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Rethinking ‘Normal’: Am I weird? Yes, probably.
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

Rethinking ‘Normal’: Am I weird? Yes, probably.

As a speech-language pathologist — and someone who thinks a little differently myself — I've come to appreciate just how beautifully unique our brains can be.

At The Speech & Language Center, we celebrate those differences by meeting each person where they are and building on their strengths. Whether or not someone has a diagnosis, we believe everyone deserves support that honors how they think, learn, and connect.

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Gliding: What is it and how to target it?
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Gliding: What is it and how to target it?

One common phonological process we see is called gliding—when a child replaces the /l/ or /r/ sounds with /w/ or /y/ (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”). While gliding is typical in younger children, if it persists past the expected age, it can impact speech intelligibility and affect a child’s self-confidence.

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Music in Speech Therapy
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Music in Speech Therapy

The interplay between music and speech therapy underscores the adaptability of the human brain. By harnessing the power of music, therapists can stimulate neural pathways critical for communication, memory, and social interaction.

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The Power of Pausing [for Yourself]
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

The Power of Pausing [for Yourself]

In our last blog, we focused on the power of pausing for others—creating space for children, clients, and loved ones. We don’t want to discount or forget about the importance of pausing for ourselves. Taking intentional moments for self-care is just as vital.

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Powerful Pauses
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

Powerful Pauses

Discover the transformative power of pausing for parents and clinicians. Learn how this simple yet effective tool fosters connection, builds independence, and encourages reflection, especially during the reflective winter season.

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Empowering Young Minds: How The Speech & Language Center Helps Students Thrive
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Empowering Young Minds: How The Speech & Language Center Helps Students Thrive

At The Speech & Language Center, we understand how critical executive functioning (EF) skills—like organization, planning, self-regulation, and problem-solving—are for a child’s academic success and social development. Yet, many young students face challenges in these areas, which can affect their school performance and peer interactions. That’s where our expertise makes a difference.

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How to Respond When Kids Don’t Say “Trick or Treat”: Tips from SLPs
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

How to Respond When Kids Don’t Say “Trick or Treat”: Tips from SLPs

Small actions like these can create an environment where every child—no matter how they communicate—feels like they’re part of the Halloween festivities. By responding with warmth, understanding, and flexibility, we can make Halloween a magical night for every child in our community.

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Unlocking Skills Through Dress Up
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

Unlocking Skills Through Dress Up

When children put on costumes, they’re not just having fun; they’re engaging in role play, which encourages storytelling, turn-taking, perspective taking, and problem-solving. Whether they’re pretending to be a superhero saving the day or a chef cooking something special, they’re using new vocabulary, practicing sentence structures, and thinking differently to stay in character.

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Speech Group Therapy: Builds Confidence
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Speech Group Therapy: Builds Confidence

Children leave our group sessions with improved communication, greater self-confidence, and meaningful friendships that enrich their social lives.

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The Power of Change: Neuroplasticity
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

The Power of Change: Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, is the foundation of learning and development. This concept is central to the work we do. Just as our brains adapt to new experiences, we too can adapt to changes in our lives and environments.

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Boosting Executive Functioning Skills During the Summer
Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP Christina Hamill MA, CCC-SLP

Boosting Executive Functioning Skills During the Summer

As the school year winds down and summer begins, students often find themselves with more free time and fewer structured activities, which is great! This break from routine provides a unique opportunity to focus on developing crucial executive functioning skills, such as organization, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in school and life, and the relaxed pace of summer can be an ideal time to practice them in fun and practical ways.

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Effective Strategies for Addressing Stuttering in Kids and Adults:
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Effective Strategies for Addressing Stuttering in Kids and Adults:

Stuttering, a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, can significantly impact a person's communication and confidence. As Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), we have the privilege of working with individuals of all ages who stutter. Through our experiences, we’ve developed a toolkit of strategies that we find particularly effective for both children and adults. Here, we’ll share some these tools and how they can be applied.

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Celebrating Better Speech & Hearing Month: A Tribute to Our Dedicated Team
The Speech & Language Center The Speech & Language Center

Celebrating Better Speech & Hearing Month: A Tribute to Our Dedicated Team

As May unfolds, so does a special occasion close to our hearts – Better Speech and Hearing Month. Here at The Speech & Language Center in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania, this month holds profound significance as we honor the extraordinary efforts of our team and the transformative impact they make in the lives of our clients.

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