The Speech Umbrella

Denise Stratton
  • 5.0 (9)
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The Speech Umbrella Podcast specializes in exploring simple but powerful therapy tools to maximize therapy outcomes while minimizing your stress and preparation time. With the depth of knowledge stemming from over 30 years in the field of pediatric speech therapy, Denise Stratton, MS, CCC-SLP shares simple tools for optimal outcomes.

  1. 09/02/2025

    Beyond Articulation: The Myofunctional Revolution

    Have you ever wondered why some children struggle with persistent speech sound errors despite trying every traditional approach? The missing piece might be right under their tongue. After 30+ years as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I discovered a game-changing approach that transformed how I treat articulation disorders. Oral facial myofunctional therapy addresses the underlying muscle patterns, breathing habits, and oral resting postures that create the foundation for clear speech. This isn't just another technique—it's a fundamental shift in understanding how our oral structures develop and function. When the tongue maintains its correct resting position against the hard palate, it creates what experts call "the central operating zone" for speech sounds. Think about efficiency: if your tongue already rests in an elevated position, it's perfectly positioned to produce most consonant sounds automatically. Yet many children with speech disorders habitually rest their tongues in a low position, forcing them to consciously remember to elevate it for proper articulation—making speech laborious rather than automatic. The results can be remarkable. One preteen client with persistent R errors made breakthrough progress after addressing a posterior tongue tie and implementing myofunctional exercises—without using a single traditional placement technique. These moments made me realize how this approach removes barriers to success rather than repeatedly drilling sounds without addressing underlying issues. If you're an SLP feeling stuck with challenging articulation cases or simply wanting to work smarter rather than harder, explore the fascinating world of myofunctional therapy. Check out the resources mentioned in this episode, including books by Dr. Shereen Lim and Joy Moeller, and consider how this knowledge might transform your practice. As I've discovered, "When you master nasal breathing and tongue resting posture, complex articulation targets take care of themselves."

  2. 09/18/2024

    Simple Tales Story Product In Here!

    If narrative language intervention is one of the pillars of your therapy, then you’re going to love what I have for you. As much as I love teaching narrative language, I always struggled to find enough stories to feed the therapy machine. A couple of years ago, in a somewhat desperate state of mind, I took pencil in hand and drew my own stories, featuring Wanda Witch. My clients loved the Wanda stories, despite my rudimentary drawing. Wanda Witch was soon followed by the Tony character,...

  3. 06/13/2024

    102 - Where's My Lane? Navigating Overlapping Roles in Pediatric Treatment

    No doubt you've noticed how our role as SLPs overlaps with other professions.  Collaboration is highly desirable of course, but sometimes roles overlap so much as to be almost indistinguishable. It can be a disconcerting feeling - as though the earth has moved beneath your feet! Today, Denise Stratton, a veteran pediatric speech-language pathologist, tackles the confusion and frustration that can arise in this multifaceted field. Join us as we explore the root causes of speech and language disorders, helping us understand why multiple diagnoses and professions often converge at the same point. We'll confront the professional uncertainty many young SLPs feel about their scope of practice and compensation, and reveal simple but powerful interventions that can help navigate these professional lanes more effectively. In the second part of this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between auditory processing and memory, shedding light on the importance of targeting root causes rather than just applying labels to language disorders. Denise shares a treasure trove of effective interventions and tools.  By honing in on these root causes and understanding the progression of interventions, we can achieve significantly better outcomes for our clients. Don't forget to explore the wealth of materials available on The Speech Umbrella website and the value of sharing knowledge within our professional community.

  4. 02/21/2024

    Transforming Interview Anxiety into Opportunities for Young Job Seekers

    Stepping into a job interview is intimidating for many of us, but  when you're a teen or young adult with a communication disorder, it can feel overwhelming.  On the Speech Umbrella podcast, we tackle this subject head-on, with my husband, Dan Stratton, bringing his IT management and interview expertise to the table. One of Dan's passions is helping young adults in their career searches and interviews. Together we demystify the interview process, transforming it from a daunting task into an exciting stage to spotlight your problem-solving abilities. We discuss the art of self-presentation,  the power of a well-told story,  and how to do networking interviews. You'll hear firsthand how strategic networking and informational interviews can forge paths to unexpected job offers and meaningful professional relationships. From the impact of a thoughtful handwritten note to the nuances of asking the right questions, we delve into the details that can set you apart. We also examine how to make an impression in the interview itself, with tips on maintaining composure under pressure and using body language to your advantage.  So plug in, listen up, and let's get you ready to nail that interview with grace and confidence. Helpful Links Amy Cuddy TED Talk List of Skills. Long List of Skills    Sample Interview Questions and How to Answer Them  More Interview Questions

  5. 12/13/2023

    Hitting the Pause Button

    To mark the 100th episode, Dan (our business manager) interviews Denise about her favorite episodes, the beginnings of the podcast, and what the future holds for The Speech Umbrella. --- Useful Links --- Free Resource Library Where Everybody Knows Your Name Interview with Char Boshart Interview with Dr. Shereen Lim To Infinity and Beyond The Power of Too Follow the Narrative Road The Conversation Game Phonological Awareness Tracking Tool Impossible R Made Possible Simple Tools Interview with Dr. Teresa Ukrainetz Making Movies, Making Inferences Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

  6. 11/29/2023

    Kids Say the Best Things 2023

    Don’t we hear some of the funniest, wisest, all around best things from children? Here’s a collection of some my best moments with clients in 2023. Enjoy Kids Say the BEST Things, 2023. --- Useful Links --- Emoji Handout Empowering Children with Autism Through Natural Language Acquisition Essential Language for Autism  Open Doors A Parent, A Child, and Autism Kids Say the Best Things 2022 Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

  7. 11/15/2023

    The Power of Family Stories

    Unleash the power of storytelling on your child's developmental journey! Join us as we explore the transformative influence of family narratives on children. Based on the research of Robin Fivush and Marshall P. Duke, we reveal the multitude of benefits kids reap when they know their family tales. Their resilience, self-esteem, and social skills see a significant boost. More than that, we consider how these stories can be effectively integrated into therapy, serving as instruments to enhance ...

  8. 11/01/2023

    Empowering Children with Autism Through Natural Language Acquisition

    Ever wondered how to effectively enhance language development in children with autism? The Speech Umbrella's 97th episode is here to illuminate your path! I'm Denise Stratton, and I'll be unpacking the power of child-centered approaches like Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), explaining how it helps build spontaneous and generative language. We'll decode complex terms such as Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs), Analytic Language Processors (ALPs), and Developmental Sentence Scoring (DSS) usi...

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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Speech Umbrella Podcast specializes in exploring simple but powerful therapy tools to maximize therapy outcomes while minimizing your stress and preparation time. With the depth of knowledge stemming from over 30 years in the field of pediatric speech therapy, Denise Stratton, MS, CCC-SLP shares simple tools for optimal outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    Denise Stratton
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SLP Pro Advisor
  • Show Website
    The Speech Umbrella

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