The Preschool SLP
By: Kelly Vess, MA, CCC-SLP
Language: en-us
Categories: Education, Courses
Are you an agent of change? Looking to create real, life-long change in your work and in yourself? Ready to turn your visions into reality? Looking to work smarter, not harder—and have lots of fun along the way? Every Thursday, join international author, researcher, and speaker Kelly Vess to put only the best research to work. Kelly covers effective, practical strategies for children AND therapists to thrive. You are a miracle. Your time here is short. Let’s make the most of it. Follow Kelly @KellyVessSLP on Instagram for daily inspiration. Subscribe to The Preschool SLP podcast and make sure...
Episodes
202. When AAC Feels Hard, It’s Working: What Effective Clinicians Do Differently
Jan 08, 2026If you work with children who are minimally speaking with autism or you love a child who is minimally speaking, today’s episode matters.
Over the past year, I’ve been doing something deeply intentional. I’ve been having long, honest conversations with speech pathologists and special education teachers who are truly effective with high-tech AAC. These weren’t quick chats. Each interview ran over an hour. I asked open-ended questions. I pushed for specifics. I wanted to know what is actually working for robust AAC systems with thousands of words.
What I found surprised me.
<... Duration: 00:17:22Six Self-Care Swaps for Peak Performance in Therapy
Dec 18, 2025If you work with children who have complex communication needs, you already know this truth:
you cannot pour from an empty cup.
In this episode, I share six realistic self-care swaps I use from morning to night to support energy, focus, and emotional regulation in the work we do. These are not trends. They are practical, research-informed adjustments that help me show up fully present in therapy sessions, even during long, demanding days.
As winter approaches and energy dips, comfort-food cravings rise. Instead of relying on willpower, I build better systems. In this episode, I...
Duration: 00:14:19201. The Movie Every SLP and Special Educator Needs to See: 5 Hard Lessons on Parent Collaboration
Dec 11, 2025If you work with parents of children with special needs, this episode is non-negotiable. Instead of diving into research, we’re heading straight into a film that delivers the kind of uncomfortable clarity our field rarely gets.
Today, we break down If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You—Mary Bronstein’s raw, emotionally accurate look into the lived experience of parenting a neurodivergent child—and why every SLP, special educator, and early-intervention professional needs to watch it.
This movie exposes a blind spot in our practice: how we show up for families. And more importantl...
Duration: 00:14:07200. My Five Favorite Literacy Habits That Boost Early Language
Dec 04, 2025If you love weaving books into speech and language therapy, this episode is absolutely your lane.
In this conversation, Kelly breaks down a 2025 scoping review on early language development and reading aloud, then translates it into five practical literacy “hacks” you can use with preschool and early elementary students starting tomorrow.
She pulls zero punches about the study design: you’ll hear exactly what a scoping review is (and isn’t), why it doesn’t carry the same weight as a systematic review or meta-analysis, and how to use it wisely as an “ide...
Duration: 00:25:37199. Selective Mutism + Hectic Holidays — Make Sure to Do THIS
Nov 20, 2025Children who speak freely at home but shut down in public aren’t being stubborn. Their capacity is getting crushed by the demands of new people, new settings, and unpredictable routines. In this episode, we break down how to build capacity using the PRIDE approach—explicitly adapted for reluctant speakers and children with selective mutism.
You’ll hear how to shift out of “thermostat mode” and into “mime mode,” using 10 minutes a day of pure responsiveness to lower pressure, increase connection, and support communication in high-stress seasons like the holidays.
We walk through exactly how to use each pa...
Duration: 00:17:19198. Put PRIDE to Work to Improve Behavior: Evidence-Based PRIDE Skills from PCIT That Really Work
Nov 13, 2025If you serve young children with behavior challenges, this episode delivers a framework you can put to work immediately. Today, we break down the PRIDE skills: five evidence-based behavior strategies drawn from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT). These methods have more than 50 years of empirical support and consistently improve behavior, engagement, emotional regulation, and communication across diverse populations.
You’ll learn how to use objective praise, reflection, imitation, description, and genuine enjoyment to build connection—not compliance. This child-directed interaction approach has been shown to make meaningful gains for children with autism, ADHD, selec...
Duration: 00:20:02197. Ten Predictors of Poor Progress in Speech Therapy—and How to Turn It Around
Nov 06, 2025If you treat speech sound disorders (SSD) and you’re not seeing the gains you expect, this episode is your playbook. We cut through the noise and name the 10 research-informed predictors of slower progress—attention/self-monitoring limits, sensitive temperament, co-occurring language/working-memory load, hearing impairment (fricatives/affricates), motor speech factors, structural constraints (e.g., open bite), low stimulability, later start to intervention, low therapy intensity/irregular attendance, and environmental barriers. Then we pivot hard into the three levers that consistently move outcomes: choosing complex, maximally distinct targets (e.g., SW-blends), delivering dynamic temporal tactile cueing (DTTC-style), and holding the ~80% chal...
Duration: 00:41:24196. 10 Reasons to Use the ‘Look at’ Sentence Strip to Spark Speech in Autism
Oct 30, 2025If you work with children with autism who are minimally speaking, this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking down why the “Look at” sentence strip has been a total game-changer in my therapy room—and why it consistently helps children begin to speak, connect, and comment on the world around them.
After 25 years of practice, I can tell you this tool does more than encourage speech—it builds neurological pathways for speech to flow. You’ll learn:
✅ The neuroscience behind why repetition and motor consistency matter
✅ How DTTC and “look at” work hand-in-hand to build automaticity
195. Groundbreaking Autism Study Reveals How Autism Can Develop At Any Age and How to D.S.D.
Oct 24, 2025Discover how a 2025 Nature autism study transforms early intervention in speech language pathology. Learn how family history, genetics, and executive function shape assessment, therapy planning, and lifelong communication outcomes.
If you work with children with autism, this episode will change how you think about early intervention forever. A major 2025 study published in Nature titled Polygenic and developmental profiles of autism differ by age of diagnosis has revealed that early onset autism and later developing autism are not the same.
