Advertise on podcast: Speech and Language Kids Podcast

Speech-language pathologists are quitting left and right.  And some are leaving the profession all together. When we talk about SLP turnover, the conversation usually turns to caseload size, pay, or work-life balance. And yes, those things matter. But they're symptoms, not the root problem. In this episode, we zoom out and look at what's actually driving burnout and turnover in speech-language pathology: too many high-stakes decisions without a clear system to support clinical decision-making. SLPs are expected to: Diagnose what's wrong Decide what to work on Write defensible goals Create therapy plans from scratch Manage behavior Justify services across tiers And do it all for dozens (sometimes hundreds) of students Every. Single. Day. Meanwhile, other professionals are handed evidence-based curricula and clear workflows. SLPs are handed complexity and told to figure it out on their own. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why "more support" and more PD often increase overwhelm The hidden cognitive load that leads even passionate, well-paid SLPs to quit Why the lowest-turnover programs don't rely on hero clinicians, they rely on systems How a structured therapy framework reduces burnout without removing clinical judgment What leaders can do right now to improve retention, confidence, and consistency across their teams If you're an SLP who's exhausted from constantly second-guessing yourself, or a leader trying to figure out why good clinicians keep leaving, this conversation reframes the problem and points to a solution that actually works. Because retention doesn't come from asking SLPs to care more.  Or see more clients.   It comes from giving them clarity, structure, and a shared way to make decisions. Sign up your team for our SLK Curriculum and get all of the systems and supports you need: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/slk-hub-teams-program-support-your-speech-team-elevate-your-outcomes/  

Children aren't meant to linger in speech and language therapy for years, but many do. In this episode, we're breaking down why that happens and exactly how to move students efficiently toward dismissal without abandoning support. You'll learn a clear, tiered workflow for speech-language services that helps teams: Teach missing skills directly (without over-servicing) Reduce pull-out time as soon as skills are learned Support carryover and generalization in the classroom Transition students thoughtfully from direct therapy → consult → dismissal We'll walk through: Why the current "qualify or don't" model keeps students stuck How Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports should work together What dismissal actually looks like when done well (hint: it's a process, not a cliff) How to explain service changes clearly to parents and teachers How this approach frees up SLP time and prevents future over-referrals You'll also hear how to use simple visuals and handouts during IEP meetings and conferences to get everyone on the same page, and reduce pushback when it's time to decrease minutes or dismiss. If you've ever wondered: "How do I know when they're ready?" "How do I explain this without parents panicking?" "Why do kids stay on my caseload forever?" This episode gives you a practical, defensible roadmap. All of the visuals, workflows, screening tools, data probes, and therapy packets discussed are available inside the SLK Curriculum Curriculum:  https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/ 

An increasing number of SLPs are noticing something new: word-final repetitions, breathing or pauses in the middle of words, and extra sounds popping up between words. These atypical disfluencies don't always look like "classic" stuttering and the research on what to do about them is…messy. In this episode, I walk through a real-world case review of word-final stuttering and other atypical disfluencies, including what the research actually says (and where it falls apart). We'll unpack the different types of atypical disfluencies (mid-word breaks, sound insertions, final sound repetitions) and why they're showing up more often in children with autism and ADHD. Most importantly, we talk about the question that really matters: Do these disfluencies actually need to be treated? If fluency is a difference and not a disorder, when does intervention help, and when might it do more harm than good? You'll hear a practical, detective-style framework for figuring out what's driving the disfluency, how to collaborate with parents and teachers when the answers aren't clear, and which strategies are worth trying (and which ones deserve caution). Join us for a deep dive into this atypical (but increasing) problem.  And if you'd like to submit a case review for us to feature on the podcast, click here: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/submit/ 

Teletherapy doesn't have to feel chaotic, complicated, or exhausting. In today's episode, we're breaking down a simple, no-fluff system for running effective and engaging speech-language teletherapy sessions, whether you're supporting speech, language, fluency, social skills, or functional communication. You'll learn how to confidently define your role, identify exactly which skills to target, and select materials that actually move the needle. I'll walk you through what to do during sessions, how to keep kids motivated without reinventing the wheel every week, and how to make parent/teacher training easier (and more effective). If you're a school-based or private-practice SLP who wants teletherapy sessions that are structured, fun, and backed by a clear functional outcome…this episode is for you.

