The Speech Umbrella

Denise Stratton

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."

    18 min
  2. 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.

    18 min
  3. 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 episodic memory, predictable behavior, vocabulary, and critical thinking. You’ll also hear some of our personal family narratives and learn about the critical thinking triangle, a handy tool from the Story Grammar Marker people. Take a step further into the world of stories with us. We share a heartwarming tale of a school physical therapist whose professional advice led a first grader's parents to seek help beyond the school's resources. We introduce you to Dan and his father's inspiring journey that was profoundly influenced by a teacher who spurred a love for reading. Yet, we also know that not every story has a happy ending, and we guide you on how to handle narratives that don't end well and finding ways to move forward. Make no mistake - family stories are powerful, and so are the rituals that accompany them. As we delve deeper, we uncover how children comprehend the personalities of their family members via these stories and the rituals they observe. Persistence is the key to storytelling, and we've got useful tips on how families can tell their stories effectively. Drawing from our years of experience as SLPs, we offer guidance on how to help families share their narratives and put them into a physical form. So, what are you waiting for? Tune into the Speech Umbrella and start harnessing the power of family stories today! --- Useful Links --- emoji handout https://storyintelligence.com/fivush-%26-duke Story Grammar Marker , Do You Do Two?     Music: Simple Gifts performed by Ted Yoder, used with permission

    29 min
5
out of 5
8 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.