This is one of the largest autism studies ever conducted, examining more than 47,000 individuals around the...
Duration: 00:20:58194. 5 Myths About High-Tech AAC—Debunked by Research
Oct 16, 2025If you work with minimally speaking children or children with autism, this episode is a must-listen. Speech-language pathologist Kelly Vess takes on the five biggest myths about high-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)—and backs every point with current peer-reviewed research.
Learn why high-tech AAC devices:
✅ Do not require self-regulation or joint attention first
✅ Are not too complex for preschoolers
✅ Increase social interaction rather than limit it
✅ Should not be constantly customized
✅ Must be provided—and supported—by public schools under IDEA and ADA
Kelly breaks down each misconception, explains how to blend high...
Duration: 00:21:52193. Teaching Little Kids Big Sentences: The Most Powerful Responsive Language Strategy for DLD
Oct 09, 2025Today’s episode is a can’t-miss if you work with children with developmental language disorder (DLD) or developmental language delays. I’m sharing my #1 most powerful responsive language strategy—one that works with every child on your caseload, regardless of temperament.
We’re going beyond basic expansions and simple recasts. Instead, I’ll show you how to transform simple sentences into complex ones by adding finite clauses—what I like to call “clausing.”
You’ll hear about peer-reviewed research from:
Gillian Steel et al. (2016) – demonstrating how complex sentence deficits persist in DLD.Amanda Owen Van Horne et al... Duration: 00:21:49192. Are Final Clusters the Overlooked Key to Bigger Speech and Language Gains?
Oct 02, 2025If you work with children with speech sound disorders, this episode is a must-listen. We’re diving into cutting-edge research on final consonant clusters—a treatment target that has been largely overlooked but may unlock powerful generalization gains.
For decades, evidence has shown that choosing complex targets leads to greater overall progress. Now, new research suggests that working on final 3-element clusters may be just as effective—and possibly more efficient—than the traditional initial cluster approach.
In this episode, I’ll break down:
✅ Why marked forms (l...
Duration: 00:31:334 Strategies to Build Decontextualized Language for Stronger Conversation Skills
Sep 25, 2025If you work with preschool or early elementary students, this episode is a must-listen.
We’re diving into decontextualized language—a skill that’s rarely discussed but critical for literacy and academic success. Decontextualized language is when children talk about things outside the here and now—past events, future plans, ideas, feelings, and abstract thinking.
Why does it matter?
Research spanning over 20 years shows that children with strong decontextualized language skills in preschool perform better in reading and academics throughout elementary school. Yet, most SLPs and educators...
190. How to Use Digital Tools to Actually Boost Language and Literacy in Preschoolers
Sep 17, 2025Are you ready to go digital the right way in your therapy sessions?
Today, we’re diving into the latest systematic review research on using digital tools to improve preschoolers’ language and literacy outcomes. The evidence is clear: digital media can be a powerful tool — when it’s used intentionally.
In this episode, you’ll discover five key strategies that work, including:
Why children should never be left alone with a deviceHow to make digital activities multimodal and engagingThe language modeling strategies that matter mostWays t... Duration: 00:16:44189. AAC for Social Communication: Research, Reality, and Monday Morning Solutions
Sep 11, 2025If you work with minimally speaking children using low-tech or high-tech AAC, this episode is for you.
A brand-new systematic review just dropped — but the published research is sparse, messy, and often mislabeled. Today, we’ll dig through the “recycle bin” of studies to uncover what actually works, why commenting is more powerful than requesting, and how to take action on Monday morning.
You’ll learn:
Why many so-called “commenting interventions” are really prompted responses, not true initiationsThe pivotal role of combining words in AAC for... Duration: 00:29:45188. Does Telepractice for Speech Sound Disorders Work?
Sep 04, 2025Is telepractice just as effective as in-person therapy for treating speech sound disorders? In this episode, we take a realistic, research-driven look at what the evidence really says about speech telepractice—and what factors determine whether it works.
You’ll discover:
The exact client profiles that are NOT a good fit for telepractice.The active ingredients that make telepractice sessions as effective as in-person therapy.Why dose isn’t just about reps—and how complex targets create massive gains.Brand-new research on final clusters and how to apply it in therapy.The key role of caregivers as co-th... Duration: 00:19:11187. The 3 Biggest Goal-Writing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them for Massive Speech Gains)
Aug 28, 2025Are your speech therapy goals actually creating change or just filling space on an IEP?
In this episode, I share the three biggest mistakes I made in writing goals (and what to do instead). You’ll learn how to:
Write measurable annual goals that track real growth.Use complex clusters and the complexity approach to accelerate progress.Show parents exactly how to cue, fade prompts, and buy-in to accomplish the quarterly objective so they become co-interventionists right from the start.Avoid clunky goals that stall progress an... Duration: 00:29:52186. Speech Sound Disorder Goals Made Easy: Try This 3-Step Goal Writing Framework
Aug 21, 2025If you work with children with speech sound disorders, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down my simple 3-step method for writing speech goals that not only improve clarity but also empower parents and the entire intervention team to stay on the same page.
You’ll learn how to:
Use your single word standardized speech tests to track progress with confidenceWrite easy to measure annual goals that are reliable to connected speechCreate clear, evidence-based objectives that scaffold from maximum to minimal supportThis approach has been a game...
Duration: 00:19:05147. Why Isn't 'Mama' the 1st Word for Many with Autism?
Aug 16, 2025Why isn't 'Mama' a first word for many children with Autism, yet it is for their neurotypical peers? There are four underlying physiological causes for this difference. Let's dive in to explore these four reasons why 'Mama' is not just naturally developing and what we need to do differently to encourage the development of this pivotally important word. Ready to work more effectively with children with autism by treating the whole child with done-for-you, ready-to-use activities delivered weekly in your inbox? Don't delay and learn about the SIS Membership at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Looking forward...
