Cool Kidz Therapy

08/28/2023

Speech Therapist or Speech Language Therapist?

A lot of folks, even ourselves included, call us Speech Therapists but that is a bit of a disservice— it leads many to think we are only for correcting speech sound issues like that classic /r/ --> /w/ liquid glide you’re familiar with, as it’s expected for a few kids in any given kindergarten class to be singing, “whoa whoa whoa yo’ boat.” In a 1st or 2nd grade class, this is much less expected. Sure, we can help correct those /r/ sounds, but our scope goes way beyond that— we are also specialized in how sounds make up words (phonology, morphology) and how those words connect to form the structure (syntax) of language. We help to build robust vocabularies (semantics), and how to use all those language skills effectively in social communication (pragmatics).

Phonology: the sounds of language and how they are organized into phonemes— the smallest units of sound that shape words.

Morphology: the structure of words and how they are formed from smaller units called morphemes— the smallest grammatical units which carry meaning.

Syntax: the rules governing sentence structure, word order, and the arrangement of words into grammatical and coherent phrases and sentences.

Semantics: the meanings of words, their associations, and contexts— essentially, vocabulary.

Pragmatics: the social use of language including how we use language to accomplish various tasks, establish relationships, and navigate social interactions. It includes the subtleties of tone, intent, and inference which determine how our language is expressed and received by others.

05/04/2023

May the force be with you, always.

Baby Yoda using AAC-
https://youtu.be/ZWvwtJsVFU4

This Star Wars Day, consider how tapping into the popular franchise might encourage early adoption of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

We're referring to the character Grogu (Baby Yoda for those less familiar with the galaxy far, far away), who in the Star Wars TV series “The Mandalorian” uses a machine called IG-12 — fitted with a form of AAC — to communicate. Read more: https://on.asha.org/42Ezjov

04/24/2023

04/14/2023

Proud to be accepting Step Up for Students (SUFS) Scholarship, formerly Gardiner Scholarship.

If you are looking for a Speech/Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist that accepts SUFS---
Cool Kidz Therapy, PLLC is a Step Up for Students approved provider.

If interested, we would love to hear from you by message, text (321-757-1353), or when you book an appointment with us through the website www.coolkidztherapy.com

If you're interested in learning more about the scholarship options and if your child may be eligible---
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/

04/11/2023

Great news! CoolKidz Therapy now offers Occupational Therapy services. We have a limited number of spots available, so please reach out ASAP if interested.

Our OT is well rounded and professional, yet calm and cool enough that kids and families love her. She has experience in Early Intervention, Intensive Rehabilitation, and Schools. She's well versed and comfortable working with children with a variety of needs and diagnoses, such as Autism Spectrum (ASD), Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD), and genetic disorders just to name a few.

We would love to hear from you by message, text (321-757-1353), or when you book an appointment with us through the website at www.coolkidztherapy.com

Note: Gardiner/Step Up For Students Scholarship or Private Pay only at this time.

04/08/2023

Happy Easter to you and your family from us here at Cool Kidz Therapy! :) :) :)

04/05/2023

🧶📚 Weaving together strong readers with Scarborough's Reading Rope! 🧶📚

Just like a rope is made up of different strands woven together, reading requires different skills to be successful. Scarborough's Reading Rope breaks down these skills into different strands, including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and more!

As a Speech/Language Pathologist, our Lead SLP Adam knows and shares that speech/language skills are key to reading success; However, overemphasizing sight words in early reading instruction can be like using only one type of yarn for a rope. It may work at first, but eventually, the rope may become weak and break apart. At Cool Kidz Therapy, we take a look at all the strings, so young readers develop strong literacy skills that will help them weave their way through any text they encounter. Say goodbye to sight word overload and hello to a lifetime of reading success! 🎉

04/04/2023

Attention parents: Occupational Therapy is for your work, but if you're a kid, your work is PLAY! 🎉🎉🎉

We believe that play is one of the best ways for kids to build essential skills. Whether they're jumping, climbing, painting, or singing, every activity can help them grow and develop.

