A Parent's Guide to Child Development

Why Your Child Isn’t Talking Yet—And What You Can Do Today—Guest - Andrea Gingras - A Parent's Guide to Child Development


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Building Language through Connections: What Parents Need to Know

Discover powerful, connection-based strategies for building language skills in non-speaking children with Autism or genetic conditions in this insightful episode of "A Parent's Guide to Child Development."

Host Annamarie von Firley of Fledglings' Flight welcomes guest expert Andrea Gingras, Speech-Language Pathologist, who specializes in innovative, strength-based communication therapies.

In this episode, Andrea shares her transformative approach: instead of traditional compliance-based techniques where children earn rewards after completing tasks, Andrea recommends rewarding children first by joining them in activities they naturally enjoy. Through this meaningful interaction, adults model descriptive language, reflecting the child's thoughts and experiences—such as, "I am rolling dough. The dough is sticky. The dough has stuck to my fingers."

This method empowers gestalt language learners by demonstrating how speech can authentically represent their real-world experiences, leading to improved communication and deeper connections.

About Andrea Gingras:

Andrea Gingras, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a licensed Speech Language Pathologist for over 18 years. In 2003, she received her bachelors degree in Psychology with a concentration in Linguistics from Oakland University in Michigan. She continued on to Michigan State University and received her masters degree in Communication Disorders, in 2006. Andrea specializes in working with the pediatric population, specifically ages 18 months to 7 years of age. She has extensive training in using a strength-based approach and implementing gestalt language processing principles when working with autistic children. She is now the owner of Love Without Words Speech Therapy located in Concord, CA. She offers in-home services to regional center birth- 3 clients and private pay clients. She uses a strengths-based approach for all children, incorporating sensory and engagement into all sessions.


Contact Andrea Gingras:Instagram: https:/www.instagram.comslplovewithoutwords/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slp_mentor4u/

Facebook: https://hi-in.facebook.com/people/Love-Without-Words-Speech-Therapy/100088555507551/

Website: https://slplovewithoutwords.com/


About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016.


About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

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A Parent's Guide to Child DevelopmentBy Annamarie von Firley