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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm

tuLIPS Speech Therapy, 1640 Union Street, San Francisco, CA (2026)

12/24/2025

✈️✨ Holiday Travel Doesn’t Have to Pause Speech & Language Growth — Here’s How to Support Communication for ALL Ages (Toddlers → Teens → Adults → AAC Users) 💙

Travel season can bring excitement… and overwhelm. Long car rides, airport lines, delayed flights, new environments, sensory overload, and unpredictable schedules can all impact communication — whether you’re supporting a toddler, a school-age child, a teen, or an adult client using AAC.

The good news?
Travel is FULL of natural opportunities to build language, regulation, and connection — if we know what to look for.

Here are SLP-approved strategies that work across ages:

💬 1. “Narrate the Journey”
Talk about what you SEE, DO, and EXPECT.
This builds vocabulary, joint attention, and emotional readiness.

🧳 2. Use Predictable Routines — Even on the Go
A simple visual schedule or written checklist reduces anxiety and supports smoother transitions for all ages.

🗣️ 3. Offer Low-Pressure Communication Options
Gesture, pointing, AAC, single words, scripts, or even emojis count as communication when the environment is overwhelming.

🎧 4. Protect Regulation Before Expectation
Noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, movement breaks, fidgets, chewy jewelry, music, or cozy items help regulate the nervous system — which helps communication come easier.

🧩 5. Make Travel Interactive
I-spy, map reading, conversations, describing scenery, ordering food, labeling emotions, predicting what’s next — all of these build functional language.

💙 6. For AAC Users: Prep Before You Go
Pre-program travel words
• “Bathroom”
• “Hungry”
• “Wait”
• “Help”
• “Stop”
• “Where are we going?”
• “All done”
• “My body needs a break”

Small changes prevent big frustrations.

🛫 7. Use Travel Time for Connection, Not Perfection
Regulated bodies communicate better than stressed bodies — toddlers, teens, adults, EVERYONE.

✨ Holiday travel can be meaningful, calm, and communication-rich… even when it’s chaotic.

✨ Save & share this guide to support someone traveling this season.

✨ Full blog now live — link in bio 💙

12/22/2025

🎄 Holiday Screen Time Isn’t “Good or Bad” — It’s HOW We Use It 💙
SLP-Approved Tips for Kids, Teens, Adults & AAC Users

The holidays change everything — sleep, routines, travel, noise, energy, sensory load. And when the brain is overwhelmed, ALL ages naturally turn to screens for comfort, predictability, and regulation.

At TuLIPS, we use a neurodiversity-affirming approach:
✨ Screen time is not the enemy.
✨ It can HELP communication — or make it harder.
✨ The goal isn’t restriction…it’s intentional use.

Here’s what HELPS during holiday chaos:
💙 Co-viewing (talking about what you’re watching)
💙 Slow-paced + predictable content
💙 Using screens as communication tools (AAC, texting, FaceTime)
💙 Using tech for connection, creativity & learning
💙 Regulation apps: calming visuals, music, breathing videos

And here’s what can HURT:
⚠️ Fast, overstimulating shows
⚠️ Meltdowns after screen time
⚠️ Screens replacing communication opportunities
⚠️ Isolation during long gaming binges
⚠️ Late-night dopamine-heavy scrolling

🎧 AAC users: screen time is NOT a reward — it’s communication access.
Never remove AAC to “earn” screen time.

✨ USE THIS INSTEAD:
✔ Visual timers
✔ Breaks between activities
✔ Co-viewing
✔ Purposeful tech (games, recipes, travel prep videos)
✔ Regulation tools (music, headphones, breathing videos)

Screens can be a beautiful part of holiday connection when used with intention. 💙
Full blog now live — link in bio.

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

SpeechTherapyTips AAC CommunicationMatters NeurodiversityAffirming ParentEducation TeenMentalHealth ExecutiveFunction SLPCommunity EveryVoiceMatters

12/22/2025

🎁 SLP-Approved Gifts That Build REAL Communication Skills (for ALL Ages!)