If your child needs help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, self-care, or any other aspect of their development, we're here to help!

Let's turn work into play and watch your child reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our pediatric occupational therapy services. 🚀🎨👨‍🎨

04/03/2023

APRIL 2nd is a special day!

04/02/2023

Ever wonder what a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist does?
Well, we're here with our SLP Adam to give you the scoop! SLPs are highly trained professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of speech and language disorders in children of all ages.
Here's a quick and general overview, stay tuned for more info!
SLPs specializes in the following areas:

-Articulation/Phonology: the ability to process and produce speech sounds correctly.

-Fluency: the ability to speak smoothly and without interruptions or stuttering.

-Voice: the quality and clarity of speech, including pitch, volume, and resonance.

-Language: the ability to comprehend and express thoughts and ideas verbally, using and understanding appropriate grammar and vocabulary.

-Social Communication: the ability to use language appropriately in social situations, including turn-taking, initiating/maintaining conversations, and understanding nonverbal cues.

-Literacy: the ability to read and write, including phonological awareness, letter-sound relationships, and comprehension.

-Feeding and swallowing: the ability to eat and drink safely and efficiently, including managing difficulties with chewing or swallowing.
At Cool Kidz Therapy, we believe every child deserves to communicate effectively. Our SLP Adam is dedicated to helping your child achieve their goals and reach their full potential. If you have any concerns about your child's speech, language, communication, or social abilities, don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment with Adam, our expert Pediatric SLP.

04/01/2023

Hey there parents and caregivers!

At Cool Kidz Therapy, we are thrilled to share that our therapist Adam is growing his expertise in Literacy Disorders. We are always seeking new ways to provide the best possible care to the children and families who rely on us, and we're excited to offer even more support in this important area. Let's work together to help your child achieve their full potential!

Does clear speech matter?

"It's just a few sounds," I've heard, "and really doesn't impact the child much."

Well, you might not be surprised to hear the same system used to produce accurate speech is the system that is also used to decode words in reading.

You'll then also be unsurprised to hear that children with Speech Sound Disorders are at approximately 20-25% chance to also struggle with reading.
..but, you may be somewhat surprised to learn that many of our teachers and schools have not been given the proper science and interventions when it comes to teaching reading. They may even be teaching harmful strategies about guessing words that more closely match what a poor reader would do than what a fluent reader would do, a statement which is backed up by neuroscience and observation of the brain during reading.

I work with children with Speech Sound Disorders every day, and it is always a priority that we prevent concomitant Literacy Disorders. Sometimes this means unlearning taught strategies and learning to read again from the ground up. We can do this while we practice our speech sounds, it's the same system. Our children don't have to struggle their whole lives with literacy issues if we catch it early enough.

That's the rant for today, reach out if I can be of assistance, may you all have a most literate Tuesday! 🙂 🙂 🙂

03/30/2023

Welcome to Cool Kidz Therapy!

We are a dedicated pediatric therapy provider serving children and families in Melbourne, FL and the barrier island. Our mission is to help every child reach their full potential, no matter their individual needs or challenges.

Our founder, Adam Stokey, is a nationally credentialed and state-licensed Speech-Language Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience serving individuals with special needs. He has worked in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, daycares, rehabilitation hospitals, and multidisciplinary clinics. At Cool Kidz Therapy, Adam and our team of like-minded professionals work collaboratively to develop fun and individually-tailored treatments for each child and family we serve.

Cool Kidz Therapy accepts Gardiner/Step Up For Students Scholarships, cash/check, and HSA payments. While we are currently out-of-network with most insurance providers, we want you and your family to get the help you need when you need it and will do our best to help connect you with the resources you need.

At Cool Kidz Therapy, we come to you! Whether your child needs therapy at home, school, daycare, or out in the community, we are dedicated to providing high-quality care wherever it is needed. We offer both in-person and Teletherapy options for your convenience, making it easy to access our services no matter where you are located.

Thank you for considering Cool Kidz Therapy as a partner in your child's journey towards reaching their full potential. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance to you and your family.