Hey #speechies 🗣️ I know that graduate school can seem like a daunting journey but it’s important to remind ourselves that we are intelligent, capable, and amazing in every step of the way. Feeding into any type of negative self-talk will only cause our mental health to suffer so we must actively try to combat those feelings that are rooted in imposter syndrome. It’s easier said than done, so I wanted to share 5 things that are important to remember. Let me now if you want a Part 2!

⭐️5 things to remember in graduate school

1. You already have the skills you need to succeed.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask your questions!
3. The only people who don’t make mistakes, are the people who don’t try.
4. Aim to be a better person than you were yesterday, not in comparison to anyone else.
5. School is just one aspect of your life, it is not everything.

Which advice resonated with you?

Speech language pathology is a highly skilled career that requires advanced education and clinical training. To become a speech pathologist and earn a license in most states, you must complete an accredited master’s degree in speech pathology.

Keep reading to learn more about speech language pathology master’s programs, including admission requirements, common courses and potential job prospects for graduates.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/speech-therapy-masters-degree/

Have you been wondering if you have ADHD? Are you curious to hear how other adults are managing late-stage diagnosis?

The topic of today’s episode is personal for cohost, @mailingchan as she shares her own personal experience with her recent diagnosis, adding to an informative conversation with @chriswangstal.

Chris Wang talks about ADHD and its effects on adults. Chris is the co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, a comprehensive behavioral tech platform for adults with ADHD. In addition to explaining the Shimmer app, Chris also shares some different approaches to managing ADHD, advice for newly diagnosed adults, and some of the biggest challenges that they face.

https://www.xceptionalleaders.com/living-with-adhd-in-adulthood-with-chris-wang/

🗣️💬Welcome to the SLP Project Pod! This podcast is a platform for open discussions related to the journeys in all things Speech Language Pathology.

We’ll be talking about graduate school, clinic experiences, taking the praxis exam, and externships, just to name a few.

Tell a friend to tell a friend ! New episodes on Fridays! 🎙️✨

https://linktr.ee/slpproject_pod?fbclid=PAAaaB4idVTlhApd3ec6cF29-brtoeFSlzv1E2yxZNVlmTXStwO6EnRagt2Js_aem_AYXRRBfyZ-zbXtb_2KoxdcLkkE9jNYvKddP_p-0B2wSkl7rW7X9sS7ze7Q17xP6Pqu8

#slp #speechlanguagepathology #slpproject #slppodcast #speechlanguagepathologypodcast

Happy belated Juneteenth! For those who aren't familiar with the holiday, Juneteenth is otherwise known as the "Black Independence Day," when slaves in Texas learned about their freedom TWO YEARS after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

For those who are interested in discussing this topic in pediatric speech therapy, I included a mini book with Wh- questions to get you started! You can download it for FREE here: tinyurl.com/juneteenthminibook. Be sure to share with your SLP friends!

On yesterday's Pediatric Speech Sister Show LIVE, I spoke with guest Darius L. Thomas, MS CCC-SLP who identifies as a gay SLP and LGBTQIA+ consultant! He educated us on the concept of The Genderbread Man, and further explained how it's most important to connect with a client/student's gender identity rather than their anatomical sex or dating preferences. You can watch the REPLAY here: youtube.com/@pediatricspeechsistershow

At CMSC 2023, the neuromuscular and movement disorders speech-language pathologist at Orlando Health discussed the importance of early intervention in speech and communication therapy, as well as the challenges faced in getting patients to seek therapy at the time of diagnosis.

https://www.neurologylive.com/view/overcoming-challenges-early-intervention-speech-therapy-ms-rachel-haines

In today's overstimulated world, burnout isn't short on victims.

Though its definition is a little up to your interpretation, it's recognized by the World Health Organization as a response to workplace stress and categorized by feelings of exhaustion, negativity, cynicism or "mental distance" from work, as well as a feeling of being ineffective or not accomplishing anything.

https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/the-secret-to-avoiding-burnout-is-simpler-than-you-think/

For AAPHI month, I had the privilege of speaking with Phuong Lien Palafox, MA CCC-SLP, a bilingual Asian-American SLP passionate about increasing culturally responsive care for our Asian clients and colleagues.

You can check out our LIVE Replay on the Pediatric Speech Sister Network here: https://youtu.be/p2uFajlxSPQ

Neurodiversity Affirming Practices in Speech Language Pathology

Introduction: What is Perception?

https://unsplash.com/@jannerboy62

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the idea of understanding and valuing the various of ways of being human. This includes brain thinking, attentional focus, learning, behavior, and emotion in different ways due to neurological differences. It is essentially about recognizing, respecting, and celebrating the diverse ways people think and behave!

Neurodiversity is also about understanding that neurological diversity is not a disorder, nor a limitation; But simply a DIVERSITY of abilities. It is a way of “breaking out of deficits-based thinking” towards understanding that differences are natural, common, and beneficial.

The idea of neurodiversity can be seen as an extension of the social model of disability, which redefines disability as an environmental restriction. This social model also strives to promote greater understanding of the different ways that people think and act, thereby opening up increased social acceptance and opportunities for disabled people.

3. The Importance of affirming practices and Speech Langauge Pathology

Our field of Speech Langauge Pathology is a fertile ground to cultivate a healthy Neurodiversity affirming practice where speech-language pathologists can provide individuals with an opportunity to reach their goals and build on their strengths and accounts for their individual needs and preferences.
This type of practice requires an understanding of neurodiversity and a commitment to respecting the individual's privacy and preferences. It is an approach that ultimately leads to improved quality of life and more independence for individuals with neurologic conditions.

The importance of affirming neurodiversity practices within speech language pathology is growing. Neurodiversity affirming practices focus on creating an environment which respects the individual and celebrates their strengths. Such practices emphasize acceptance, empathy, and respect for diversity, rather than judgment and discrimination.

Neurodiversity affirming practices are also important for professional development within a speech language pathology practice. As therapists become knowledgeable and aware of different neurological conditions, they can better understand their clients and improve their ability to support them. Furthermore, they can expand their services by educating the community on the importance of affirming practices. By doing so, they can open up more possibilities and opportunities for individuals with neurodiversity.

4. What does an affirming practice look like?

A neurodiversity affirming practice is an approach to working with individuals who have a neurological condition. It involves a focus on the strengths and potential of each individual, as well as a commitment to creating an environment of acceptance, diversity, and respect.

An affirming practice is based on understanding the person, not their diagnostic label. It emphasizes providing individualized support to each person that respects their privacy, preferences, and priorities. In addition, it involves helping them build on their strengths and foster independence and self-determination.

The focus of an affirming practice is to empower individuals to reach their goals and to provide them with the tools and support they need to do so. This approach begins with the acknowledgment that everyone deserves respect and understanding, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

In addition, an affirming practice requires an understanding of neurodiversity and a commitment to treating individuals as people, not a collection of diagnoses. It involves providing client centered approaches in a safe and accepting environment. This is essential for individuals to build on their strengths and reach their goals.

In conclusion:
Ultimately, the goal of neurodiversity affirming practices is to build an environment where everyone feels accepted and included. This allows individuals with disabilities to feel comfortable expressing themselves and tapping into their potential. By creating such an atmosphere, children or adults can challenge themselves and feel fulfilled. Allowing children or adults to feel accepted, appreciated and to reach their potential, can do wonders for their self-esteem and self-expression.