The Latest in Apps: Expedition with Plurals

by Jacky G. News
Baby Using iPad App

Image source: Leanderwattig.de

As the technology continues to advance, apps users expect more and more out of their devices. Virtual Speech Center Inc. is striving to meet those expectations with the release of their latest speech therapy app, Expedition with Plurals. Expedition with Plurals is an iPad app released in late May, 2012. While there is currently no iPhone version, rest assured; there are plenty of other speech therapy apps for those with smartphones instead.

It might be tough for the less technologically eager among us to embrace the use of apps for education whilst ditching old-fashioned methods, but you really don’t have to. Try using both approaches simultaneously. Speech therapy apps should never replace sessions with a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP), but they do provide a fun, engaging way for parents to do speech therapy for kids at home. Use apps in addition to other speech therapy tools and toys that are intended to encourage development.

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Apps for Apraxia

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
I Love Someone with Apraxia Sticker

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Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a speech disorder in which the child understands what he is trying to say, but his brain cannot arrange the necessary muscle movements to form the sounds. Infants with apraxia may not babble. Older children may be difficult to understand, and they may have difficulty with complex phrases or longer words. The patterns of speech errors are inconsistent, as well.

As you can imagine, not being able to communicate effectively can be quite frustrating. Children with apraxia often benefit from learning sign language to communicate their needs and wants. They also tend to make better progress with speech and language while undergoing intensive, frequent speech therapy. Practice is also essential, particularly speech therapy at-home exercises. One of the tools for speech therapy you can try is the use of apps. Some speech therapy apps are intended specifically for children with apraxia.

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More Great Articulation Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Using iPad App

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As your child grows, he will likely learn to speak in complete sentences, control the tone of his voice, and articulate words clearly. If you suspect your child is struggling with proper articulation or he has a speech delay or disorder, bring him to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an evaluation. A speech therapist can help your child with an array of communication issues, including articulation. You can also use speech therapy activities at home to encourage his progress, including using apps that were designed specifically to teach articulation.

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Singing Along with Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Cartoon of Children Singing

Image source: childrensbooksandmusic.com

Singing is a universal expression of self. There’s a good chance that your child loves to sing even if he is a bit reluctant to speak. Singing therapy, formally called melodic intonation therapy (MIT), is often used as part of a stroke recovery treatment plan. Speech therapists also use it to encourage vocalization in children with speech disorders, such as apraxia.

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Teach Your Child to Read with Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Using an iPad App

Image source: dollars4schools.org

Learning to read is a gradual process and children with speech disorders may need a little extra help. Before you whip out those flashcards, consider downloading some kid-friendly reading apps instead. Encourage your kids to read with apps so that they can learn anywhere – including in the car or on vacation – without toting along a crate full of speech therapy toys and flashcards.

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