Duration: 00:16:28185. Evidence-Based Assessment & Language Intervention Strategies for Children from Economically Diverse Backgrounds
Aug 14, 2025How can speech-language pathologists determine whether a child’s communication challenges are due to a language difference or a language disorder—and then choose the most impactful language intervention strategies?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, one of the leading experts in culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) populations. With over 70 scholarly publications and 16 books, she has dedicated her career to ensuring SLPs can assess children fairly and provide evidence-based interventions that truly change outcomes.
You’ll...
Duration: 00:28:0160. Why Verbal Cues Hold Children Back in Speech Therapy (and What to Do Instead)
Aug 11, 2025Verbal cues may feel like the least intrusive form of prompting in speech therapy—but research and practice show they are actually the most restrictive.
In this episode, I share three powerful reasons why verbal cues hold children back and why you need to fade them quickly:
✅ How verbal cues undermine self-efficacy and independence
✅ Why verbal cues take away valuable executive function practice
✅ How verbal cues prevent true mastery and create prompt dependency
You’ll learn practical ways to shift toward multimodal cueing strategies that empower children to take ownership of their learning.
... Duration: 00:20:29184. Gestalt Language Processing Intervention: What’s Evidence-Based—and What Isn’t? Part 2
Aug 07, 2025Are you using the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework in your autism intervention?
This episode of The Preschool SLP pulls back the curtain on Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and challenges you to think critically about what’s truly supported by research—and what isn't.
SLPs are increasingly encouraged to adopt GLP-informed interventions, but a recent article by Venker and Lorang (2025) in response to Hadock et al. (2024) raises five concerns you can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, we break down each criticism with clinical insight and offer evidence-aligned strategies you can use immediately in you...
Duration: 00:31:06135. Gestalt Language Processing? Do THIS to Improve Outcomes
Aug 05, 2025This week, Kelly shares a powerful, research-driven strategy that she developed—almost by accident—that has become a game-changer in her therapy room and for countless SIS members.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why traditional “plus one” language modeling often isn’t enough—and how to break free from the chisel-and-hammer approach.The story behind how a speech sound disorder bootcamp accidentally became the birthplace of an effective language intervention for children with autism.How using a repetitive, multisensory paragraph-based strategy can lead to spontaneous, complex language—even in non-speaking childr... Duration: 00:24:25183. Assessing Language from a Gestalt Language Development Paradigm: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Do Monday Morning
Jul 31, 2025Are you using the Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) approach in your language assessments—or wondering if you should? In this episode of The Preschool SLP Podcast, we cut through the noise to break down what’s evidence-based, what’s not, and how to make informed, practical decisions starting Monday morning. Whether you're a speech-language pathologist or a parent of a child with autism, this episode will equip you to approach Gestalt language development with discernment and clarity. In This Episode, you'll Learn: What is Gestalt Language Development and where it comes from (Marge Blanc, Barry Prizant, Laura Lee)? Why does c...
Duration: 00:15:51182. AAC + Gestalt Language Processing: What SLPs Need to Know
Jul 24, 2025We're combining two of the most highly requested topics—Gestalt Language Processing and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)—into one conversation with Farwa Husain of First Phrases. We're answering some key questions about AAC + Gestalt: What do we actually know about integrating gestalts with high-tech AAC systems? What’s missing in the research? How can SLPs move forward confidently on Monday morning without waiting for perfect data? What Gestalt Language Processing really means (and why you can’t “give” a child a gestalt)? What common AAC myths are holding children back—and what to do instead? Is the child “stimming” on AAC...
Duration: 00:25:26181. Thinking About SLP Contracting? Here’s What You Need to Know First to Prevent Burnout
Jul 17, 2025Is the way you’re working… actually working?
In this candid and empowering episode of The Preschool SLP, I sit down with the SLP Happy Hour host, Sarah Lockhart, to talk about what no one tells you in grad school: the path to sustainability as an SLP is rarely linear.
Together, we unpack what it really takes to thrive in this field—from navigating burnout to rebuilding self-trust, shifting careers, and defining success on your own terms. Whether you’re in public schools, private practice, teletherapy, or contracting, this conversation will mee...
Duration: 00:38:37Let's Talk Behavior: Two Game-Changing Tools to Set the Stage for Success
Jul 10, 2025If you work with or have a child with communication impairments, today's episode, dedicated to improving behavior, is a 'must-listen'. I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you access to two powerful tools straight from my SIS Membership that are helping SLPs across the country transform their therapy sessions—without burning out.
Heat up your laminator and get ready for success.
🔧 Tool #1 will help your kiddos develop prosocial communication behaviors.
🔧Tool #2 will support celebrating and generalizing prosocial communication behaviors.
These tools are designed to be effective, easy to implement, and evidence-based for kiddos wi...
Duration: 00:27:49179. 5 Healthy Hacks for a Full Summer Recovery
Jul 03, 2025Take your recovery as seriously as the work. In this episode, I share my five current favorite health hacks for achieving optimal health and well-being, both mentally and physically. P.S. Prevent burnout by becoming a SIS member and receiving educationally rich, ready-for-use materials in your inbox weekly. Don't delay and join the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:18:33178. Use the "Look at" Sentence Strip to Develop Autistic Speech
Jun 26, 2025Over 20 years ago, I moved from the "I want" sentence strip to the "Look at" one in working with children with Autism. Why? This episode explores the advantages of using a "Look at" sentence strip over an "I want" sentence strip to optimize gains in the development of communication skills in children with autism in both the short and long term. Ready to take action? Don't delay and join me at the intervention drawing board by joining the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:17:54177. Separation Anxiety: Four Steps to Success
Jun 19, 2025We're diving into one of the most common and heart-wrenching challenges faced by parents, educators, and therapists—separation anxiety. Leave this episode with a simple, yet effective, four-step process to ease anxiety and build relationships with confidence and compassion. Make sure to set yourself up for success by understanding a child’s temperament, triggers, and favorite things—before they walk in the door by downloading the tried and true, free parent input form now at kellyvess.com/parentinputform Don't delay by rolling up your sleeves and taking action today b joining the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
P.S. ...
