On today’s show I speak to Speech Language Pathologist Heidi Miller about all things speech related. SLP’s help children with speech i.e. the way they articulate sounds, they help with language, so the way they put words together which also encompasses social skills so what a person says, how they say it, when they say it and picking up on others peoples cue’s which for some children can be a real challenge. It’s a big subject so we start by talking about how children’s social skills have changed since the pandemic…

The topics we cover in this episode are;

What a speech language pathologist does

Children don’t have to vocalize to be communicating 

Every child is different, even if they grew up in the same household

What is a pragmatic disorder?

How can you tell the difference between a pragmatic disorder or just effects from the pandemic?

Which games Heidi uses in therapy with children 

Play is the natural way you can use social skills

It’s okay to feed your children conversation starters

Social skills start at home but we can help bridge that to school

Being a good listener and how that can affect your child

How Heidi likes to rest and recharge

About The Guest - Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller MS, CCC- SLP, COM® (Speech Language Pathologist Certified Orofacial Myologist Feeding Expert), who has been practicing speech for over 20 years, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University. She is licensed in the states of New Jersey and Florida. Additionally, due to her extensive training in apraxia, she was chosen by New York University to attend an advanced Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) workshop for the most accomplished in the field. Heidi finished the International Association of Orofacial Myologist’s certification program becoming a Certified Orofacial Myologist. Heidi is the author of the HMS Feeding Therapy Protocol For Expanding Repertoire of Picky Eaters and Children With ARFID. A guide to teach SLP’s and OT’s how to effectively treat picky eaters by creating a safe environment for them to confidently learn to eat new foods. Clinician’s can earn ASHA CEU’s when they take her course. In addition to her work within the spectrum of speech, Heidi is a trained as a Certified Orofacial Myologist. She has a particular interest in feeding disorders, which can deeply affect children well into their future. Heidi was chosen to be a Main Guest Speaker at the Talk Tools OMD Deconstructed and Feeding Conference. Heidi has become an expert in the filed an has written several courses to teach other clinicians how to treat the picky feeder population. Heidi is extremely invested in her HMS team.Though Heidi has worked in a multitude of settings, including private clinics, hospitals, and schools, she found her home in her own practice, with 2 settings in Florham Park & Park Ridge New Jersey. Her practice has been recognized by NJ Family Magazine, Favorite Kid’s Doc since it opened its doors in 2010. Most recently winning “Top Vote Getter for Speech Pathology”. Heidi is married with three children, which helps her understand a parent’s perspective. Additionally, the stresses of a busy household are not lost on her. She can relate and empathize with the concern every parent has for their child, and her direct and honest approach will guide your family through every step of growth. When Heidi isn’t working to change the lives of children, she can be found in the joyful chaos of her own home with her husband Dan, her three kids, Justin, Landon, and Lyla, and their adorable dog, Baci. 

​​Website - https://heidimillerspeech.com/about-us/

Instagram - @heidimillerspeechandassociates 

TikTok @hmsfeedingandspeech

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMillerSpeech/

About The Host - Janine Halloran

Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! 

If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

The Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids


Connect with Janine on Social Media 
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids 
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay