What’s Next for Sprout Therapy Co.? How You Can Grow With Us

Sprout Therapy Co. began with a shared dream between two friends and speech-language pathologists: create a place where kids and families feel supported, seen, and celebrated.

Right now, we’re starting small with language-based summer groups—but that’s just the beginning.

Our vision is to grow into a full-service pediatric clinic offering:

• Speech & language therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Physical therapy

• Feeding & developmental support

• Behavior and family coaching
  ...and more!

We want to serve children from birth to age 18, creating a place where families can access the wraparound care they need—all in one nurturing environment.

Here’s how you can help us grow:

• Follow us on social media & share our posts

• Tell a friend about our services

• Reach out if you're a therapist who’s passionate about joining our vision

• Cheer us on—your support truly means the world!

We believe big things start small. Thanks for being part of the Sprout family. We can’t wait to grow with you. 🌱

AAC Isn’t a Last Resort - It’s a Voice

If your child isn’t speaking yet—or only using a few words—you might be wondering, “Will they ever talk?” Or “Should we wait longer?”

We want to introduce a powerful, hopeful option: AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). AAC can be anything from a picture board to a high-tech speech-generating device. But no matter the format, the goal is the same: give your child a reliable way to express themselves.

Some things to know:

• AAC does not stop speech development—in fact, it often supports it.

• It’s for kids of all ages and ability levels.

• It can reduce frustration and help children connect with their world.

At Sprout Therapy Co., we are passionate about helping kids find their voice—whether that’s with signs, pictures, or buttons that talk. We’ll guide your family through choosing the right system, teaching how to use it, and making it feel natural in daily life.

Every child deserves a way to say what they think, feel, and need. And sometimes, that starts with AAC.

Supporting Your Child Who Stutters: What Every Parent Should Know

You might hear it when your child is excited:
“I-I-I w-w-want the blue one!”
Or maybe they pause or get “stuck” on a word longer than expected. Stuttering often begins between ages 2–5 and can come and go — which can be confusing for families.

Here’s what we want you to know: Stuttering is nobody’s fault, and with the right support, kids can grow into confident communicators.

At Sprout Therapy Co., we take a compassionate, child-centered approach to fluency therapy. That means:

• Helping children learn strategies to make speaking feel easier

• Reducing pressure around talking

• Supporting emotional well-being and self-advocacy

• Coaching parents on how to respond supportively

We’ll also help you navigate the uncertainty — when to wait, when to seek help, and how to encourage your child along the way. Our goal is never “perfect speech,” but communication that feels comfortable and authentic.

If your child stutters, we’re here to walk with you and support their journey — one confident word at a time.

“I Can’t Understand My Child!” - When to Seek Help for Speech Sound Development

Many parents have had that moment: you lean in, smile, and ask your child a question—only to hear a jumbled response you can’t quite decode. It’s common to wonder, “Should they be talking more clearly by now?”

Here’s the good news: many sound errors are completely typical in early childhood. But sometimes, those speech sound difficulties stick around longer than expected, making it harder for your child to be understood by others.

You might notice:

• Dropping sounds (“tup” instead of “cup”)

• Swapping sounds (“wed” instead of “red”)

• Speaking in a way only family members can understand

• Frustration when trying to communicate

These may be signs of an articulation or phonological disorder. That’s where we come in!

At Sprout Therapy Co., we make speech sound therapy fun and functional. Through play-based activities, movement, games, and visuals, we help your child practice correct sounds in a way that’s engaging and confidence-boosting.

The earlier we work on these skills, the easier it is for your child to build strong habits. If you're unsure whether your child’s speech is on track, reach out — we’re happy to help you navigate those early questions and next steps.

Supporting Communication in Children with Autism

At Sprout Therapy Co., we believe all communication is meaningful. For children with autism, communication might look a little different — and that’s okay.

Some children may talk using words. Others might use pictures, gestures, or AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices. Our job is to find what works best for each unique child and support their growth in a way that feels safe, fun, and empowering.

