Not Just Words, Mobile SLP

12/19/2025

Scripting is one of the first things I pay attention to in therapy, because it usually tells me so much more than the words themselves. Kids use lines from shows for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it helps them regulate. Sometimes it's how they practice language. Sometimes it's their safest way to communicate a need.

In my sessions, I look at the purpose behind the script and use it to build a connection, not stop it. This is a huge part of our neuroaffirming, child-led approach at Not Just Words.

If you want support understanding your child’s communication style, reach out, and I’ll walk you through what this can look like in therapy.

Send me a message if you want help figuring out what your child’s scripts might be telling us.

12/17/2025

I teach parents these swaps all the time, because the truth is our wording matters more than we realize. Kids pick up on tone, pressure, and how safe it feels to share their needs.

When we shift our language, kids usually move right along with us. I see it every single day.
Sometimes all it takes is making the moment feel safer, slower, and more connected.

If you want more small changes that make big communication wins, follow along for daily tips just like this.
Save this post so you can try these swaps the next time things feel tough at home.

12/15/2025

One thing I see often with homeschool families is the quiet pressure to manage everything alone. Lessons, routines, meltdowns, big emotions, communication challenges. It adds up fast.

What most parents don’t realise is that speech therapy support might already be fully covered for their child. The Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships can take the financial weight off your shoulders while making space for the help your child needs.

Inside Not Just Words, I meet your child right where they learn best. Their home. Their routine. Their pace. With play, regulation, and relationship leading the way.

If you want to know whether your homeschooler qualifies, send me a message, and I’ll help you walk through it step by step.

12/11/2025

A lot of parents ask me if speaking two languages at home will confuse their child. The short answer is no. Kids are incredible language learners, and bilingual exposure can actually strengthen their communication skills long term.

What some children do need is support with things like switching between languages, organizing their thoughts before they speak, or finding the right words in the language they’re trying to use. And that’s where therapy can help.

Our child-led, neuroaffirming approach lets us meet your child exactly where they are, whether they’re learning one language or two. We focus on confidence, connection, and communication that feels natural in their everyday world.

💛 Message me if you want support navigating dual-language development or want to see if our services are the right fit for your family.

12/10/2025

Some of my favorite moments in therapy happen in the first 10 seconds of a session.
That tiny pause where I sit with a child, match their energy, and let them know I see them.
Those 10 seconds can shift everything.

Kids communicate best when they feel safe, noticed, and regulated. A simple moment like getting down on their level, offering a smile, or gently naming what you see in their body can help their brain settle enough to learn, play, and connect.

This is exactly how I start every session at Not Just Words. Connection first. Regulation next. Communication grows naturally from there.

If you want support that meets your child where they are and builds connection into every step, send me a message.

12/08/2025

I see so many kids say “I don’t know” even when they absolutely do know… and it’s rarely about the answer.

Most of the time, it’s their way of saying, “I need more time,” or “I feel pressure right now.”
So in my sessions, we slow everything down and make communication feel safe again.

If you’re homeschooling here in Ohio, this type of support may be completely free for your child through the Jon Peterson or Autism Scholarship. If you want help checking eligibility, send me a message, and I’ll walk you through it.

✨ Message me to see if your homeschooler qualifies for free speech therapy support.

12/05/2025

So many parents tell me, “I just wish I knew what they were trying to say.”
And I get it.

One thing I’ve learned working with little ones is this:
Communication starts long before words ever show up.

When your child pulls your hand, looks toward something, hands you a toy, makes a sound, pauses, points, gestures, or even walks away…
That’s communication.

If you want support in understanding what your child is already telling you, reach out. I’d love to walk through it with you.

👉 Send me a message to get started.

12/03/2025

Some kids share every detail of their day.
Others give one-word answers and move on.

Both styles can be totally normal, and both can make communication feel a little tricky at home. What I look for is how a child connects during conversations… not how much they say.

Sometimes kids need support with things like taking turns, knowing when to pause, or finding the words to jump in. And those skills can grow beautifully through play, co-regulation, and real-life moments.

12/02/2025

Don’t wait and see… Check and see because early intervention is key!

We are now scheduling evaluations. Call us for a complementary intro session with no obligation. 513-757-0923

Please do not “wait and see”. Early intervention is critical! That is why Communication with Connection works with early intervention programs to support birth to three kiddos in Sullivan and Vigo counties ❤️

12/01/2025

One thing I see often is kids who know exactly what they want to say but can’t quite organize the words to get it out. It’s not a lack of ideas. Sometimes their thoughts just feel like a big pile of puzzle pieces with no picture to follow.

Before kids can tell stories or jump into conversations, they need support with things like planning, sequencing, and staying on one idea at a time.

And here’s something a lot of homeschool families don’t know…
Speech therapy can actually be free for you through the Jon Peterson and Autism scholarships here in Ohio.
These programs often cover the full cost of services for eligible students, including language and storytelling support.

If your child struggles to share their thoughts clearly or gets stuck when trying to explain something, this might be the support they need.

Send me a message and we can chat about what it could look like for your family.

11/28/2025

I see this all the time with the kids I work with… they want to tell you about their day, but getting the pieces in the right order can feel really overwhelming.

Storytelling is more than remembering what happened. It’s organizing thoughts, finding words, understanding what comes first and next… and making it all make sense to someone else. That’s a big load for little brains. 🧠

In therapy, we slow it down and make it easier. We use play, visuals, and familiar routines to help kids retell moments in a way that feels doable. Sometimes that looks like acting out their school day with toys, or creating tiny “mini stories” based on something they loved.

And because I use a neuroaffirming, sensory-based approach, we always start with connection and regulation. Kids share more when they feel safe and understood.

If your child shuts down or says “I forgot” when you ask about their day, you’re not alone in that. It’s something we can support together, and it’s one of my favorite skills to help kids grow into.

Does your child enjoy talking about their day, or do they avoid it? I’d love to hear what you’re noticing. 🌿

11/26/2025

That first word is magical… but the next step matters just as much. 💛
Moving from single words to little phrases is where real communication starts to bloom.

When your child goes from “milk” to “want milk,” they’re beginning to:
🧠 Connect ideas
💬 Build early grammar
🤝 Share more specific wants and thoughts

If your toddler is still using single words, that’s okay; sometimes, they just need more modeling in the moment.

Try this:
✨ Child says “milk” → you say “want milk.”
✨ Child says “dog” → you say “big dog.”

Little expansions like these help them learn how words work together, without pressure or drills. That’s exactly what we focus on here, supporting kids through natural, child-led moments that build real communication confidence.

Is your toddler combining words yet, or sticking with single words for now? I’d love to hear what you’re noticing. 💛