Looking for last minute gifts that actually help with communication growth? The best choices aren’t loud, flashy toys — they’re simple, creative, and interactive tools that support vocabulary, social skills, play, AAC, problem-solving, emotional expression, and executive functioning. And the best part? They work for kids, teens, AND adults. 💙

✨ Why these gifts matter:
Communication grows through play, movement, interaction, creativity, and connection. Open-ended toys, board games, AAC tools, and sensory items build the foundation for expressive/receptive language, narrative skills, speech clarity, and social communication.

Here are SLP favorites:
🎁 Open-ended toys (Magna-Tiles, blocks, LEGOs, figurines) → boost vocabulary, storytelling & symbolic play
🎁 Board games (Guess Who, Uno, Hedbanz, Sequence) → support turn-taking, reasoning, flexible thinking
🎁 Books for all ages → build vocabulary + comprehension
🎁 Craft kits → great for direction following + expressive communication
🎁 Sensory tools (headphones, fidgets, kinetic sand) → support regulation so communication can happen
🎁 Real-life play items → build functional language + sequencing
🎁 AAC-friendly tools (core boards, single-message buttons) → empower all communicators
🎁 Teen & adult picks (journals, conversation decks, strategy games, voice-care tools)
🎁 Tech that supports learning (AAC apps, visual schedule apps, digital drawing pads)

✨ It’s not about the toy — it’s about the interaction.
Narrate • model language • offer choices • create stories together • explore AAC during play • expand their words.

Communication grows when connection does. 💙
Full blog is now live!
📲 Link in bio

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

SLPToys NeurodiversityAffirming HolidayGiftGuide2025 SpeechTherapyTips LanguageDevelopment TherapyWorks

12/18/2025

🎁 SLP-Approved Gifts That Build REAL Communication Skills (for ALL Ages!)

Looking for last minute gifts that actually help with communication growth? The best choices aren’t loud, flashy toys — they’re simple, creative, and interactive tools that support vocabulary, social skills, play, AAC, problem-solving, emotional expression, and executive functioning. And the best part? They work for kids, teens, AND adults. 💙

✨ Why these gifts matter:
Communication grows through play, movement, interaction, creativity, and connection. Open-ended toys, board games, AAC tools, and sensory items build the foundation for expressive/receptive language, narrative skills, speech clarity, and social communication.

Here are SLP favorites:
🎁 Open-ended toys (Magna-Tiles, blocks, LEGOs, figurines) → boost vocabulary, storytelling & symbolic play
🎁 Board games (Guess Who, Uno, Hedbanz, Sequence) → support turn-taking, reasoning, flexible thinking
🎁 Books for all ages → build vocabulary + comprehension
🎁 Craft kits → great for direction following + expressive communication
🎁 Sensory tools (headphones, fidgets, kinetic sand) → support regulation so communication can happen
🎁 Real-life play items → build functional language + sequencing
🎁 AAC-friendly tools (core boards, single-message buttons) → empower all communicators
🎁 Teen & adult picks (journals, conversation decks, strategy games, voice-care tools)
🎁 Tech that supports learning (AAC apps, visual schedule apps, digital drawing pads)

✨ It’s not about the toy — it’s about the interaction.
Narrate • model language • offer choices • create stories together • explore AAC during play • expand their words.

Communication grows when connection does. 💙
Full blog is now live!
📲 Link in bio

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

12/17/2025

❄️ Holiday meltdowns aren’t “bad behavior” — they’re communication.
The holidays can be loud, busy, unpredictable, and overwhelming. When the nervous system is overstimulated, communication becomes harder for any age — toddlers, teens, and adults.

