Mental Health Matters: Supporting Children with Communication Difficulties

Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection. When children struggle to express themselves, it can impact more than just how they communicate; it can also affect how they feel. At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC, we know that addressing mental health is just as important as helping your child find their voice. Let’s dive into how communication difficulties and mental health are connected and what you can do to support your child’s well-being.

The Link Between Communication and Mental Health

When a child faces challenges with speech or swallowing, it can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even low self-esteem. They might feel isolated or struggle to connect with their peers. These feelings can snowball into bigger issues like depression or social withdrawal if left unaddressed. The good news? With the right tools and support, we can help children build not just their communication skills, but also their confidence and resilience.

Recommendations for Boosting Your Child’s Mental Health

1. Celebrate the Small Wins: Every bit of progress, no matter how tiny, is worth celebrating. Whether it’s pronouncing a tricky sound or trying a new food texture, acknowledging these victories helps build a sense of achievement.

2. Create Safe Spaces for Expression: Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings in whatever way they can—be it through words, drawings, or gestures. Feeling heard and understood is key to building emotional security.

3. Incorporate Play and Relaxation: Play isn’t just fun; it’s therapeutic! Use games that incorporate speech goals while also allowing your child to feel relaxed. This could be as simple as role-playing with favorite toys or practicing phrases during a cozy craft session.

4. Promote Positive Social Interactions: Find groups or activities where your child can interact with peers who understand their challenges. Being part of a community helps children feel included and valued.

5. Model Calm and Patience: Your child picks up on your cues. When you approach their communication challenges with patience and encouragement, it shows them that it’s okay to take their time and keep trying.

   
   

We're Here to Support You

At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC, our multidisciplinary team is committed to helping your child thrive. We believe in treating the whole child, which includes supporting both their communication goals and their mental health. If you ever need guidance or a listening ear, we’re here for you and your family every step of the way. We also have additional support of Meg Hefferon, clinical mental health therapist, on staff, as well as a Communication Group for kiddos. These approaches allow children a safe, positive environment to communicate.

Meg Hefferon, MA, LPC, NCC

Together, let’s build confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation for both communication and mental well-being. After all, communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about feeling connected, understood, and valued. And that’s what we’re all about.

Shifting the Lens: A Fresh Take on Autism Research

Autism research has traditionally focused on what autistic individuals can’t do, often highlighting deficits rather than strengths. This mindset stems from early studies that painted autism in a negative light, associating it with behaviors that are "odd" or "abnormal." However, a growing wave of researchers is now advocating for a more balanced approach that not only addresses challenges but also celebrates strengths. Let’s dive into what this shift means for your child—and why it matters.

The Problem with the Old Model

Historically, autism research followed a medical model that treated autism as something to "fix" or "normalize." While this approach led to helpful interventions, it also fixated on what autistic people struggle with. Terms like "deficient speech" and "aberrant behavior" became commonplace, contributing to harmful stereotypes. This perspective tends to ignore the unique abilities that often coexist with these challenges.

Embracing Neurodiversity

The neurodiversity movement offers a different perspective. Instead of seeing autism as a disorder, it views it as a natural variation in human experience—just another way of being. This approach emphasizes understanding and accommodating autistic differences, not erasing them. It also shifts the focus from deficits to abilities, encouraging researchers to ask, "What can autistic people do exceptionally well?"

Strengths Overlooked

Research has shown that many autistic individuals have remarkable skills like heightened attention to detail, strong pattern recognition, or even unique language abilities like hyperlexia. Yet, these strengths are often overshadowed by the focus on difficulties. By considering both strengths and challenges, we can better understand how to support autistic children in reaching their full potential.

Rethinking Language and Communication

One area where this shift is crucial is language. For years, research has focused on the “deficits” in autistic communication—like difficulties in social interactions or interpreting body language. But when we change the lens, we see that what might seem like a communication challenge could actually be a different, equally valid style of communication. For example, the repetitive language often seen in autistic individuals (like echolalia) can actually serve as a tool to build social connections, not just a quirk.

Why This Matters for Your Child

Reframing autism research to include both strengths and challenges can lead to more effective support strategies. Instead of just focusing on what your child finds difficult, we can also nurture their unique strengths. Whether it’s an exceptional memory, a knack for creativity, or a deep passion for a particular subject, these strengths can be the key to building confidence and success.

Moving Forward

The future of autism research is moving toward a more balanced view, one that considers autistic individuals as whole people—not just a collection of deficits. This approach aligns better with the priorities of the autistic community, who have long advocated for a strengths-based, inclusive perspective.

As a parent, embracing this shift can mean advocating for services that recognize and build upon your child’s strengths while still addressing their challenges. It’s time to move beyond outdated models and towards a more nuanced understanding of autism that celebrates the diversity of every individual’s abilities.

By reframing how we view autism, we can create a more accepting, supportive world for our children—one where they can thrive as their true, authentic selves.

#AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #StrengthsOverDeficits #AutismResearch #InclusiveLanguage #AutismCommunity #EmbraceDifferences #StrengthBasedApproach #AutisticVoices

Source: Ferreira, GJ., Getten, J., & Pesonen, H. (2024). Strengths-Based Approaches to Autism Language and Communications Research: Where are we? Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, published online.

Feeding Fun: Recipes to Satisfy Both Taste Buds and Therapy Goals

Hey there, fabulous foodies! Today, we’re serving up a tasty trio of recipes designed to not only tickle your taste buds but also help your little ones make strides in their feeding and swallowing goals. Let’s dive into these deliciously fun and functional dishes that will have your kiddos eating (and smiling) in no time!

Orange You Glad It’s Creamsicle Time?

Target Skill: Lip Strength and Coordination

First up, we’ve got the Orange Creamsicle Smoothie—a zesty, creamy delight that’s as refreshing as a summer day. But here’s the twist: this smoothie isn’t just a treat; it’s a workout for those little lips! Using a straw to sip this tangy goodness encourages lip strength and coordination. Plus, who can resist the nostalgia of a creamsicle in a cup? It’s a win-win—one sip at a time! Courtesy of The Spruce Eats

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Finger-Licking Frito Pie

Target Skill: Chewing Crunchy Foods

Next on the menu is the Finger-Licking Frito Pie. Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this dish is perfect for kiddos working on their chewing skills. The crispy Fritos provide just the right amount of crunch to challenge those chompers while making mealtime a fiesta of flavor. Just be prepared for the inevitable chorus of “More, please!” Courtesy of Taste of Home

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Mighty Tasty Chicken Meatballs

Target Skill: Increased Protein Intake

Last but certainly not least, we’ve got our Mighty Tasty Chicken Meatballs. These protein-packed bites are perfect for building those muscles and giving your kiddo the energy they need to take on the day (or at least make it through snack time). Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are a great way to sneak in some extra protein while making mealtime a ball—literally! Courtesy of Yummy Toddler Food

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There you have it, moms and dads—a delicious lineup that’s not only fun to make but also packed with the benefits your child needs to meet their feeding and swallowing goals. Happy cooking (and eating)!