My Speech Buds, LLC

10/21/2025

💙 October is AAC Awareness Month! 💙
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication — tools and strategies that help people communicate.

Here are some important facts for parents and children:
💬 1. AAC comes in many forms!
There’s no “one-size-fits-all.”
Some examples include:
• Picture boards or communication books with symbols or photos
• Low-tech tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or printed choice boards
• High-tech devices like tablets with communication apps (for example, Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, TouchChat, or Snap + Core First)
Each person’s AAC system is unique — it’s built to match their needs, interests, and abilities.
🧠 2. Using AAC helps language grow.
AAC doesn’t stop someone from talking — it supports speech and language development, giving children more ways to express themselves.
🗣️ 3. AAC is a voice, not a last resort.
AAC can be introduced at any age. It helps build confidence, connection, and communication from the start.
👨‍👩‍👧 4. Families and friends are key!
Modeling AAC — using it as you talk — helps children see how powerful communication can be in everyday life.
❤️ 5. Communication = Connection.
Every person deserves a way to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. AAC gives people the tools to be heard!

Picture Credit:
https://saltillo.com/products/print/touchchat-express

07/16/2025

What’s new at My Speech Buds?!

First and foremost, I want to welcome anyone new to our client base as well as social media following. I appreciate everyone’s support!

Additionally, our summer schedule is in full swing! A few exciting things are happening this summer!

1) Clients focusing on reading/phonics improvements are participating in our Summer Journaling Squad. Writing prompts are provided in order to promote daily writing at home. This is a fun way to practice writing and narrative skills!
2) Clients working on articulation carryover receive weekly conversation topics to encourage practice with their best speech sounds.
3) New clients are receiving assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses. This information is utilized to create individualized treatment plans and begin services when needed.

If you are looking to take advantage of the summer and improve your child's speech and language abilities, please reach out to My Speech Buds. There is still room for a few more "buds." I hope to hear from you soon!

msb@myspeechbuds.com
301 - 245 - 7778
myspeechbuds.com

07/16/2025

Whether you are a seasoned clinician or an aspiring SLP or Audiologist, I would recommend checking out Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA)'s Mentorship Program. It is a great opportunity to increase connections and grow as a professional!

Calling All Current and future SLPs and AuDs!

The application deadline for MSHA's mentorship program is quickly approaching on July 23.

This program offers aspiring clinicians a unique opportunity to connect with experienced and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists who are eager to share their knowledge. It also provides SLPs and AuDs a chance to give back to the community and support aspiring members of our field!

Applications are open for both mentors and mentees until July 16th. Don't miss out on this chance to build meaningful connections and advance your career!

https://sites.google.com/view/mshaslpmentors/home

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July!

As I was searching for a picture for this post, I found this image. My husband and I received these keys when we moved into our home a few years ago. I was looking at the picture and thought it was a great picture for today - the flag combined with keys.

I think we all take our freedom for granted sometimes. This is inevitable because we have a life that allows freedom of speech and religion. This life in America allows us to pursue dreams. This life is not a guarantee of ease, but freedom and free will don’t work that way. Freedom is the key that allows for opportunities and successes that may not otherwise exist. Life can be full of struggles because we have the ability to pursue things that require hard work and determination.

I thank all of those who currently and previously served our country. I thank leaders striving for a better tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

06/18/2025

Are you looking for an assessment and/or therapy services to address your child’s articulation, language, and/or phonics/reading abilities?

My Speech Buds is currently accepting new clients!

Reach out via email, phone, or Messenger in order to schedule a free consultation.

Here are some answers to common questions:
1) My Speech Buds is based in Maryland
2) All services are currently provided via our virtual platform
3) There are current availabilities for ages 4+
4) We accept private pay so we can offer affordable rates!

I hope to hear from you soon!

msb@myspeechbuds.com
301-245-7778
myspeechbuds.com

06/15/2025

Wishing everyone a happy father's day!

Fathers are a blessing and should be celebrated!

Hoping all the fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and Godfathers had a great day and weekend! ❤️

Photo Credit and Product: Withhisgracedesign
https://www.zazzle.com/1_dad_graffiti_inspired_trucker_hat-256911947107296441

05/31/2025

May is Speech-Language-Hearing Month and a portion of an SLP’s job is to discuss developmental norms with families.

A wonderful resource for families curious about speech-language norms and milestones is ASHA, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. ASHA provides updated information to SLPs and families about norms and milestones as well as home and therapy ideas to assist with promoting speech-language development.

