Speech Therapy
Why “Play-Based” Therapy Is Serious Work — and Why That Matters to Us
Pediatric therapy is more than a job. For the right clinician, it is a calling. If you are a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or behavior analyst who takes both the science and the joy of working with children seriously, we…
What to Know When Your Child Needs Speech, OT, and ABA at a Fort Myers Pediatric Therapy Clinic
If your child has been recommended for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy, you may be feeling a mix of emotions: relief that there is a plan, but also overwhelmed by the prospect of multiple appointments, multiple therapists, and…
“So… What Did You Do at School Today?” How Fort Myers Speech Therapists Help Kids Tell Their Story in Logical Sequence
When you ask your child how their day went and the answer, if it comes at all, is hard to hold onto. Maybe your child has the words but can’t seem to find the order. Maybe they start somewhere in…
Intelligibility Checklist: How Much of Your Child’s Speech Should a Stranger Understand at Ages 2, 3, and 4?
You’re at the grocery store with your three-year-old. She tugs on your sleeve and announces something to the cashier with absolute confidence — and the cashier smiles politely and looks at you, waiting for a translation. You laugh it off.…
Gestalt Language Processing 101: Fort Myers Speech Therapists Explain When Kids Learn Language in “Chunks” or “Scripts” (Echolalia)
If your child repeats entire phrases from their favorite movies, recites commercials word-for-word, or echoes sentences they’ve heard before, you might be witnessing something remarkable: gestalt language processing. For years, parents and professionals viewed this “scripting” or echolalia as a…
The “Routine Gap”: Fort Myers ABA Therapy Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Progress During Winter Break
‘Tis the season and the halls are decked, the house smells like cookies, and your child is buzzing with excitement about two glorious weeks of freedom. While winter break is a wonderful time for family connection and holiday magic, many…
From Sounds to Sentences: The Critical Connection Between Clear Speech and Reading Readiness
As Fort Myers speech therapists at FOCUS Therapy, we often see parents and caregivers who are focused on the immediate goal of clear speech. While helping your child say their /r/ or /s/ sounds is crucial, our work is about…
They Hear Me, But Do They Understand Me? A Fort Myers Speech Therapist Explains Receptive vs. Expressive Language
What happens when your child seems to hear you perfectly well, yet doesn’t follow simple directions? Do they look at you blankly after you’ve asked them simple questions, even though you know their hearing is fine? Do they seem to…
Why Early Intervention Matters More Than You Think
As a parent, receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming. The mix of emotions – worry, uncertainty, and perhaps even relief at finally having answers – is completely natural. At FOCUS Therapy, we understand…
Family-Friendly Sensory-Friendly Activities in Fort Myers, FL
As pediatric therapists specializing in ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, we at FOCUS Therapy understand that every child experiences the world differently through their senses. In Southwest Florida, we’re fortunate to have a growing number of sensory-friendly activities…