Duration: 00:21:27Challenging Behaviors Related to Anxiety? Take These Six Actionable Steps to Make a Difference
Jun 12, 2025Are you working with anxious children who are exhibiting challenging behavior? What can you do to help? Check out this episode for six actionable steps you can take right now to make a difference.
Don't delay and join the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis to receive educationally rich activities weekly that treat the whole child and empower you to focus on what matters most: meaningful interactions.
Duration: 00:29:25175. Let's Play! How to Modify Your Activities for Every Child on Your Caseload
Jun 08, 2025This week, we are diving into play. We will discuss the importance of transitioning from sensory to symbolic play levels. Ready to take action and engage in educationally rich play activities during your sessions? Don't delay and join the SIS membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:25:54174. Sensory Processing Disorder: What to Do?
May 29, 2025Researchers estimate that a majority of children with developmental delays have Sensory Processing Disorder. What to do? Let's dive in!
Raevsky, M., Nabalta, C. A., & Atiles, J. T. (2025). Managing sensory processing disorders in an early childhood classroom: Evidence-based strategies for teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-01904-z
Ready to put research into practice every week? Join me at the drawing board by joining the SIS Membership at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:22:02173. Is Intervention that Reduces Echolalia Bad Practice?
May 22, 2025We're diving into the latest scoping review of the impact of intervention focused on reducing echolalia for children with Autism. A question we must ask: Is echolalia something to embrace or extinguish to optimize outcomes?
Learn how to improve outcomes by capitalizing on echolalia using the SIS Membership activities and treatment targets. Join at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Source: Dinello, A., & Gladfelter, A. (2025). Intervention techniques targeting echolalia: A scoping review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 34(3), 1528–1543. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_ajslp-24-00211
Duration: 00:19:41172. Do THIS If You Work with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
May 15, 2025Are you frustrated by a lack of progress in treating children with Developmental Language Disorder? It could be your treatment target. Perhaps, you are aiming too low. Learn my favorite 'go-to' target to create optimal change in language and literacy skills, and the six-step process that builds agency and automaticity for the child. Only action can create change. Join the SIS Membership and receive complex, language paragraph targets that you can put into practice today when you join: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:21:14171. Is a Preschooler with Speech Sound Disorders Really at Risk for Language and Literacy Delays? Yes!
May 08, 2025Does having a speech sound disorder put a preschooler at risk for persistent language and literacy delays? The latest research research includes 290 effect sizes that compare children with speech sound disorders to their neurotypical peers. It indicates that the risk for children with speech sound disorders is greater for both language and literacy delays, and these delays, sadly, tend to worsen over time. Check out this episode and leave empowered with three steps you can take today to improve speech, language, and literacy outcomes when treating speech sound disorders.
Ready to DSD? Don't delay. Roll up your s...
Duration: 00:33:50170. Ask These Five Questions When Selecting Treatment Targets
May 01, 2025Your gains in treating speech sound disorders will largely be based on your treatment targets. How to select powerful targets? This episode will empower you with five questions to ask to determine if your speech treatment targets are as optimal as they can be to create change. Ready to put these empirically-based targets into practice? Don't delay and join the SIS Membership today to immediately receive the powerful sentence and paragraph treatment targets at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis If it's not for you simply unsubscribe after a month.
Duration: 00:15:54169. How "R" Can Make Speech Therapy Much Easier
Apr 24, 2025SLPs often equate "R" with 'hard work'. However, "R" is your best friend in making someone of the trickiest sounds easy. In this episode, learn how to use "R" to make the most complex treatment targets easy. Hint: Get out your blender. Ready to join me in putting innovative, empirically-based strategies to work on Monday morning? Don't delay and join the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:33:16168. Needle-Moving Activities That Target Five Pivotal Domains for School Age Kiddos
Apr 17, 2025If you work with elementary age children, today's episode is for you. We are diving into game-changing activities that accelerate gains across five developmental domains.
Ready to receive these activities with ready-to-use activities weekly? Check out the SIS Membership at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:26:04167. The ABC's to Improve Autistic Speech Development
Apr 10, 2025How can we translate the latest neurological cerebro-cerebellar research into Monday morning practice to improve speech outcomes? Let's dive into tried and true strategies that improve speech outcomes for children with Autism today.
Ready to DSD: Do Something Different? Don't delay and join the SIS membership today at https://kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:29:04166. Pay Attention to This When it Comes to Movement Activities
Apr 03, 2025The latest research indicates that the type of activity matters in terms of outcomes. This week, we're putting the latest research into Monday morning practice.
Ready to put research into practice? Don't delay and try the SIS Membership out today at https://www.kellyvess.com/sis
Su, W., Srinivasan, S., & Bhat, A. (2025). Effects of creative movement, general movement, or seated play interventions on motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 119, 102501.
Duration: 00:36:17165. 5 Success Strategies to Support Autism
Mar 27, 2025We are diving into five needle-moving strategies that support children with Autism. Make sure to listen to this episode to the end because each one will produce game-changing results.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and change lives today? Check out the SIS Membership for ready-to-use, effective, and educationally rich activities to be delivered to your inbox weekly at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:18:17164. Try This Simple Four Step Process to Improve Executive Function Today
Mar 13, 2025If you work with children with communication delays, this episode is for you. I am sharing a simple, yet powerful, four-step process to improve executive function in speech therapy.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and put research into practice every week? Try the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:13:22163. Stop Doing Speech Therapy at the Word, Phrase, and Sentence Level
Mar 06, 2025This episode will challenge you to DSD (Do Something Different) when treating speech sound disorders to improve outcomes. Learn how you can create optimal change by placing your targets in paragraph form. Doing so will result in gains across developmental domains. See for yourself. If not now, then when? Don't wait another day and join the SIS Membership today to receive the treatment target library that includes multiple paragraphs in speech and language. Get the revised targets for 2025 with video clips that show you how to cue each target. Join SiS for a month to receive both the original...
