Laserson Orofacial and Speech

05/06/2024

What a wonderful experience it was to spend 4 days at the International Consortium of Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP) conference. Meeting and hearing from professionals from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Norway, Italy, Ireland, and more.

My mom always teases me that I like bad seats:), and based on these photos I suppose she's right!

A tremendous conference, filling me with a wealth of information, and a healthy dose of humility as I see once again how much more there is to learn.

01/28/2024

This week in ASHA Leader Live, a brief article entitled "Clarifying Social Media Information about Pediatric Feeding Disorders" warrants even more clarifying! In other words, today's blog could have been titled "Clarifying Social Media Information about 'Clarifying Social Media Information about Ped...

01/21/2024

"To ensure adequate nutrition for optimal learning, students need at least 20 minutes at school to eat lunch—not counting time walking to the cafeteria, standing in often-long lines, and choosing and paying for lunch—according to American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. However............... many students [don't] spend their 20 minutes on focused eating, instead distractedly hurrying through their lunches, overfilling their mouths, or not eating nearly enough."

Kudos to the Feeding and Swallowing Team of Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV in Pennsylvania for creating a puppet show to teach students about safe eating. Such a fun, creative, and effective way to get the message across!

School-based SLPs develop a puppet show to teach young students eating behaviors that prevent accidents and conflicts, and ensure proper nutrition.

12/24/2023

And here it is: ASHA's new Feeding and Swallowing Milestones

ASHA's feeding and swallowing milestones are designed to help you know what to expect as your child grows and develops and to know when to seek the guidance of a speech language pathologist.

12/21/2023

Thank you to Dr. Richard Baxter for his brilliant response to the recent outrageous NYT article about tongue ties. The article was one-sided, oversimplified, and sensationalistic. Worse than that, it was irresponsible and will result in people not getting the help they need.

The decision to perform a lingual frenectomy, like any surgical procedure, should be considered and weighed carefully with the help of professionals with expertise. I wish the NY Times did the same when it made the decision to ignore the real story.

https://tonguetieal.com/the-real-story-of-the-booming-business-of-tongue-tie-nyt-article-response/?fbclid=IwAR2mOj_AN_4y__P4npElQOzPxF8T9vRqzO-dYpVFMvftdxmbv2AbcG5xga0

A recent New York Times (NYT) article accused tongue-tie providers of over-treatment, harming babies, taking advantage of vulnerable moms and babies, and, of course, doing it purely for financial gain. Tongue-tie naysayers jump on the article and share it - “See! I told you so!” and, in so doing...

07/18/2023

Check out my blog on lasersonmyospeech.com for information regarding thumb sucking. Together we can unplug that thumb!

Thumb sucking..... It sure seems comforting and calming, and yet we all know it has to stop and the sooner, the better. Parents are often concerned that their child will be teased as a result of the habit. Some worry about ingesting germs and even skin sores as a potential source for infection. Many...

07/05/2023

Happy and safe Independence Day! Remember if hotdogs are on the menu to practice hotdog safety with your little ones.

Better to avoid if below the 1-year feeding skill level or at least cook, remove casing, finely chop, and stir into purée.

Between age 1 and 2 feeding skills, cook and quarter lengthwise. Long strips encourage bites and chewing at this stage!

After age 2 skill levels are achieved (such as no overstuffing, thorough chewing, etc) serve a whole hotdog on a bun. At this skill level a whole hot dog is safer than round slices.

You know your child best, so of course factor in their readiness at all times.

I love the Solid Starts app for general guidance!

Concerned about your child’s feeding skills? Visit lasersonmyospeech.com for more information!

06/21/2023

Happy National Smoothie Day!

And yes I love my Vitamix!

Did you know that thick liquids are “easier” for new cup and straw drinkers to manage than thin liquids?

If this is a new skill that you’re teaching your child, try a smoothie in a small cup, even shot glass size! Introduce with placement on the lower lip. Gentle jaw support with your second and third fingers placed with one under and one in front of the chin also helps.

Btw Fill that small cup up so your child doesn’t have to extend his head back to get a sip!

06/19/2023

Hoping the fathers and grandfathers out there had a happy day. So grateful for parental dedication, support, and follow thru!

06/16/2023

Yesterday among other things I learned how much I loved my work as a speech-pathologist, orofacial myologist, and feeding specialist.

The morning started out saying goodbye to my 17-year-old Yorkie, Chico. My daughter came with me to be with Chico for his final moments. Together Devra and I were swept into that bittersweet space between sadness and relief. We then treated ourselves to a brief coffee date, took a deep breath, and went our separate ways to continue with our day.

What surprised me was how energized I was when I turned toward planning for and seeing my clients that same day. When you love what you do, have such wonderful people on your caseload, and know that the work you do together is integral to their well-being…….the work in turn heals you.

RIP Chico
2006 and 2023
❤️

06/14/2023

The recent article in ASHAwire, “Dynamic Systems Theory: A Primer for Pediatric Feeding Clinicians,” was an important reminder that "Development is not a discrete set of steps; it is a complex process in which an individual interacts with their ever-changing selves, environment, and goals."

Therapy should never be a checklist of exercises, but rather a process of constant customization.

Reach out if your child or teen may have a speech, orofacial, or feeding problem; and let's customize an evolving individualized plan.

06/08/2023

Welcome to Laserson Orofacial and Speech! I am a speech pathologist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and feeding specialist. I offer therapy services in Cleveland, Ohio as well as teletherapy services throughout the state.

I will be sharing valuable information regarding speech development, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and pediatric feeding!

Follow me and be prepared to learn how orofacial function is critical to not only speech; but also dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall health.