Articulation vs. Phonological Disorder – Why Your Child Says “Wabbit” for “Rabbit”
As children are growing and developing, it is common for development of some sounds to come quickly and for it to take more time to master other sounds—speech development is a gradual process! Many little ones go through a stage where their “baby talk” sounds adorable, like saying “tat” for “cat” or “wabbit” for “rabbit”. These errors can be part of early typical development as kids are learning how to coordinate their lips, tongue, and breath for clear speech. Sometimes it’s a simple developmental pattern that will fade with time, while in other cases, it may be a sign of an articulation or phonological disorder. If certain sound substitutions persist beyond the expected age range or make your child’s speech difficult to understand, it might be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPs have the background training and knowledge to help identify the reason for these errors in sound production. Understanding the difference between these two disorders can help you know when to seek extra support.
Education, Sensory Processing, & Children In Motion: A Deep Dive With OT Rhonda Roth
The world of occupational therapy (OT) is vast and dynamic, but at its heart lies a singular goal: empowering individuals to live life to the fullest. On a recent episode of the Therapy Unmasked podcast, we sat down with the incredible Rhonda Roth, an occupational therapist and educator whose career perfectly embodies this principle.
Rhonda's story is a compelling journey through diverse clinical settings—from acute care and skilled nursing to schools—before she found her true calling in pediatric Sensory Integration. The conversation wasn't just a look back; it was a powerful masterclass in clinical philosophy and the future of the OT profession.
Stop Chewing on Shirts! Understanding and Addressing Oral Sensory Needs in Kids
If your child constantly chews on their shirt collars, sleeves, pencils, or even toys, you’re not alone! Many parents worry about this habit—wondering if it’s behavioral, anxiety-related, or just a phase. In pediatric occupational therapy, we often see children who chew as a way to meet an oral sensory need—their body’s way of seeking calming or organizing input through the mouth.
Is Your Child Getting the Best Speech Therapy Possible? Understanding the Private Practice Advantage
"Does your child need speech therapy? It's wonderful that public schools offer it, but is your child getting the attention they truly need?
At Ability Innovations, we offer what school settings often can't: One-on-one, consistent therapy built around your child. We don't believe in group sessions or once-a-month meetings.
Forget the boring worksheets and flashcards! We use the power of Play-Based Learning. We've created a vibrant environment where kids learn best—through fun and meaningful activities—so they can reach their full potential faster.
And unlike the school setting, you won't be left in the dark. We make Parent Involvement easy! You'll have direct access to your therapist every week to discuss goals, ask questions, and learn how to reinforce progress at home.
If you're ready for more dedicated attention, more consistency, and better results for your child’s speech, it’s time to reach out.
Contact Ability Innovations today for an evaluation and start your child on the path to confident communication!"
Are You Worried About Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to write legibly and make it readable. It basically impacts handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper, often making writing tasks more challenging than their peers, despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction. Common signs include illegible handwriting, inconsistent letter formation, floating letters, spacing issues, difficulty with grammar and punctuation, and/or slow writing speed. It may also involve trouble with fine motor skills needed for writing, like the grasp on a pencil, small movements of the hand while writing, and eye-hand coordination.
Is Picky Eating A Problem?
Picky eating can be a normal part of childhood, but it becomes a problem when it leads to nutritional deficiencies, developmental delays, or emotional distress. If a child consistently avoids essential food groups, there is a risk of not receiving adequate vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for growth and overall well-being. In more severe cases, picky eating can lead to conditions like malnutrition or failure to thrive. Long-term avoidance of certain foods can result in gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Picky eating can also be linked to psychological conditions such as anxiety, OCD, or eating disorders like ARFID. If picky eating is causing significant distress or impacting overall health, it's essential to seek professional help. Signs that it might be time to seek help include noticeable weight loss, chronic fatigue, growth delays, or frequent gastrointestinal problems. Emotional signs such as anxiety around meals, extreme fussiness, or feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying new foods are also important to note.