Duration: 00:23:21162. Five Takeaways from the Telepathy Tapes
Feb 27, 2025Join me for five lessons from the popular Preschool podcast.
What to do on Monday morning? Check out the SIS Membeship for educationally-rich activities and a Google Slides Deck at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:31:16161. Tap That! Do This to De-Stress
Feb 20, 2025Feeling stressed lately? Learn an evidence-based, 100% natural way to lower your stress levels through thalamus tapping and positive affirmations.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and join me at the SIS drawing board? Check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Blacher, S. (2023). Emotional freedom technique (EFT): Tap to relieve stress and burnout. Journal of Interprofessional Education Practice, 30, 100599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100599: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36687311/
John Diamond's Positive Affirmations: https://www.polishukwellness.com/2015-3-22-dailyaffirmations/
160. 3 Steps to Become a Culturally Competent SLP
Feb 13, 2025Dive into the episode for three actionable steps to being culturally competent. Being culturally competent is pivotal to being effective in working with families, colleagues, and children with communication impairments.
Enough talk already. Ready to take action? Join the SIS Membership and let's roll up our sleeves together at https://kellyvess.com/sis
Check out the article by Jennifer Lansford in Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-and-culture/202201/can-parents-be-both-individualist-and-collectivist
You can access 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down' by Anne Fadiman on Audible or any major bookstore. Duration: 00:24:13
159. Five Common Mistakes Professionals Make with High-Tech AAC + Autism
Feb 06, 2025This episode dives into five common mistakes professionals make with high-tech AAC devices. Check out this episode to learn how we can DSD (Do Something Different) by knowing better and doing better.
Make sure to check out the SIS Membership and receive our updated 2025 speech and language targets with digital clips to illustrate cues at www.kellyvess.com/sis
Join the SIS Membership for a month, have a library of powerful treatment targets, and unsubscribe if you and your kiddos don't love the SIS Membership.
Duration: 00:29:34158. Autism & AAC: Let's Dive Into a 'How-To' Assessment Protocol
Jan 30, 2025Join me behind the scenes to review this recent article on AAC for children with Autism. You can access the article at ASHA.org:
Lund, S. K., Quach, W., Weissling, K., & McKelvey, M. (2025). Augmentative and alternative communication assessment for children on the autism spectrum: Protocol development and content validation. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 56(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_lshss-23-00127
To download a free Step-by-Step "How-to" Support Children Using AAC Devices using the M.O.D.E.L. digital workshop, Go to: www.kellyvess.com/aac
157. Help! This Child is So Dysregulated: Try These Strategies
Jan 23, 2025If you work with or have a child with Autism, this episode is for you. We are diving into three strategies that support regulation for children with sensory challenges. Put these strategies into use today, and don't delay and join SIS today. Receive the updated speech and language treatment library, complete with video illustrations at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:22:57156. Do THIS to Monitor Your Clients' Progress in Speech Therapy
Jan 16, 2025Let's talk data!
In this episode, I share my empirically-based method to monitor gains when treating speech sound disorders effectively. Ready to cut your number of speech errors in half three months into the school year? Don't delay and check out the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Receive newly updated speech and language targets the week you join and optimize your speech and language gains today.
155. How SLPs Can Go Against the Grain Without Getting Splinters
Jan 09, 2025Putting research into real-world practice can be challenging in the real world, where ineffective practices are commonplace. However, don't let these obstacles deter you from going against the grain in providing empirically-based practices. This episode will give you four strategies to create lifelong change for your clients in less-than-ideal environments. You've got this!
Ready to roll up your sleeves and put research into practice? Don't delay and check out the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
154. My Five Favorite Self-Care Splurges for 2025
Jan 02, 2025When you are healthier and happier, you perform better both inside and outside of therapy. I am sharing my favorite five self-care splurges in this episode. These brands, for which I have no affiliations, are primarily pure.com and cruchi.com.
If you are ready to uplevel your therapy in 2025, don't delay and check out SIS today with the free "3 Intervention Secrets Workshop" at kellyvess.com:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15nbJ0ocJqIDUiLOTgKAotiM6fB2nY1hW/view
153. Strategies to Support Students Who Stutter Over the Holidays
Dec 19, 2024Here come the holidays! Unfortunately, they can be exceptionally challenging for our kiddos who stutter and tend to become dysfluent during this time. Check out this episode for eight strategies today that support fluency for children who stutter by building resiliency while removing holiday stressors.
Looking for 100% done-for-you weekly activities? Make sure to check out the Free 3 Intervention Secrets Workshop:
152. Selective Mutism: 8 Strategies for the Classroom
Dec 12, 2024SLPs in the field are reporting an increase in students with selective mutism since COVID. What to do? Check out this episode for eight empirically-based strategies for teachers and SLPs to implement today to support children with selective mutism.
Ready to put research into practice today? Learn about the SIS Membership by watching this free 3 Intervention Secrets Workshop.
151. Five Simple Steps to Establish Strong Rapport for Children with Sensitive Temperaments
Dec 05, 2024Rapport is everything when it comes to success in speech therapy. How do you build it? Check out this episode for five empirically based strategies.
Click here to download the parent input form.
150. 10 Must-Learn Gestalts for Gestalt Language Processors
Nov 21, 2024Gestalt language learners tend to learn language initially as whole chunks and break them into individual parts over time. How can we capitalize on a gestalt learning style? Emphasize sentences that will provide great social and practical coverage. In this episode, I'm sharing my top ten gestalts to emphasize for early gestalt language processors.
Ready to provide engaging, effective, and empirically-based activities? Check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com
Marge Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition Website: https://communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/
149. Do THIS to Create Massive Change When Treating Speech Sound Disorders
Nov 14, 2024Check out this episode and learn how making this one simple change in treating speech sound disorders will produce significant results in speech, language, literacy, and executive function.
