loader from loading.io

Ep. 188: Enhancing Reading Skills Through Speech-Language Therapy with Stacy Payne MS, CCC-SLP

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Release Date: 06/04/2024

Ep. 216: Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options with Dr. Ashley Smith show art Ep. 216: Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options with Dr. Ashley Smith

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

This week, we had an engaging and enlightening discussion with about teen anxiety. Dr. Ashley Smith is an award-winning licensed psychologist and expert in anxiety, and we explore the critical differences between stress and anxiety, the various factors that are causing the surge in teen anxiety, and actionable strategies for parents and educators to support teens who are struggling. Dr. Ashley highlights the importance of distinguishing typical adolescent stress from pervasive anxiety that disrupts daily life, and she discusses the role of societal shifts like technology, social media, and...

info_outline
Ep. 215: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension - with Dr. Emily Levy show art Ep. 215: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension - with Dr. Emily Levy

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

This week we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of , to explore the complexities of reading comprehension, a skill crucial for learners of all ages. While phonics and decoding often dominate discussions around reading challenges, Dr. Levy highlights the often-overlooked significance of comprehension, explaining that it’s the very essence of why we read. Tune in to learn about common signs parents notice when their children struggle with comprehension and how these challenges often emerge as students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Dr. Levy shares...

info_outline
Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation show art Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Listen in to dive into a topic this week that often confuses parents, educators, and professionals alike: the differences between neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations, and school-based assessments. Listen as Karen breaks down the purpose, scope, and key distinctions of these evaluations. We begin by exploring the reasons why families might seek assessments, from academic struggles to behavioral or emotional challenges, and even to identify giftedness. Learn how school-based evaluations focus on academic impact and eligibility for accommodations, while...

info_outline
Ep. 213: Top Interventions for Improving Executive Functioning Skills show art Ep. 213: Top Interventions for Improving Executive Functioning Skills

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Listen in as we discuss executive functioning and unpack its critical role in managing daily life and long-term success. There are the three core executive functions - inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility – and they form the foundation for skills like organization, planning, and emotional regulation. Hear compelling research that highlights the lifelong impact of executive functioning, including studies linking early skill development to improved academic, social, and career outcomes. We also discuss interventions that can significantly enhance these skills, with...

info_outline
Ep. 212: How Dyslexia Impacts Mental Health show art Ep. 212: How Dyslexia Impacts Mental Health

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Today, we’re exploring a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the impact of dyslexia on mental health. Dyslexia affects nearly 20% of people in the United States, yet its influence goes far beyond reading challenges. Many don’t realize the deep connection between dyslexia and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. Misunderstandings and stigma can lead to feelings of isolation, particularly in children who face early reading difficulties. This episode explores how misconceptions contribute to mental health challenges and why addressing these issues is so...

info_outline
Ep. 211: The Positive Impact of Music Therapy with Samantha Foote show art Ep. 211: The Positive Impact of Music Therapy with Samantha Foote

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Today, we’re exploring the transformative power of music therapy with our guest, Samantha Foote, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Samantha brings her expertise to support neurodivergent individuals and their families by blending creativity with therapeutic intervention. With her approach, she uses music not just as a tool for expression but as a dynamic medium to accomplish non-musical goals such as enhancing social skills, emotional regulation, and fostering positive behavior. Samantha explains how music therapy intersects with...

info_outline
Ep. 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn show art Ep. 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of managing challenging behaviors—a topic every parent can relate to. We often think of behavior as just an action, but today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Kahn, highlights that behavior is a form of communication. By reframing how we understand what our children are trying to express through their actions, we can open up new possibilities for positive outcomes for both parents and children. This shift in perspective can be a powerful tool for responding to even the most challenging behaviors in ways that support growth and connection. Dr....

info_outline
Ep. 209: How the Science of Reading Can Close Literacy Gaps with Dr. Benjamin Powers show art Ep. 209: How the Science of Reading Can Close Literacy Gaps with Dr. Benjamin Powers

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll be diving into the Science of Reading with our guest, Dr. Benjamin Powers. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about how students learn to read, this episode is packed with insights on evidence-based reading instruction and how it can transform classrooms. Dr. Benjamin Powers is an educator, researcher, and thought leader who believes that cerebrodiverse learners should be embraced for their strengths and potential. Throughout his career, he has championed evidence-based approaches that recognize individual strengths, promote...

