These are evidence-based resources that I have personally used and recommend. Click on the title for a link to the recommended resource, and contact me with any questions about speech or language development or activities. Hover over the image above to pin for later.
Hint: on mobile, scroll down the far right side of the page, outside of the blue area, so you don't open each list as you scroll by.
Hint: on mobile, scroll down the far right side of the page, outside of the blue area, so you don't open each list as you scroll by.
Articulation (speech sounds)/Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Easy to Say First Words: A Focus on Final Consonants by Cara Tambellini Danielson, MA, CCC-SLP
- The Mouth With A Mind of Its Own by Patricia Mervine, MS, CCC-SLP
- Speaking of Apraxia: A Parent's Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech by Leslie Lindsay, BN, RSN
- Mommy Speech Therapy website, go to "Worksheets" tab for home practice ideas
- Super Star Speech by Deborah M Lott, M. Ed, CCC-SLP
Augmentative/ Alternative Communication (AAC)
- PrAACtical AAC
- AAC Institute of Pittsburgh: information on AAC and evaluations through their clinics in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: Young Adult fiction about a girl with Cerebral Palsy who uses an AAC device to communicate
- What is AAC? A Guide for Parents: a blog post I wrote that outlines the basics of AAC
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- "15 Indispensable Websites for Parents of Children with Autism"
- Counting By 7s by Holly Sloan: Young Adult fiction about a girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Your Child Connect, Communicate, and Learn by Sally J Rogers, PhD; Geraldine Dawson, PhD; Laurie A. Vismara PhD. Available through the Pittsburgh Library System
- Rules by Cynthia Lord: Young Adult fiction about a child who has a brother with Autism
Birth- age 3 (Early Intervention)
- Let's Talk Together: Home Activities for Early Speech and Language Development by Cory Poland, MA, CCC-SLP and Amy Chouinard, MA, CCC-SLP. Available through the Pittsburgh Library system
- Mommy Speech Therapy: A website by Heidi Hanks, MS, CCC-SLP, who created Little Bee Speech. Excellent articles and freebies!
- My Toddler Talks: Strategies and Activities to Promote Your Child's Speech and Language Development by Kimberly Scanlon, MS, CCC-SLP. Available from the Pittsburgh Library system
- Teach Me To Talk by Laura Mize, MS, CCC-SLP. Information about communication delays and disorders. Download her free e-book for parents of toddlers!
Cerebral Palsy
Evaluations/ Screenings
- My Child Failed A Speech Screening: Now What?: what to do when your child fails a speech screening at school or daycare
- Does Your Child Need Speech Therapy?: warning signs of a speech and language delay
Fluency/Stuttering
iPad/Android Apps
*These do NOT replace a trained speech and language professional, but can provide home practice
- ABC Phonics by SmartStudy (iPad/Android)- FREE
- Adapted Play Books by Creative Communicating (iPad only)- $5.99/each
- Articulation Station Pro by Little Bee Speech (iPad only)- some free sounds; $59.99
- Autism Learning Games: Camp Discovery by Center for Autism (iPad/Android)- FREE
- Kids Learning- Photo Touch Concepts by Grasshopper Apps (iPad only)- $0.99
- My PlayHome by Playhome Software Limited (iPad/Android)- Lite version is FREE
- PBS Kids apps- most are FREE
- PCS Bingo by Dynavox Mayer-Johnson (iPad only)- $4.99
Reading/Literacy
- Florida Center for Reading Research Student Activities: you can print these out at home. Great for homeschoolers! Activities for grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5.
- Get Ready To Read (Pre-K early literacy skills): Excellent for making sure your child is ready for Kindergarten
- Learning To Read Is A Ball by Kimberly Scanlon, MS, CCC-SLP. Have fun while encouraging literacy with your child!
- Literacy Speaks Alphabet Sound Activities: these can be completed at home. Great for summer bridge activities!
- Reading With TLC
- Starfall.com: free website with literacy/reading activities for grades K-elementary.
- The What Works Clearing House by The Institute of Education Sciences: a little technical, but excellent information on methods and programs that work for Special Education/Literacy instruction.
Speech and Language Development/ Milestones
- Playing with Words 365 by Katie Yeh, MS, CCC-SLP. Evidence-based, fun information on speech development and activities.
- ASHA: The American Speech-Language Hearing Association provides clear information on speech and language development.
- 50 Great Books for Building Language: great for infants and up; especially good for children with Apraxia.
- National Institute for Deafness and Communication Disorders- Milestones: not just for parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children; clear, concise information on milestones and development, as well as what you should do if you have questions.
- What Does My Child Need to Know Before Kindergarten checklists: FREE printable checklists- 1 page for academic skills, 1 page for other skills.
- Kindergarten: Ready or Not?: the speech and language requirements of kindergarten. Is your child ready?