Try implementing complex speech target paragraphs in your practice by joining SIS today. When you join, you'll receive a library of speech targets to download and immediately use.
To learn more about SIS, check out this free, 30-minute workshop by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15nbJ0ocJqIDUiLOTgKAotiM6fB2nY1hW/view
148. You Are Not Improving Language Comprehension Unless You Are Doing THIS
Nov 07, 2024Meta-analytic research indicates that speech-language therapists do not improve language comprehension for students with developmental language disorders. However, multiple studies have indicated that explicit narrative, story-retelling interventions can produce robust gains in language comprehension and expression.
Put empirically-based strategies into practice this week by joining the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com
Watch a free, 3-intervention secret workshop by clicking here.
Law, J., Garrett, Z., & Nye, C. (2004). The efficacy of treatment for children with developmental speech and language delay/disorder. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 47(4), 924–943. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2004/069)
Pico, D...
Untitled Episode
Oct 31, 2024Why isn't 'Mama' a first word for many children with Autism, yet it is for their neurotypical peers? There are four underlying physiological causes for this difference? Let's dive in to explore these four reasons why 'Mama' is not just naturally developing and what we need to do differently to encourage the development of this pivotally important word.
Ready to work more effectively with children with autism by treating the whole child with done-for-you, ready-to-use activities delivered weekly in your inbox? Don't delay and learn about the SIS Membership with this free 30-minute, 3-intervention secret workshop. Looking...
146. 10 Simple Ways to Effectively Modify Your Therapy Activities for Older Children
Oct 24, 2024Check out this episode and learn ten simple ways you can modify educationally-rich activities for diverse groups of children on your caseload.
Focus on what matters by having done-for-you, ready-to-use, educationally-rich activities delivered to your inbox every week. Learn about the SIS Membership in this free, 3 Intervention Secrets workshop.
145. Focus on These 3 Powerful Strategies to Improve Developmental Language Disorder
Oct 17, 2024How can you help children with Developmental Language Delays? Check out this episode, in which I share three powerful, empirically based strategies that you can put into practice today.
If you are ready to put these strategies into practice with ready-for-use, done-for-you activities delivered to your inbox weekly, check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com. To learn more about SIS, check out this free, 30 minute, 3-intervention secrets workshop.
144. Why Take Halloween Seriously
Oct 10, 2024SLPs can understandably get uncomfortable when it comes to holidays. Cultural bias is an obvious concern. However, this doesn't mean that they should be written off. Research indicates that discussing near holiday events positively impacts language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Trick or treat? Halloween treats the whole child.
Ready to put research into practice today? Check out the SIS Membership with this free 30-minute, 3-intervention secrets workshop:
Reference:
Chernyak, N., Leech, K. A., & Rowe, M. L. (2017). Training preschoolers’ prospective abilities through conversations about the extended self. Developmental Psychology, 53(4), 652–661. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000283
143. An Innovative, Holistic Approach to Supporting Children with Autism
Oct 03, 2024Join me with Afton Clark, mother, autism advocate, and creator of Alchemizing Autism. She shares cutting-edge ways to holistically support children with Autism's minds, hearts, and bodies. Connect with her on Instagram @alchemizingautism or email aftonclark@alchemizingautism.com
Book referenced in this interview: "Cracking the Autism Code" by Dr. Kyle Daigel
142. How to Use Books to Develop Speech for Gestalt Language Processors
Sep 26, 2024If you work with children who are minimally speaking, this episode is for you. Kelly Vess is sharing how to develop consistent speech using books.
Ready to put research into practice with Done-for-You weekly, educationally-rich activities? Check out the SIS Membership and begin creating massive change today. Learn more about the SIS Membership at KellyVess.com
141. Is it 'Just Speech?' Pay Attention to These Six Speech Errors
Sep 19, 2024What speech errors should you pay attention to? Speech errors can indicate whether or not a child is at risk for concurrent language delay. Dive into this episode about six errors that you want to pay attention to when assessing speech.
To learn more, check out my clinical textbook, Speech Sound Disorders: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment
140. 3 Ways to Get Out of the Cause-Effect Toy Rut
Sep 12, 2024Have you ever been in a rut where you find yourself stuck in a toy box filled with cause-effect sensory toys? I've been there, done that and have three effective strategies to support an increase in diverse play experiences in working with preschoolers with Autism.
To learn more about how you can uplevel your therapy with the SIS Membership, check out this free 30 minute video (click here).
139. Five Strategies that Make Collaborative Groups Work
Sep 05, 2024Autism is a multifaceted condition that requires a multi-faceted approach. For this, collaborative group interventions can be highly effective. Check out this episode for strategies that set your groups up for success.
Ready to put research into action with your kiddos? Learn more about the SIS Membership by clicking here.
138. The First Therapy Sessions-What to Do?
Aug 29, 2024Where to begin on the first days of therapy? What do you do on days one, two, three, and four of therapy? It's time to build relationships. How? Check out this episode for a simple 3-step process to pave the way for success.
Ready to put research into practice with ready-to-use, educationally-rich materials? Check out the SIS Membership. Learn more about the membership with this free, 30-minute workshop.
137. Three Ways to Make Speech Home Practice Engaging & Effective
Aug 22, 2024Research indicates routine home practice improves outcomes. What can we do to make home practice a habit? Learn three ways to make home practice engaging and effective in this episode.
Join the SIS Membership to put these home practice strategies into practice today. Click here to learn more about the SIS Membership.
136. Try THIS to Make High-Tech AAC Easy
Aug 15, 2024High-tech AAC devices are becoming more readily available. However, many SLPs and families are uncomfortable using these devices. This episode shares the M.O.D.E.L. strategy to help parents and professionals effectively implement high-tech AAC devices throughout the child's day.
Ready to put research into practice? Learn about the SIS Membership and receive a 30-minute digital workshop illustrating the M.O.D.E.L. strategy when you join.
