TODAY'S SLT BLOG IS FROM BRÍD O' CONNELL Songs and rhymes are not just entertaining—they can serve as powerful tools for improving communication skills.   The Benefits of Music for Language Development Engagement and Motivation Songs create an engaging learning environment that captures attention and keeps children motivated. Rhythm and Rhyme The rhythmic patterns and repetitive nature of songs facilitate the memorisation of words and phrases, making language learning easier

TODAY'S SLT BLOG IS FROM BRÍD O' CONNELL One effective approach to fostering communication skills is through proximal pointing .     What is Proximal Pointing? Proximal pointing is a communication strategy where individuals use physical gestures—like pointing or reaching—to indicate objects, people, or desires. Unlike distal pointing, which involves extending a finger to indicate an object further away, proximal pointing occurs when the hand is closer to the body. This form o

TODAY'S SLT BLOG IS FROM BRÍD O' CONNELL Improving grammar skills is essential for effective communication with all children. Difficulties with grammar, such as dropping the words in sentences, are common for children with down syndrome. Here are some practical tips to help foster grammar development. Model Correct Grammar Speak Clearly : Use correct grammar when speaking with your child. This provides a model for them to learn from. Rephrase Incorrect Sentences : If your chi

TODAYS SLT BLOG IS FROM HANNAH O'NEILL As a speech and language therapist, one of the simplest yet most powerful strategies I share with families of children with Down syndrome is the art of offering choices. Why choices matter Children with Down syndrome often need extra time and support to develop speech and language skills. When we offer choices—whether that’s between two toys, two snacks, or two activities—we’re creating a natural opportunity for communication. Choices ar

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell Key Goals in Speech-Language Therapy for Children with Down Syndrome   Speech-Language Therapy...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell Engaging with nature provides numerous benefits for children, particularly in enhancing speech...

Top Occupational Therapy Tips to Prepare Your Child with Down Syndrome for Primary School Success Today's OT blog is from, Natasha...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell AAC , which stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication , refers to various methods...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell Understanding AAC: Enhancing Communication for Children with Down Syndrome What is AAC?...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell What is Auditory Processing? Auditory processing refers to the brain's ability to interpret and...

Today's OT blog is from, Natasha Kiernan Children with Down syndrome often benefit from a multisensory approach to developing skills- but...

This Music Therapy blog post was written by our Music Therapist: Shane Harvey What can happen in a Music Therapy session? This is a...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell Semantic links are connections between words based on their meanings. Understanding these links...

This blog post is written by our Reflexologist Therapist Rosemarie O'Rafferty For those who are not familiar with me and my work with...

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell As a speech and language therapist, I frequently emphasise the importance of vocabulary building...

Today's Occupational Therapy (OT) blog is from, Natasha Kiernan 3 reason why Occupational Therapists are so invested in the right sized...

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to engage in fun and meaningful activities that promote speech and language development for children...

In speech and language therapy, we often emphasize the importance of "following your child's lead" when it comes to fostering...

A communication breakdown occurs when the speaker's message is not understood by the listener. This can lead to frustration for both you...

Positive reinforcement is a technique for encouraging desired behaviours by rewarding them. It involves acknowledging and celebrating...