In this episode, Beth is joined by speech-language pathologist Heather Shirey and Mindy Imron, mother of Weston, to share Weston's experience receiving LSVT LOUD in the school setting. In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, they discuss what led them to pursue LSVT LOUD for Weston, a talkative and social 9-year-old with Down syndrome, after his family and teachers noticed he was becoming harder to understand, even though his articulation skills were strong. Heather and Mindy walk through what treatment looked like for Weston, how Heather adapted the program to keep a young child motivated and engaged, and the changes they saw in his voice and everyday communication. They describe Weston speaking more slowly and loudly, singing with more intonation, being heard during the Pledge of Allegiance, and confidently ordering his own meal at a busy restaurant. Most importantly, they share how they made the intensive LSVT LOUD program work at school, including updating his IEP, scheduling sessions at the end of the school day, collaborating with teachers, staff, and Weston's private SLP, preparing Mindy to support homework at home, and continuing carryover in the classroom after treatment ended. This episode is ideal for SLPs, educators, and families wondering, "Can LSVT LOUD really work in a school setting?" Heather and Mindy's story shows that with teamwork, collaboration, and a willingness to think outside the box, it can. Special Guests: Heather Shirey, MS, CCC-SLP; Mindy Imron, Weston's Mother Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson's by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, written and produced by Ian Grant, Paul Mitchell, and Josh Phillips. The song and video were inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson's worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson's. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/ To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode! Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/ Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Weston's communication before LSVT LOUD 3:09 Why LSVT LOUD was a good fit 5:21 Mom's first reaction and concerns 7:09 Adapting LSVT LOUD for a child 8:56 Making it work in the school setting 10:31 The parent's role: IEP and homework 11:41 IEP changes and classroom carryover 13:46 Fitting treatment into the school day 14:39 Collaborating with the private SLP 15:30 Changes in Weston's voice and communication 20:04 The moment it clicked 22:14 Advice for SLPs and families 24:44 Keys to Weston's success 27:09 Final thoughts 29:04 Closing and credits