145. Gestalt Language Processing II: Do THIS to Optimize Gains
Aug 08, 2024Many children with Autism learn to talk through gestalt language processing. This episode dives into how we can capitalize on this learning style to optimize gains when neuroplasticity is at its peak.
Ready to 'roll up your sleeves' and put research into practice? Learn more about SIS with this free 30-minute workshop on how to make therapy easy and effective with the SIS Membership.
134. Gestalt Language Processing: Pay Attention to THIS When Language Sampling
Aug 01, 2024What metric is most important to pay attention to when language sampling children with Autism? Let's dive into the latest research on language sampling that captures progress in gestalt language processors.
Ready to put research into practice? Learn more about the SIS membership here.
133. Synesthesia & Autism-What You Need to Know
Jul 25, 2024Is 'synesthesia' part of your vernacular? If you work with children with Autism, it should be. Capitalizing on the strengths that come with synesthesia can truly accelerate gains across motor, social, speech, and language domains. Check out this episode, and let's dive into what you can do today.
Capitalize on synesthesia by joining the SIS membership today. Ready to learn more? Learn more about SIS in this 30-minute free workshop.
Just wanted to share a 1-minute laugh: YouTube Clip of Impersonations of Color: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aYBnTOZ1AgM
132. How to Use Music in Speech Therapy to Accelerate Gains
Jul 18, 2024The research continues to grow, indicating multiple benefits of adding music to speech and language therapy. How can you add music to your speech therapy sessions today to improve? Let's dive in!
Put research into practice today by joining the SIS Membership. Learn more about SIS here with this free, 30-minute workshop.
131. How Long? How Often? How to Schedule Your Speech Therapy Sessions for Optimal Gains
Jul 11, 2024How should you schedule your therapy to make the most out of limited time in the face of high caseloads? Let's dive into the research on sessions ranging from 5 minutes to one hour. How often should therapy be scheduled every week? What is optimal in terms of both session duration and frequency in treating speech sound disorders? Let's look at variables to consider before creating your schedule. Ready to put research into practice this week and create optimal change early on? Join the SIS membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:25:32130. How to Use Family Photos to Improve Conversational Speaking Skills
Jul 04, 2024How can you use family photos to improve conversational speaking skills for preschoolers with autism? In this episode, we're diving into evidence-based strategies to educate parents on how to use family pictures to improve communication skills. Learn evidence-based strategies that you can adopt into your practice today.
Ready to put research into in-person therapy or telepractice? Check out the SIS membership and join me at the intervention drawing board today.
Citation: Bhana, N., Raulston, T. J., Ousley, C., & Bagawan, A. (2023). Photographs and parent training to support conversations about past events between caregivers and...
129. Why UDLs Are a MUST for SLPs
Jun 27, 2024Unfortunately, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines are rarely discussed in Speech-Language Pathology. However, they are absolute game-changers in engaging children and optimizing outcomes. Check out this episode to learn about UDLs and how you can incorporate them into your practice today.
Download the UDL Guidelines here.
Learn About the SIS Membership and uplevel your practice with UDLs today.
128. Are You Experiencing SLP Burn Out?
Jun 20, 2024What's causes workplace burnout? What can you do to stop it? Let's roll up our sleeves and figure this out together. P.S. If you're ready to do DSD (do something different) with educationally-rich activities 100% done-for-you every week, check out the SIS Membership 3 Intervention Secrets workshop. Join today and don't miss July and August bonus "How-to-do-it" workshops at kellyvess.com
Duration: 00:15:29127. Are You Making Their Behavior Worse?
Jun 13, 2024126. 5 Superpowers of Having ADHD
Jun 06, 2024What does the largest ADHD research study indicate to be the five strengths of having ADHD? How can we use this information to empower those with ADHD? What are the next steps in understanding the strengths of neurodiversity? Let's dive into strengths that were reported from 200 individuals with ADHD.
Make sure to bridge the latest research into practice every Sunday by signing up for my free newsletter: Kellyvess.com
Source: Schippers, L. M., Horstman, L. I., Velde, H. van, Pereira, R. R., Zinkstok, J., Mostert, J. C., Greven, C. U., & Hoogman, M. (2022). A qualitative and q...
125. Do Non-Medication Options in Treating ADHD Actually Work?
May 30, 2024What does the meta-analytic research indicate about non-pharmacological treatments for ADD? Can they replace medication? Can they complement medication? Can they be used to lessen the dosage of medication? Let's dive into the latest research and explore options to discuss with your medical professional.
Duration: 00:17:28124. Three Reasons Why Your Speech Gains Are Dismal
May 23, 2024When treating speech sound disorders, you can do everything right and still not have the expected results. This episode examines three challenges beyond speech that can prevent success in speech therapy. Check out this episode to learn how to overcome these obstacles for optimal results in treating speech delays.
Don't delay and put 100% done-for-you, top-shelf weekly intervention activities into practice today by joining the SIS membership at kellyvess.com. To learn more about SIS, check out this link.
123. How to Provide AAC Intervention Through Telepractice
May 16, 2024The latest research indicates that AAC intervention can be as effective remotely as in person for minimally speaking children with Autism. So, how do you do it? Let's explore five steps to put into practice today.
-Check out the Telepractice in Speech-Language Therapy: The Use of Online Technologies for Parent Training and Coaching by Melinda Snodgrass et al.
-Don't delay and check out the SIS Membership today for 100% done-for-you activities delivered to your inbox weekly.
-Check out my book "32 Intervention Strategies for Children with Autism that Causes Lifelong Change" on Audible or in Pr...
122. Eight Barriers That Are Getting in the Way of You Growing
May 09, 2024What has research found to be eight barriers that keep us from growing? Let's dive in and discuss what we can do to overcome these barriers to innovate our practice today to create massive change.
Bridge the latest research into practice every Sunday with my free newsletter
Join the SIS Membership and put research into practice today.