info_outline
Ep. 208: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing The Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz, MD show art Ep. 208: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing The Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz, MD

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

It’s not only ADHD Awareness Month, it is also Dyslexia Awareness Month! So today, let’s revisit a conversation with Dr. Sally Shaywitz about overcoming dyslexia and addressing the reading crisis, which is still relevant and a huge concern. We are in the midst of a reading crisis in the United States. This problem has existed for a long time, but it was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been said that the pandemic has caused the loss of 2 decades worth of progress made in reading. We have the knowledge, research, and science to address this issue, but we are lacking action....

info_outline
Ep. 207: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw show art Ep. 207: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are revisiting an excellent conversation with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw about ADHD in girls. We’ve discussed ADHD on the podcast before and it continues to be an important topic. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw has conducted years of research including a longitudinal study on girls with ADHD and his findings are not only fascinating but important to consider especially if you are the parent of a daughter with ADHD. Dr. Hinshaw wrote a book called Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive. Parenting a daughter with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Today, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services.

Stacy shares her insights on the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children from an early age. She explains how these early interactions, much more than simple bedtime stories, are integral to cognitive development. Through everyday activities and conversations, parents and caregivers can significantly influence a child's language acquisition and communication skills.

We also explore the complexity of the developing brain and how language and communication skills evolve throughout childhood. Stacy highlights the importance of repetition in creating new neural pathways and how incorporating language-building strategies into daily routines, like grocery shopping, can make a huge difference.

For those concerned about missing critical language milestones in early childhood, Stacy offers reassurance that the brain can learn new skills and adapt at any age. She also shares exciting opportunities to maximize learning during the summer months, including intensive skill-building camps provided by Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services.

This is definitely a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Show Notes:

  • [2:33] - Speech and language therapy addresses more than just articulation.
  • [3:47] - Stacy explains that speech and language pathology includes everything “above the waist.”
  • [5:01] - It is anything that can get in the way of a person communicating.
  • [7:15] - Language doesn’t just include verbal communication. The brain is very complex and we have a lot of modalities to communicate.
  • [8:36] - Stacy explains how language and communication develop in an infant’s developing brain.
  • [12:17] - We need to be able to provide a language-rich environment for our developing children.
  • [13:52] - There are so many opportunities in simple day-to-day interactions to integrate language development strategies.
  • [15:12] - The brain requires repetition to develop a new skill and create a new neural pathway.
  • [16:51] - Build language into your day. Think about the countless opportunities at the grocery store.
  • [19:04] - Stacy describes some of the important considerations if a child is growing up in a household of multiple languages.
  • [22:28] - It is important to continue these conversations throughout the child’s life, not just in the early years.
  • [24:39] - Talking through things is also a form of modeling. These are all teaching and learning moments.
  • [26:39] - A lot of times, people don’t have the words to express themselves.
  • [28:08] - After articulation, pay attention to reading and writing.
  • [31:30] - Sometimes we forget about the things that we can pull into language development as we work on goals and articulation.
  • [33:35] - Stacy discusses cognitive training that speech-language pathologists go through that are typically unexpected by most people.
  • [35:06] - If something is missed in childhood, it’s not forever. The brain can still learn new things and how to do things in new ways.
  • [41:26] - We can maximize the summer months to work intensively on these skills. Stacy shares the summer camps available.

About Our Guest:

Stacy St. Amant Payne is a licensed speech-language pathologist who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency awarded by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, a certified lactation educator, a certified ADHD-Rehabilitation Services Provider, and an extensively trained clinician and lecturer in the areas of dysphagia, motor speech disorders, reading disabilities, language-based learning disorders, and ADHD. She is the recipient of several ACE awards from ASHA for her ongoing commitment to continuing education. 

Stacy founded Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services over 10 years ago after 20 years in the field of medical speech pathology, with a mission to help children in the community who are experiencing feeding, speech, language, reading, and learning challenges. 

Connect with Stacy Payne:

Links and Related Resources:

Connect with Us:

The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc. or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.