles with using language in social situations Signs Your Child May Have a Communication Disorder Parents often wonder if their child’s speech patterns are normal. Some common signs of a communication dis...
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