Here’s what speech-language therapy can look like for children with autism:

• Building joint attention (sharing focus with another person)

• Teaching functional language (like asking for help or choosing a snack)

• Using visuals or AAC to express needs and preferences

• Supporting social communication like greetings, turn-taking, or play skills

• Helping parents learn strategies they can use at home

Every child deserves to feel heard — and every family deserves support along the journey. We’re passionate about partnering with parents to create meaningful, joyful communication opportunities in everyday life.

Whether your child is just starting to communicate or already using an AAC system, we’re here to help their voice grow — in whatever form that takes.

Simple Ways to Build Literacy from the Start

Did you know that literacy begins long before a child learns to read?

From the time your baby is born, every story you share, every song you sing, and every word you say is building the foundation for future reading and writing skills.

Here are some simple ways to support early literacy at home:

1. Read together every day. Even just 10 minutes makes a difference! Choose books with repetition, rhyme, or touch-and-feel textures for younger kids.

2. Let them turn the pages. Engaging with books physically builds interest and independence.

3. Talk about the pictures. You don’t have to read every word — try labeling what you see, asking questions, or making fun sound effects!

4. Follow their lead. If they’re pointing or making sounds, respond! That back-and-forth interaction is key.

5. Make books part of the routine. Try a short story before nap time, at breakfast, or before bed — consistency helps kids know what to expect.

At Sprout Therapy Co., we know that early literacy and language go hand in hand. Whether you’re snuggling up with a board book or narrating your walk around the block, you’re helping your child build essential communication skills — and making memories along the way.

Five Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Speech at Home

Supporting your child’s speech and language doesn’t have to mean sitting down for a “lesson.” In fact, the best learning often happens during the simple, everyday moments you’re already sharing - mealtime, bath time, playtime, and story time.

Here are five easy ways to support communication at home:

1. Get face to face. Sit at your child’s level and make eye contact - this helps them see how you use sounds and words.

2. Pause and wait. Give your child time to respond or take a turn. Sometimes a little extra silence gives them space to try!

3. Model, don’t quiz. Instead of asking a lot of questions like “What’s that?” try making statements “That’s a dog! He’s running fast!”

4. Expand their words. If your child says “truck,” you can add, “Yes, big red truck!”

5. Follow their lead. Join in with what they’re already interested in - whether it’s building blocks or pretending with dinosaurs - and sprinkle in language along the way.

Consistency and connection matter more than perfection. You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What Does a Speech Therapist Actually Do?

Spoiler alert: It’s way more than just helping with sounds.

The name “speech therapist” might sound like we only help with saying sounds clearly - but that’s just one small part of what we do!

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) support children in so many areas of communication, including:

• Understanding and using language (receptive and expressive)

• Speech clarity and articulation

• Social communication skills (like taking turns or staying on topic)

• Stuttering/fluency

• Feeding and swallowing

• Using alternative communication systems like picture boards or AAC devices

• And more!!!

At Sprout Therapy Co., we work with children of all ages and all abilities, using play-based engaging activities that don’t feel like work. We partner closely with families because we believe that you are the most important part of your child’s progress!

Whether your child is working on first words or needs support navigating conversations, we’re here to help them feel confident and connected.

Is My Child a Late Talker? What You Need to Know

It’s common for parents to wonder, “Should my child be talking more by now?” Each child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones that help us understand what’s typical - and what may need a little extra support.

By age 1, many children will say a few simple words like “mama” or “ball.” By age 2, we expect to hear at least 50 words and some short two-word combinations like “more juice” or “big truck.” If your child is 18-24 months and not yet using many words or seems frustrated when trying to communicate, they may be a “late talker".”

The good news? Early support can make a big difference! Speech-language therapy isn’t just about words - it’s about giving children the tools they need to connect, express themselves, and feel understood.

At Sprout Therapy Co., we believe in playful, child-led therapy that meets your child where they’re at. If you’re unsure about your child’s communication skills, we’re here to help you find clarity and confidence.