The Speech Parent Podcast
Helping parents of kids with speech delays - just like you! The Speech Parent podcast is your one-stop-shop for actionable tips, tricks, and tons of support. I’m Emily Bower, a speech parent like yourself AND a speech-language pathologist. My goal is to equip you to advocate for your child to get what they need, empower you to help your child and home, and encourage you with a community of support! Join the community: thespeechparent.com/community
Episodes

Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Wondering how you can get your late talker toddler to talk more?
The tips I’m going to share are commonly taught by SLPs and used in speech therapy because they are POWERFUL. They show parents what to focus on when they’re talking to their kids in a more specific way than just “talk to your kids more" - because I’m going to assume that you’re already doing that!
We don’t need basic fluff, we need real strategies that will really make a difference. I’ve got 3 key strategies to share with you today to get your toddler to talk more!
FREE MILESTONES CHART: thespeechparent.com/milestones
Questions? Need Help? I love chatting with parents! Send me an email: thespeechparent@gmail.com

Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Do you have a child with a speech delay? Have questions about speech therapy or how to help your child talk more? As a speech language pathologist AND a speech parent like you - I'm here to help!
Today's Q&A episode answers 2 important questions:
1. How do I help my kid play with other kids at the park?
2. How do I pick the best AAC system for my child?
Ask me a question for my Q&A episodes! Send it to thespeechparent@gmail.com

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Does your child have an AAC Speech Generating Device? (Aka an iPad or tablet with buttons that they use to communicate) Do you feel like it's not working for them?
It probably isn't. But not for the reasons you might think.
AAC devices are POWERFUL at unlocking communication for kids. But the adults in the child's life NEED to know how to talk on it and support their child's learning.
Teaching your child how to talk and doing speech therapy at home is important for the success of an AAC user. And it doesn't have to be hard or complex! Any parent can learn!
I've got a FREE training webinar in the works for anyone interested in learning more about modeling and supporting AAC users! Get the training -->
thespeechparent.com/aachelp

Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Today we're discussing ideas for parents to do speech therapy at home - all while meeting your child’s sensory needs!
Your child needs to have their sensory needs met so that they are regulated and in the best state for learning. In this episode I suggest 10 activities that you can do at home to promote that regulation while also targeting speech and language therapy goals!
Free Checklist of the 10 Activities Mentioned: thespeechparent.com/activities
Workshop for Modeling Language for a Gestalt Language Processor / Autistic Child - thespeechparent.com/waitlist
Questions? Need help with something? Email: thespeechparent@gmail.com
I'd love to chat with you!

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
When we better understand our child’s needs, we are then better able to help MEET those needs. And when our child has their needs met (sensory needs included!) they are better in a state to learn the speech and language skills that we’re trying to teach them each and every day.
That's why today we're discussing the Dunn Model of Sensory Processing to help you understand your child's unique sensory profile.
Is your child a Seeker, Sensor, Bystander, or Avoider?
Take this fun QUIZ to help figure it out! ---> thespeechparent.com/sensoryquiz
Don't forget about my free 15 minute *virtual* coaching sessions! ---> thespeechparent.com/first50

Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Does your kid have trouble staying in a calm yet alert state in order to learn speech and language skills? They may have trouble with SENSORY REGULATION.
In today's episode we look at:
1. What is Sensory Regulation?
2. How Does Sensory Regulation Connect to Speech and Language Development?
3. Real Life Examples and Suggestions to Help
Don't forget to sign up for a FREE 15 minute, individual, virtual coaching session - thespeechparent.com/first50
It's hard to be the parent of a child with a speech delay. You don't have to do it alone! I'm here to help! Sign up for coaching or send any questions to thespeechparent@gmail.com

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Today we are talking about one of my favorite ways to let kids communicate their wants and needs - CHOICE BOARDS.
If you have a minimally speaking, extremely hard to understand, or non-speaking child, whether they’re a toddler or preschooler or even older - this episode is for you!
Choice boards are easy to make, low cost, and a perfect way to eliminate frustration between you and your child. Let’s get your child communicating!
>>>FREE COACHING SESSION for the first 50 people to sign up! thespeechparent.com/first50
I'll answer any questions related to speech/communication!

Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
If you've ever seen kids carry around books with velcro pictures that they take off and hand to someone to request the item, then you've probably seen PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System. It's a type of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication system) and it's often recommended by people familiar with ABA, including many speech language pathologists.
I've been asked before - Can My Nonverbal (really Nonspeaking) Child Just Use PECS?
I don't recommend it! Listen to this episode to hear my top 5 reasons that I don't recommend PECS!
I'll talk more about what it is and share some things that you might never thought have before!
Free 15 minute coaching session for the first 50 people to sign up --> thespeechparent.com/first50

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Have you considered getting your child an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device, also known as a speech generating device? Are you worried it might not make your child want to talk?
I get asked this question ALL THE TIME! So you're not alone in wondering - Will an AAC Device Keep My Child From Talking? Let's talk all about it in today's episode!
FREE 15 MINUTE COACHING SESSION for the first 50 people that sign up! Link here: thespeechparent.com/first50

Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Turn taking skills are foundational for conversation! Your child needs to learn how to respond and how to initiate as building blocks for talking to others!
Join the free Late Talker Challenge HERE!