In this episode of The SLP Next Door podcast, we are putting our words into action. We've talked about the importance of determining the "why" or function of a behavior. 

In this episode, you'll learn about creating a behavior intervention plan [of sorts] through parent involvement and implementing strategies that can help a child reduce the behavior and increase their functional communication skills. 

When we empower parents to use their daily interactions and activities intentionally, we help them show their toddlers they can replace their behaviors with communication skills. Afterall, those day to day interactions are the best times to model new vocabulary, offer choices, or narrate what’s happening.

The strategies in this episode include: 

• The importance of using power words and words that are familiar to a toddler's routine 
• Empowering children to make choices 
• Implementing a variety of visual communication techniques

You'll also learn the importance of encouraging parent involvement by providing simple strategies such as narrating activities, introducing turn-taking, and celebrating small victories. Therapists should support parents and encourage their participation while working together to implement techniques and strategies that fit a parent/caregiver's daily routine and benefit the child. 

Remember, friends, all behavior is communication. It’s not always the most functional form of communication, but behavior is often effective because it does elicit some type of response. When parents/caregivers and therapists collaborate, you can create a behavior intervention plan to increase a child's communication skills, which in turn often reduces their challenging behaviors. 

Check out the handbook for SLP early intervention and speech therapy for toddlers, Communicate & Connect!

 

Love the episode? Share it with a friend that might need some extra support for a little one on their caseload. 

Thanks for being here, friend!