Little Loon Pediatric Therapy

02/11/2026

It's great to see that we may finally be seeing movement toward consideration of things like motor and structural issues becoming standard. We always evaluate these factors at Little Loon and strive to address kids as a whole rather than just the sounds they produce!

https://temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-researchers-call-new-approach-speech-sound-disorders-children?fbclid=IwY2xjawP3dIZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETExTW5ua1ZuOGl0eXdyN2xac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk9Llc24F6wFcLb3E7zzHwjU2Dlkmj3PROl5yP9IeEBETPm6duSf9VH3ceRV_aem_w9lIS88B8Qj9lImHx6xjIg

Researchers at the University of Toronto are urging a reconsideration of how children are assessed for speech sound disorders, a group of conditions that make the correct pronunciation of words difficult. They say mounting evidence suggests more of these disorders result from motor-based problems of...

08/01/2025

This is such a simple, but accurate statement! Our role as Speech-Language Pathologists is important, but the involvement of other providers is crucial too. We are often dealing with hindrances and barriers to progress that require support or intervention from dentists, ENTs, orthodontists, chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, allergists, OTs, PTs, pediatricians, IBCLSs... all sorts of other important team members! It's a great feeling when we can help guide clients to other providers who can help their child and help US help their child more successfully.

No single provider can address every piece of the puzzle—and that’s exactly why collaboration matters.

When we work together—whether it's SLPs, bodyworkers, ENTs, dentists, IBCLCs, or pediatricians—we create more comprehensive, effective care plans. The result?
✨ Better outcomes
✨ Less frustration
✨ More confidence for families and providers alike

Because when you understand why something is happening, you can finally take steps to change it.

💬 Comment your questions or stories below.
💡 Want to learn how we support patients and professionals? Comment services and we’ll help you out!

06/20/2025

Do you know a Speech-Language Pathologist who's looking for a change? We are HIRING in Wasilla! Please spread the word and help us find the best fit for our team :)

04/04/2025

Little Loon is celebrating THREE YEARS since out first official client appointment 🥳

To all our clients and their families, providers with whom we collaborate and receive referrals from, members of the community who have helped spread awareness about us, THANK YOU!!! We wouldn't be where we are today without you!

03/31/2025

Last year, Little Loon had the opportunity to attend the Alaska Walk for Down Syndrome hosted by the Alaska Down Syndrome Network. It was a beautiful day with wonderful people! If you'd like to donate, sponsor, join, or learn more, check out the link below!

It is the mission of the Alaska Chapter National Down Syndrome Network to provide education and information for members, new parents, and the community as a whole, to give parent-to-parent support to families of children with Down Syndrome, to gather socially and share experiences, and to be an advo...

03/27/2025

👨‍👩‍👦 Perhaps your child has a history of feeding struggles. Maybe you've noticed they sleep with their mouth open. Or maybe your child is behind with their speech. You start looking into tongue ties and asking various professionals if your child has one. Maybe they all say no. Maybe one says yes. Maybe one says yes, but that it's "not bad enough" to cause problems.

🤷‍♀️ So... how do you know who to believe??

There are many additional questions that you can ask providers to try and determine how truly knowledgeable they are about this issue. A few ideas include...
👉You can ask how they are assessing function - because ties are about function, not appearance.
👉You can ask them what their history of continuing education is regarding ties - this shows an ongoing interest in growth and learning regarding the topic.
👉If they don't think there is a tie, you can ask them what they think is causing or contributing to your child's struggles - there are likely other factors, but can they all explain the issues completely?

👅Every child does not have a tongue tie. Every tongue tie does not require release. But every child does deserve to have an appropriate, thorough assessment by a provider who is truly educated in ties and the issues they can cause! This way, you as the parent have a more complete picture of what is going on and can make a more educated decision on the best thing to do for your child.

01/06/2025

Little Loon would like to wish everyone a happy new year and share a very exciting announcement!

As of November, Kristin has transitioned to an office inside Bionic Chiropractic. This means she is more easily accessible to all of you out in Palmer!!! She also has a few spots to fill, so you don’t even have to wait to start seeing her for services 😃

Call us up today at (907) 215-3105 if you’ve got concerns about your kiddo’s speech, feeding, or oral function!

09/24/2024

Join our breathing expert, Kristin, this Friday at The Yoga Shack for a special event!

07/03/2024

Little Loon had the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people on Saturday including many of those with Down syndrome and their families, friends, and supporters at the Alaska Walk for Down Syndrome. It was a beautiful day for the event and the event was enjoyed by all! Thanks so much to Alaska Down Syndrome Network for organizing the walk and inviting us to be there!

05/08/2024

We have lots of tools we use in therapy, but we don't like to recommend parents invest their money unless we've vetted the products ourselves. The REMplenish nozzles really are a great tool (keyword tool, not solution!) when working with oral dysfunction. We've personally noticed improved oral rest posture (tongue to palate) and improved sleep with the strengthening of muscles in the tongue and throat.

If you're a current client, we have a couple "clinic" nozzles you are welcome to try out when deciding if you want to purchase! We have no affiliation arrangement with the company, but wanted to share the sale going on! :)

04/04/2024

Are you a Speech-Language Pathologist? Lactation consultant or counselor? Occupational therapist? Chiropractor, dental professional, early intervention specialist, pediatrician... anyone who works with children? If you're not, do you know someone who is and has never taken continuing education about oral ties?

So many babies, children, teens, and even adults are done a disservice when we fail to acknowledge or consider how a tongue tie (or lip or buccal ties) may be impacting their speech, feeding, sleep, breathing, body tension... the list goes on. Please consider taking this course (it's available online, too, in September!) or sharing with someone who would benefit from this knowledge to better help their patients!

Link to the online option:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tots-training-online-september-12-13-2024-tickets-699610813777