At TuLIPS, we use a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming lens:
✨ Meltdowns = “this is too much right now”
✨ Not attention-seeking
✨ Not misbehavior
✨ A signal that support is needed

SLP-approved ways to help during holiday overwhelm:
🎄 Create predictability (visual schedules, previews, routines)
🎄 Label feelings (“Your body feels overwhelmed. I’m here.”)
🎄 Use regulating language instead of “calm down”
🎄 Normalize sensory tools (movement, headphones, stimming)
🎄 Offer communication alternatives (AAC, gestures, yes/no, 1-word options)
🎄 Repair afterward (“You weren’t in trouble. Your feelings mattered.”)

Holiday meltdowns aren’t failures — they’re messages. With support, compassion, and accessible communication tools, individuals of all ages can move through holiday overwhelm with more confidence and connection. 💙

✨ Full blog + strategies now live.
📲 Link in bio

12/06/2025

❄️ Winter is the Perfect Season for Communication Growth ❄️

Winter brings slower days, cozy routines, and so many natural moments to build communication for all ages—kids, teens, adults, AAC users, and neurodivergent communicators.

Here are a few SLP-approved ways to turn everyday winter moments into language growth:

✨ Winter Scavenger Hunt — describe items, make guesses, build vocabulary.

✨ Hot Cocoa Sequencing — talk through steps using first/next/then.

✨ Guess the Winter Object — great for word-finding + critical thinking.

✨ Winter Clothing Routine — practice functional language (“zip,” “pull,” “I need…”).

✨ Snow or Ice Sensory Play — perfect for describing and AAC commenting.

✨ Board Games — support turn-taking, reasoning, and social communication.

✨ Cozy Conversations — “What was your favorite part of today?”

Small seasonal moments = big communication gains. ❄️💙

The full blog with 15 SLP-approved winter activities for all ages is now live on our site.
📲 Link in bio

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

11/27/2025

💛 When kids can’t find the words, emotions often speak for them.

Tantrums, meltdowns, or withdrawal aren’t always “behavior issues.” Often, they’re communication challenges in disguise. When a child struggles to express how they feel, frustration builds—and emotional regulation becomes harder.

That’s where speech therapy can help.

At tuLIPS Speech Therapy, we focus on strengthening the connection between language and emotions.When children learn to identify and express their feelings, they’re able to communicate instead of react 💬.

Here’s how speech therapy supports emotional regulation:

🌈 Naming emotions: Expanding emotional vocabulary (“mad,” “disappointed,” “excited”) helps kids express instead of explode.

📖 Storytelling and role-play: Practicing how to navigate emotions through pretend play builds confidence and empathy.

🤝 Modeling calm responses: SLPs help children learn to pause, breathe, and use words to problem-solve.

👀 Visual supports: Emotion charts and picture cues help link what kids feel to what they can say.

Research shows that improving language skills helps children manage big emotions and strengthen self-control (Vallotton & Ayoub, 2011).

✨ Parent tip: When your child feels upset, pause and name the feeling—“You’re mad that your toy broke.” This builds emotional vocabulary and teaches that all feelings are okay, but not all actions are.

When children learn the language of emotions, they gain the confidence to connect, self-regulate, and thrive. 💬💗

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for more info or visit https://www.tulipstherapy.com/blog to read the full article!

11/19/2025

🍎 Did you know that speech therapy can help with feeding and oral motor skills?

It’s not just about words! Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are also trained to support how the lips, tongue, and jaw move for both speech and eating.

Children may benefit from feeding therapy if they:
👶 Gag, choke, or struggle to chew foods
🥄 Prefer only certain textures or temperatures
🥛 Have trouble drinking from a straw or cup
💬 Drool often or have unclear speech sounds

These challenges are more common than most parents realize—and with the right approach, they’re treatable! 💡

At tuLIPS Speech Therapy, we use fun, gentle techniques to help kids:

✨ Strengthen oral muscles for better chewing and speaking
✨ Build comfort with new textures and flavors
✨ Develop safe swallowing patterns
✨ Enjoy mealtime without stress or pressure

For little ones, progress often starts with playful activities like blowing bubbles, sipping from straws, or exploring foods with hands and mouth. Every small victory counts! 🎉

When feeding feels fun and positive, kids gain confidence not just at the table—but in their ability to communicate, too. 💕

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for more info or visit https://www.tulipstherapy.com/blog to read the full article!