I hope these resources help. Feel free to reach out to My Speech Buds if you have questions about your child’s development and if you are seeking services.

msb@myspeechbuds.com
301-245-7778

Norms/Milestones:
https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/handouts/

Home Activities: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/activities-to-encourage-speech-and-language-development/?srsltid=AfmBOopARxU8WBXJu4cpat6FR-Tpx6l8_DOwiZ5pdJTFZNr_yW7qzBth

Signs of Speech-Language Impairments:
https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/

Photo Credit:
https://www.asha.org/siteassets/public/communication-milestones-3-to-4-years.pdf

05/29/2025

In honor of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, here is some information related to common inquiries about the virtual speech-language services provided through My Speech Buds.

1) Virtual speech-language services are evidence-based and sessions can address a variety of client needs including: articulation, language, phonics/reading, stuttering, AAC use, and cognitive communication.
2) Assessment information through My Speech Buds and/or other speech-language facilities is utilized to compile a treatment plan. Goals are discussed with the client and family in order to ensure treatment assists with improving academic and/or life skills.
3) I currently accept clients ages 4+ for assessments and therapy sessions via the virtual platform. Evaluations and treatment sessions are individualized and focus on the main concerns of the client and family.
4) A computer/device, stable internet, and a quiet learning space are the main requirements for clients to successfully participate in virtual speech-language services.
5) The amount of time clients remain in therapy depends on an individual’s needs. Each client is different but consistent communication with the client, family, and speech-language provider can assist with the process yielding wonderful results!

Please reach out via messenger, email, or phone if you are considering speech-language services at this time. I will be happy to help!

msb@myspeechbuds.com
301-245-7778
myspeechbuds.com

Welcome to My Speech Buds, LLC
Speech-language services
Virtual assessment and therapy services
Licensed in Maryland since 2014
Reach out for a free consultation
msb@myspeechbuds.com

05/26/2025

Happy Memorial Day!

As I was searching for a picture to post, I was looking at my MANY pictures (I love taking pictures of everything) and I was reflecting on the idea that none of those moments would be possible without the sacrifices of those in the military and those who lost their lives to enable our freedom. Unfortunately, the media and world focus more and more on our differences but what about the things we have in common? We are allowed to live in a country with freedom of religion and speech. We are able to pursue many academic and family goals. Take a moment today to think about the many blessings that are a gift because of those who served and/or sacrificed their lives for our country.

05/18/2025

Happy National Speech-Language Pathologist Day!

On this day, I reflect on why I enjoy working in this profession. There are so many reasons, but there is one reason above the rest!

I love being an SLP because of the wonderful clients and families that I have worked with throughout the duration of my career.

I have met and had the pleasure of working with so many individuals that are all truly unique in their own ways. It is a wonderful experience to work with differing individuals and address skills that are important to their lives. I love having the opportunity to watch clients grow and be a part of their path to achieving goals and gaining skills for future plans! I also love receiving updates from past clients about milestones and celebrations!

If you are looking to change careers or know someone that wants to be a part of a caring profession that aims to help others, look no further!

I am glad to celebrate this profession today and every day!

Photo Credit : https://www.asha.org/siteassets/nslhm/ig-story-i-love-being-an-slp.jpg

Happy National Speech-Language Pathologist Day!

On this day, I reflect on why I enjoy working in this profession. There are so many reasons, but there is one reason above the rest!

I love being an SLP because of the wonderful clients and families that I have worked with throughout the duration of my career.

I have met and had the pleasure of working with so many individuals that are all truly unique in their own ways. It is a wonderful experience to work with differing individuals and address skills that are important to their lives. I love having the opportunity to watch clients grow and be a part of their path to achieving goals and gaining skills for future plans! I also love receiving updates from past clients about milestones and celebrations!

If you are looking to change careers or know someone that wants to be a part of a caring profession that aims to help others, look no further!

I am glad to celebrate this profession today and every day!

Photo Credit : https://www.asha.org/siteassets/nslhm/ig-story-i-love-being-an-slp.jpg

05/12/2025

May is Speech-Language-Hearing Month!

Here is some information about the language part of speech-language services.

What does language entail?

If you notice your child having difficulties following directions, comprehending stories, describing storybook or real-life events, and/or experiencing difficulties with social cues or participating in conversations – these may be indicators of language difficulties.

Receptive language: Understanding of age-appropriate vocabulary terms, following directions
Expressive language: Using appropriate grammar/sentence structures, being able to effectively convey meaningful stories
Social-pragmatic language: Interpreting social cues/facial expressions, appropriately participating in conversations

Speech-language services can assess and address difficulties in these areas. These skills are essential in order to communicate within everyday life.

If you have any questions about your child's speech abilities, please contact My Speech Buds via Messenger or by email: msb@myspeechbuds.com to schedule a free consultation.

Photo Credit: https://www.asha.org/national-speech-language-hearing-month/ #:~:text=Each%20May%2C%20National%20Speech%2DLanguage,in%20providing%20life%2Daltering%20treatment.