Ever cried in the school break room because you were doing everything you could for your students… and it still didn't feel like enough? Yeah. Me too. In today's episode, I'm sharing my origin story of how I went from an overwhelmed school SLP (piecing together random activities, constantly behind, constantly doubting myself) to creating this amazing company where I'm now selling my own Curriculums!   Today, you'll get my messy journey that includes... The morning I got publicly called out for not reading an email (and ended up crying in the break room)  The conference session that finally gave me the missing puzzle piece: breaking skills into tiny steps with scaffolded support Why therapy always felt so hard and the moment it finally clicked My early, awkward, money-losing attempts at entrepreneurship (hello, file-folder games shipped in a box) And how I slowly (clumsily) built a business simply by listening to what SLPs needed and trying to solve the next problem right in front of me If you've ever wondered, "Could I do something like that? Could I make my own thing? Could I have more impact than what's possible in the school system?", this episode will feel like sitting down with a friend who's been there. I'm not the best. I'm not perfect. I'm still learning as I go. But I'm here. I'm trying. And I'm building this alongside you. Come hear the story behind it all and maybe it will inspire you to start your own journey as well.

School-age language therapy can feel like the Wild West!  There are too many different skills to teach and no clear answer on what will actually move the needle for our clients. In today's episode, we're cutting through the chaos and laying out a clear, practical roadmap for real-world therapy activities that will actually help your language clients. You'll learn: How Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports work together, and where SLPs fit in The 8 core language areas that drive real progress (and how to identify which one is the bottleneck) How to pinpoint missing foundational skills using standardized tests, checklists, and your own observations Exactly what to teach in therapy so students can truly benefit from classroom instruction Real examples of going "back to basics" to build comprehension, following directions, grammar foundations, questioning skills, vocabulary growth, and narrative abilities Why our role isn't to "fix" kids, it's to fill in the gaps so they can thrive in Tier 1 & 2 We'll also talk about how to streamline your planning using a structured curriculum instead of one-off activities, plus a real case study showing how to scaffold sequencing and retelling from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you're in the middle of your Caseload Makeover, trying to simplify your sessions, or just want a clearer plan for your school-age students, this episode will help you feel confident and grounded in what actually works.

Dreading one (or more) of your sessions this week? You're not alone—every SLP has those "please don't make me go in there" moments. And most of the time, that dread comes from one thing: not having the right materials or a clear plan for progress. In Part 2 of our Caseload Makeover series, I'll walk you step-by-step through how to match each client's goals with the right Therapy Packet inside the SLK Curriculum so you can finally feel confident, prepared, and energized going into your sessions. You'll learn: Why "session dread" is the best indicator of where to start How to choose just ONE focus skill per client for the next month How to quickly match those skills to a Goal Packet What to print, prep, and put in folders for smooth, structured sessions How to run sessions using the packets so progress is faster and planning is easier When to use the AI-powered material generators for customized practice Whether you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or just tired of reinventing the wheel each week, this episode will help you streamline your entire caseload and walk into every session with confidence. Let's make your therapy life easier—one packet at a time. 💗💚💙💜

Are you working with a child or teen who stutters?   In today's episode, Carrie breaks down four simple, research-supported exercises that help school-age children and teens communicate more effectively.  This episode is action-packed, full of exercises and strategies that you can use in speech therapy right away or at home to support a child or teen who is struggling. We're moving beyond theory.  We're diving in with real-life strategies that actually help children and teens understand and accept their stuttering and learn to manage it so they can communicate effectively with others. Need some ready-made therapy programs for these skills?  Our Fluency Curriculums provide you with easy-to-use therapy plans, materials, and skill progressions.  We've taken all of the guess work out of it and provided you with a customizable template that you can use to help each child or teen that you work with excel. Access our Fluency Curriculum and Materials at https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/ 

What should we focus on in middle school and high school speech/language therapy? In today's episode, I'll share with you a practical, no-fluff framework for supporting teenagers on real-life communication skills through our speech/language therapy sessions. We'll cover the four big areas that matter most for helping adolescents thrive in school, work, relationships, and independence: Executive Functioning Skills Working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, planning, task initiation, and the self-monitoring teens need to actually use their communication skills in the real world. Communication for Academic Success How to shift from basic language goals to higher-level skills like discourse, figurative language, vocabulary learning strategies, and synthesizing complex information. Social Communication Skills Perspective taking, navigating disagreements, repairing breakdowns, using nuance, and advocating for their needs in social and academic settings. Life Skills (a.k.a. "Adulting Skills") Practical communication for communicating with others in real-world situations, problem-solving, time management, and understanding personal strengths and accommodations. If you've ever wondered whether you're targeting the right skills for your older students, or you want a better roadmap for helping adolescents with the skills that really make the biggest difference, today's episode is for you!

Get ready for a totally transparent, behind-the-scenes walk through how I actually run speech and language therapy.  No jargon, no overthinking, and definitely no fluff. In today's episode, I'm breaking down my entire therapy system from start to finish. You'll learn exactly how I choose goals, organize materials, run sessions, and streamline data collection using the SLK Curriculum and Goal Packets. Whether you're overwhelmed by your caseload or just want a cleaner, simpler way to plan therapy, this episode gives you the full roadmap. Hop in and grab our SLK Curriculum, goal packets, and planning resources at Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com  Start your free trial today!