121. How to Make Language Sampling Super Easy
May 02, 2024Today, I'm going to share with you the latest research on how to make language sampling easier, more effective, and more efficient. We will focus on a super easy language sampling strategy you can use with young preschool to early elementary age today. Our special focus will be language sampling children who are minimally speaking with Autism. For more information on treating children with Autism, check out my 32 Lesson in Autism book. For more information on treating speech sound disorders, check out my Speech Sound Disorders book. For 100% done-for-you educationally rich activities delivered to your inbox weekly, check out...
Duration: 00:20:17120. Is Your CAS Intervention Holistic Enough? Probably Not.
Apr 25, 2024Join me in stepping back and viewing CAS from a wide-angle lens. It's time to evaluate and treat it as the multi-faceted condition it is. We're going to bridge the latest research into Monday morning practice.
Join me in DSD (Doing Something Different)
Ready to put educationally-rich activities into your practice that are 100% done-for-you every week? Check out the "3 Secrets to Making Intervention Easy Workshop" at kellyvess.com
Ready to Learn More? Check out My Book "Speech Sound Disorders: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment"
Duration: 00:21:00119. Autism: 6 MOVES Away from the Table to Improve Communication Skills
Apr 18, 2024Movement matters! How can you improve communication outcomes through movement? Let's dive into six ways you can improve communication outcomes based on the latest research. Looking to learn more? Check out my autism series at speechpathology.com Looking to do more? Check out my SIS membership with activities 100% done for you at kellyvess.com
Duration: 00:15:03118. Boosting Children With Autism's Mental Health: 3 Proven Tips!
Apr 11, 2024Children with Autism are more likely to experience victimization and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Yet, these psychiatric conditions are often overshadowed by Autism and go under-identified and untreated. What can we do today to make a difference? Let's dive in!
For more information on putting the latest research into Monday morning practice,
check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sischeck out my Autism series on speechpathology.comcheck out my latest book 32 Lessons that Create LIfelong Change In Autism Intervention Duration: 00:15:00117. Why Think Twice When Picking Your Speech Test
Apr 04, 2024Does what speech test you pick matter? Yes. Let's dive in to this important topic.
Ready for educationally-rich speech activities 100% done-for-you? Check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Work with children with Autism? The Autism Intervention Series at SpeechPathology.com
116. The Greatest Advocate for Neurodiversity? Intervention
Mar 28, 2024What's the relationship between intervention and neurodiversity in autism? Let's dive in. For more information on Autism, learn as you like.
Continuing Education: For more on Autism, check out April's Autism awareness series at speechpathology.com on Thursday at 12 PM Eastern Time
Book: Check out "32 Intervention Strategies that Create Lifelong Change in Autism Intervention on Audible or Paperback
Monday Morning Practice: 100% Done-For-You Activities at https://kellyvess.com/sis
115. Do You Have This Tool in Your Intervention Toolbox?
Mar 21, 2024Do you work with children with Autism who are learning to talk? What can you do to help them? Check out this episode to learn an evidence-based strategy that will be highly effective for some of your clients. This game-changing tool is a must have for your intervention toolbox.
Ready to learn more?
Are you a reader? Check out my latest book "32 Intervention Strategies for Autism that Create Lifelong Change in Autism Intervention," on Audible
Are you a continuing education SLP?
Check out my 2024 April Autism Series on speechpathology.com
Are...
114. The Most Powerful Cueing Strategy Period
Mar 14, 2024Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's the most effective cueing strategy of them all? We're covering the strategy that is demonstrating gains across developmental domains for diverse groups of students with its evidence base consistently growing. Let's dive in!
Have educationally-rich, 100% done-for-you activities arrive in your inbox weekly by joining the SIS Membership today at https://kellyvess.com/sis
113. Are You Legal in Your AAC Practice?
Mar 07, 2024Are you legal when it comes to AAC? The U.S. Department of Education clarified legal mandates for 2024 under IDEA. Many SLPs in public education would be hard pressed to affirm compliance to these mandates. Let's dive into the current legal to practice lag.
P.S. Read to put research into practice today with weekly activities 100% done-for-you? Check out the SIS Membership.
Check out my latest book "32 Lessons that Create Lifelong Change in Autism Intervention" on audible or paperback.
112. Ten What NOT to Dos with Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Feb 29, 2024The latest research indicates there's a right way to do AAC and a wrong way. Let's put the research into Monday morning practice. Dive in with me on the top 10 NOT-to-dos.
Looking for more on Autism? Check out my latest book, "32 Lessons that Create Lifelong Change in Autism Intervention," on Audible or paperback.
Ready to put research into practice with done-for-you activities today? Check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
111. Take Self-Care Seriously with Supplements
Feb 22, 2024Self-care must be a top priority if you work with or have a child with special needs. In this episode, I share my favorite supplements for self-care. Consult your naturopath, doctor, or dietitian about which supplements work best. Note: I forgot to mention my Nordic Naturals Omega 3's here.
P.S. Ready to have your weekly lessons planned and prepped for you? Check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Episode 110. Six Simple Strategies for Success for Elementary Aged Students
Feb 08, 2024Do you do movement activities with upper elementary students? Yes! Check out this episode for six highly effective, evidence-based strategies to put into place today. Ready to roll up your sleeves and put TOMTx activities in to practice today? Don't delay and check out the SIS Membership today at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:29:43109. Four Ways to Get Out of the February Funk
Feb 01, 2024108. Why Task-Oriented Movement Activities Are A MUST for Your Speech Therapy
Jan 25, 2024Let's unpack why task-oriented movement activities are a MUST for your speech and language therapy sessions. To have 100% done-for-you task-oriented movement activities sent to your inbox weekly, check out www.kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:23:44107. 3 Ways to Make Speech Home Practice Easy, Engaging, and Effective
Jan 18, 2024Is speech home practice necessary for the child to make significant gains? How can we make speech home practice easy, engaging, and effective? Let's unpack this. To put research into practice today, check out the SIS Membership at kellyvess.com/sis
Duration: 00:16:26