11/16/2025

👫 Did you know that playdates are one of the best ways to boost your child’s speech and social skills?

When kids play together, they naturally practice:
💬 Taking turns in conversation
🧠 Problem-solving and perspective-taking
🎲 Using new vocabulary in real situations
💗 Building empathy and confidence

Research shows that children learn language best through interaction and imitation—not drills or flashcards (Tomasello, 2003). When they play, they communicate for real reasons: to share ideas, tell stories, and make friends.

At tuLIPS Speech Therapy, we often incorporate peer-based or small-group sessions that mirror natural social settings. These help kids learn to:

• Read body language and facial expressions 😊
• Use language to solve conflicts calmly ✋
• Practice flexible thinking and teamwork 🧩
• Express emotions and needs through words ❤️

✨ Parent Tip: Host short, structured playdates (30–45 minutes) with simple cooperative activities like building, cooking, or pretend play. Step back and let the kids take the lead—social learning happens in those little unscripted moments!

Remember, when children play, they’re not just having fun—they’re building lifelong communication skills 🌈.

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for more info or visit https://www.tulipstherapy.com/blog to read the full article!

11/14/2025

🍼 Every child develops at their own pace—but when speech is slower to emerge, it can leave parents wondering: Is my child just a late talker, or should I be concerned? 💭

“Late talkers” are toddlers (around 18–30 months) who understand language well but use fewer words than expected for their age. While some catch up on their own, others benefit from early speech therapy to support communication growth 🌱.

Here are a few general milestones to keep in mind:
👶 12 months: Says a few single words like “mama” or “bye.”
🗣 18 months: Uses 20–50 words.
🧩 24 months: Begins combining 2 words (“more milk,” “bye dada”).
💬 36 months: Speaks in short sentences with 200+ words.

If your child isn’t hitting these marks—or gets easily frustrated trying to communicate—an early evaluation can make all the difference.

✨ Speech therapy for late talkers focuses on:
• Play-based sessions that make learning natural and fun 🎲
• Parent coaching so you can support progress at home 💛
• Building confidence through communication, not correction

Research shows early intervention (especially before age 3) leads to stronger long-term language, academic, and social outcomes (Roberts & Kaiser, 2015).

💡 Parent tip: The best thing you can do is talk with your child, not just to them. Describe your routines, read aloud daily, and celebrate every attempt—big or small.

You’re your child’s best teacher, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

📩 Book a consultation today: email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com

📍 Serving San Francisco and surrounding Piedmont/Oakland areas. We also offer virtual sessions and work with a variety of insurance plans.

🌷 Our goal is to make speech therapy accessible and impactful for every stage of life.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for more info or visit https://www.tulipstherapy.com/blog to read the full article!

11/06/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring Translators! 🌟

Join our friendly, family-centered speech therapy clinic!

💬 Position: Part-Time Translators (Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin)

🕓 Schedule: Flexible hours available

💖 Perks: Supportive team, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow

We’re looking for Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin translators to help us connect with families and support every voice.

Enjoy flexible schedules, a collaborative team, and the chance to make a real impact in your community.

📧 Email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com to learn more or apply!

11/06/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring Translators! 🌟

Join our friendly, family-centered speech therapy clinic!

💬 Position: Part-Time Translators (Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin)

🕓 Schedule: Flexible hours available

💖 Perks: Supportive team, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow

We’re looking for Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin translators to help us connect with families and support every voice.

Enjoy flexible schedules, a collaborative team, and the chance to make a real impact in your community.

📧 Email us at hello@tulipstherapy.com to learn more or apply!

tuLIPS Speech Therapy

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Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm