The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

Hey Friends~ 

Most of us don’t remember what it felt like to learn language for the very first time as young children. We focus so much on letters, books, and what children see—but are we overtraining eyes while undertraining ears?

After experiencing a brain injury that forced her to relearn language from the beginning, today’s guest, Emily Cadiz, gained a life-changing understanding of what it truly feels like to struggle with com...

Hey Friends~ 

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s mouth breathing, poor sleep, unclear speech, or constant frustration could mean something deeper… this episode is for you. Today, I’m talking with Luba Patlakh about tongue ties, therapy, when parents should seek help, and what real support looks like—whether surgery is involved or not.  We also talk about practical communication strategies and how families can advocate for...

Hey Friends~ 

Many parents think reading begins with letters, flashcards, and sounding out words. But the foundation for reading actually begins much earlier—through listening, sound play, hearing sound patterns, understanding language, building vocabulary, and everyday conversation.

So whether you have a toddler and want to give them the strongest start possible… or you have an older child who struggles with reading and you’ve won...

Hey Friends~ 

When communication changes or a child suddenly loses words after a seizure, brain injury, pediatric stroke, or regression, it can leave families feeling scared, confused, and unsure what to do next. In this episode, we talk openly about what these communication changes can look like, what helps the brain heal, and how parents can support their child without adding pressure during already difficult moments. You’ll hear...

Hey Friends~ 

In this episode, we’re talking about communication in children with Down syndrome, genetic syndromes, and learning differences. I’ll share how cognition, memory, and learning style shape language development—and why repetition, consistency, and strength-based support make such a difference. This is about meeting kids where they are and building communication step by step.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the ...

Hey Friends~ 

“We never limit how she communicates—we grow with her in how she communicates.” ~Tamara Tuckson

In this episode, a mom and daughter share their journey with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Many parents feel unsure or even afraid of AAC, but this conversation gently reveals how it can uncover who a child truly is when their body makes speech difficult. You’ll hear real-life communication—including McK...

Hey Friends~ 

When the body works harder, communication often does too. In this episode, we’re talking about communication challenges related to low muscle tone, cerebral palsy, and AAC which  stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication 

We’ll look at how effort, fatigue, and positioning impact speech and more importantly, you will hear 3 stories how AAC supported  functional communication for kids that did not  have spok...

Hey Friends~ 

We are in the middle of the series “When Communication is hard” to discuss a topic that is just as important and impacts our kids.  That is—the strength of the parent relationship itself. Today’s conversation with Jan shifts the focus to how, when parents grow in connection and calm, it creates a foundation that helps even the most challenging behaviors begin to settle.

What if the key to calmer kids isn’t another par...

Hey Friends~ 

In the last episode, part 5, we talked about ADHD, ASD and processing difficulties. In this episode we support that learning as we listen to a mom and coach talk about parenting some of these kids who are strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse. Our conversation is full of examples of turning daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments.  

So if you have a child that pushes your buttons or can be diff...

Hey Friends~ 

If communication with your child feels confusing, exhausting, or like you’re missing something important, this episode is for you.

Today we’re talking about language  processing differences in  ASD  (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)  along with processing differences associated with Auditory processing, Language processing, and Sensory processing. 

If listening feels hard, behavior gets ...

Hey Friends~

*SPECIAL EPISODE* Podcasthon Highlighted Charity:  Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Charney-Berardi.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional who’s ever worried about a child being misunderstood… if you’ve wondered whether listening, play, and connection really matter as much as we say they do… or if you believe that every child deserves support—not just the lucky ones—then this episode is for you.

Today’s con...

Hey Friends~ 

“My child understands everything but doesn’t talk much.” 

“My child talks, but I can’t always tell what they mean.”

If those worries sound familiar, this episode is for you! 

This is Episode 4 in the series When Communication Is Hard, and today we’re exploring expressive and receptive language delays. We’ll untangle what these differences look like so you can better understand what’s happening in your child’s communic...

Hey Friends~ 

It's national reading month - or "I love to read" month! So we are taking a quick stop in our series to focus on reading, but not only reading, but how reading can support speech sound development!

Is your child learning how to read? Are you a bit puzzled knowing HOW to help them read?  

If that is you you will love today’s episode as we talk with a reading specialist on the very beginning of reading!  You will learn ...

Hey Friends~ 

If your child’s speech is hard to understand, uses unusual patterns, or sounds younger than their age, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re looking at speech sound disorders, phonological delays, and articulation challenges. I’ll help you sort out what’s developmental, what might need support, and how everyday play can support clearer speech—without correcting every word.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT ...

Hey Friends~ 

This episode is part 2 of the series “When Communication is Hard.”   

Today we’re talking about childhood apraxia of speech and other motor speech disorders—what they are, and why speech can be so effort-filled for some kids. If your child knows what they want to say but can’t consistently get the words out, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface. 

We’ll also talk about why “j...

Hey Friends~ 

If you’ve ever wondered why communication feels hard for your child—and confusing for you—this series is for you. In this opening conversation, I’m laying the groundwork for the entire series titled, “When Communication Is Hard”.  We’ll talk about the many reasons communication can break down PLUS  strategies that will help you identify what is happening and something to try!  This podcast is to help those who want t...

Hey Friends~ 

This week is Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week! And on TLOP,  we’re celebrating an imaginative storyteller who helps kids grow brave, curious, and confident. So it felt like the perfect time to discuss: what shapes an author who writes stories that help children feel brave and confident?

In this episode, I talk with children’s author Rella B. about imagination, courage, and the heart behind stories that invite ...

Hey Friends~ 

Have you ever thought, “I understand my child just fine… so maybe their speech isn’t really a problem” ? Or wondered, “Maybe they’ll just grow out of their listening struggles as they grow,”  but the waiting is really hard! 

You’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for wondering!

Some of the most common beliefs—ones that make complete sense to caring parents—can quietly delay the support kids need for speech, listening...

Hey Friends~ 

This episode is about the journey of podcasting and coaching and what I have learned after 250 episodes.  

I invite you to email “congratulations” to me to share in this milestone celebration.  And, when you do, I will email you back with a fun pdf that will bring a smile to your face as well as offer support and encouragement. 

I think you may be surprised and get a laugh along the way today! 

Always cheering you on!...