Teaching Kids the Concept of Sucking (Not Blowing) through a Straw to Drink
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 26th May 2017
Question: Good afternoon! I'm a speech therapist working on straw drinking with a child who has Autism. We've done the first 3 steps of your How to Teach Straw Drinking blog post, but cannot proceed to the 4th because the child does not know what it means in general to take a sip. I cannot think of anything else to do. He closes the lips around the straw but doesn
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Oral Motor Staples for Babies Who Have Down Syndrome
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 10th May 2017
Question: Hello! About 1 week ago my husband and I got a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome for our upcoming baby girl. I want to help my little flower as much as possible and start as soon as possible! What tools are recommended for starting at an early age? We are very excited to help our little girl be the best she can be and we want to start right away if i
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Can't Eat by Mouth, but Still Want/Need to Chew?
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 21st Apr 2017
Question: I’m a therapist searching for a product for an older woman with intellectual disabilities. She loves food and drink, but it’s not an option to drink and eat all day. So we’re looking for a safe way to her to chew without actually eating. I was thinking about your grabbers? What do you think? Hope you can help me :-)
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When Kids Think Feeding Utensils Are Food
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 13th Apr 2017
Question: I work with a child who has Down Syndrome. She is 16 months old. She presents with open mouth posture and tongue thrusting not during feeding. Mom purchased a Z-vibe and I saw your article on using the Z-vibe to promote lip closure. Only problem is....anytime we go near her mouth she thinks the item is food and tries to open her mouth and touch her tongue with it. She does not yet u
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