Whether you've inherited a messy caseload… …or you've simply been in survival mode so long that things are a bit chaotic…. Our Caseload Makeover will help you clean up your caseload and get rid of inefficiencies. This month, join us on a journey to streamline your caseload, fast track clients who are close to dismissal, and make your planning process smooth and easy. In this episode, we kick off our Caseload Makeover series by tackling the very first—and most important—step: the caseload audit. If your schedule feels overloaded, if certain students seem to be "lingering" on your list, or if you're just not sure where to focus next, this simple process will give you the clarity you've been missing. You'll learn how to audit your caseload during your regular therapy sessions (no extra paperwork time required!) and how to quickly sort students based on their current progress as well as any additional needs they have. We talk about why this step matters, what patterns to look for, and how this single exercise sets the stage for faster progress for clients and a more manageable workload for you. Grab the Caseload Audit Checklist inside the SLK Curriculum at Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com 

How Do We Help Non-Speaking Children? Helping an autistic child learn to speak can feel overwhelming—it's so hard to know where to start.  But these 6 simple strategies are easy to use and create big impact for our autistic clients and children. Whether you're a speech-language pathologist in the therapy room, a parent at home, a teacher in the classroom, or a childcare provider, these strategies give you a clear, concrete place to begin with any non-speaking child. And the best part? They work whether a child is a gestalt language processor, an analytic language processor, or a child who needs alternative ways to communicate, such as AAC. If you want an approachable, neurodiversity-affirming starting point for supporting communication, this episode lays out exactly what to do next.

In today's episode, I'm diving into one of the most important communication skills we can teach our neurodivergent children and teens: conversation. Some children are natural conversationalists, while others need more support—and neither way is "better." But when a child struggles with the nuances of back-and-forth interaction, they deserve tools that help them feel confident, understood, and connected. This episode breaks conversational skills into three teachable levels: Level 1: Initiating and responding Level 2: Maintaining and managing conversations Level 3: Navigating more complex interactions like repairing breakdowns, disagreements, and self-advocacy We'll also talk about using AI to generate personalized social scenarios, how to encourage self-reflection, and why staying in a growth mindset matters. How does your client/child score?  Our interactive scorecard will tell you where a child or teen needs additional supports --> Take the free Neurodivergent & Thriving Scorecard at SLKScorecard.com. And for an easy, ready-to-go therapy plan that you can start today, grab the Conversational Skills Goal Packets inside the Hub: Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com.

Too many SLPs feel pressured to bring brand-new activities to every session—but that actually slows progress and burns you out. In today's episode, I explain why sticking with one structured teaching activity (like the workbooks inside our Curriculum) creates better, faster results… and how AI can fill in the gaps with unlimited, customized practice. We walk through a real example targeting vocabulary skills—from early word learning all the way up to advanced word-attack strategies—and I show you exactly where AI fits in to boost engagement and mastery. You'll learn: Why you don't need endless activities to teach a skill (goodbye late nights scouring TPT!) How to build a start-to-finish plan that uses skill progressions to systematically teach skills When to pause and provide more practice before moving on How AI can instantly generate custom materials: word lists, images, prompts, stories, social scenarios, and more How this approach keeps therapy fun, consistent, and effective without adding extra work to your plate Whether you use my Curriculum or your own materials, this episode will help you simplify your planning, reduce burnout, and keep clients excited to learn. Listen in and learn how to make AI your new therapy sidekick!

Is it actually OK to teach perspective-taking to autistic youth? In this episode, Carrie breaks down the current controversy, explains why so many SLPs feel confused about whether they're "allowed" to teach these skills anymore, and unpacks how traditional Theory of Mind instruction became entwined with masking, judgment, and deficit-based thinking. You'll learn what the real issue is (hint: it's the double empathy problem, not a lack of empathy in autistic individuals) and why perspective-taking is still a valuable, empowering skill when taught through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Carrie shares her stance: all brains work differently, and autistic kids deserve information—not pressure to conform. Today's perspective-taking work is about helping youth feel safer, more secure, and more confident navigating the world their own way. We then walk through how the new SLK Perspective-Taking Goal Packet teaches these skills without enforcing neurotypical norms, shame, or "correct answers," focusing instead on safety, understanding, curiosity, and real-world meaning. If you've ever wondered how to teach perspective-taking in a respectful, ND-affirming way, this episode will clarify exactly how to do it. Check out the Perspective-Taking Goal Packet inside the SLK Curriculum—available to all members (with free trial options): https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/