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Voice Disorders Voice disorders have become common during this pandemic. One of the reasons is working from home. Firstly, we have to raise our volume to talk on calls. Secondly, we have a long video and audio calls. In addition to this, there is lots of background noise. Another reason is, children are at home. Parents have to use their voices more. They have to make them sit for the online class. Sometimes they also have to shout at them. Other reasons are faulty singing habits, excessive talking on phone. This has led to vocal abuse and vocal misuse. Other contributing factors include excessive phone use, faulty singing techniques, and vocal overuse, all of which can lead to vocal abuse and misuse. Voice Therapy is required if you have: Vocal nodules Vocal polyp Sulcus vocalis Functional voice disorder Spasmodic dysphonia Vocal paralysis ENT will diagnose the voice disorder. Speech-Language Pathologist will provide voice therapy online. Voice rest along with voice therapy exercises are part of the therapy program. Therapy often includes voice therapy exercises and voice rest. Technology has advanced greatly. It is now helping us out in every aspect of our lives. Especially during this Covid-19 pandemic, everything went online. As a result, providing voice disorders treatment also became online. A part of online voice therapy is using apps. Here, I am going to review some of the best apps which can be used during voice therapy. With digital health tools growing rapidly, voice therapy apps and speech therapy apps for adults have become vital components of therapy—especially in remote or hybrid models of care. Why use Apps during Voice Therapy We as therapists need to adapt to the existing scenarios. We have to make sure we are using the technology to our advantage and not following the same old vintage method of speech therapy. In this way, we can help our patients better. We can take out the best versions of our speech therapy and really up our game! Some advantages of using App: Firstly, apps are available even after the therapy has ended. It is like a 24/7 monitoring system for patients. Secondly, during the voice therapy sessions, they provide objective feedback which is better than subjective feedback. They have graphs and tables showing pre and post or daytime voice monitoring. They can be an adjunct to therapy providing worksheets or tasks for home practice. It helps maintain the relationship between sessions. Many voice therapy apps come with interactive features, challenges, or progress tracking that improve user engagement. Some voice therapy apps provide real-time activity monitoring. For instance, how loud are you speaking? What is your pitch? This helps patients maintain the skills learned in the session. Some voice therapy apps even have a progress chart, where you can see how your patient did through the week. Instead of just depending on the patient’s word of mouth, where their usual reply is ‘it’s going good. Apps increase patient awareness and functioning by giving them an understanding of the voice disorders speech therapy. They also provide helpful tips to minimize the symptoms at home. This, in turn, will reduce their stress and anxiety related to their disorder. Health care professionals can use this information individually for patients or gather information into a chart for the whole practice to determine how interventions are working broadly across their patient population. Best apps for voice therapy These speech therapy apps should be used in consultation with your SLP. Some of them are free and some are paid. Some of them are on android phones, some on IOS. dB meter pro: dB stands for decibel. Decibel has to do with intensity or loudness. This app gives us the loudness of your voice. How loud you are speaking? SLP has to work with loudness. In some cases, we have to tell the patient to lower down their voice to reduce vocal abuse. While in Parkinson’s disease voice therapy we ask the patient to speak loudly. In some cases, we do strengthening exercises. This app will give you great visual feedback in terms of decibels which it is hearing. In all the above scenarios not just to the patient but to the therapist as well. Other apps do the same function of measuring loudness. I am attaching a link to a few of these apps. It is available for android and IOS both under different names such as sound meter, dB meter, etc. Voice Test: In this app, you have to choose whether you are male or female. Say /a/ and it gives you frequency pitch, jitter, and shimmer. Frequency is the pitch you are speaking in. jitter and shimmer are variations in your pitch and loudness. Typically you don’t want jitter and shimmer in your voice. This is a great app if you have to do objective analysis and you don’t have MDVP or other software. This will add value to your perceptual analysis. You can do a pre and post-therapy analysis. A great voice testing app for iOS users. Vocal Pitch Monitor: You have to open this app, and then you can either sing or speak or phonate uniformly. This app will analyze your pitch and pitch range. Voice therapists often do strengthening exercises in which we require patients to phonate in a certain pitch for instance C or D or E. This app will give an idea to non-singers and singers regarding the pitch. 4. Voice recording apps: Now these are no-brainer apps. These are available on all the phones. You can record your voice and listen to it. This will help you analyze pre and post-therapy differences in your voice. Noise Down: An advice often given by SLP is to keep the background noise low. This in turn will help you reduce your loudness. The more the background noise, the more you will shout. This will lead to vocal abuse. This app will help you keep the noise of your kids, TV, etc. low. All the background noise will be below a certain decibel. It is a sound manager alarm app. It will make a sound when background noise goes up a certain number of decibels. Available on IOS. App for transgender voice therapy: Voice-up feminize your voice is an app developed by UK-based SLP Christella Antoni. It contains a free sample lesson as well as a free pitch analysis. The complete course covers 2 hours of voice therapy training in three stages. The stages are available in-app purchases.  Each stage is explained and demonstrated by Christella Antoni. Paid Apps: Voice Anatomy: This app teaches normal larynx structure. It will help in explaining to your patients where exactly is the issue. It will help to visualize the problem better. Students can also benefit from this. It is available on IOS. There are more apps such as the S/Z ratio app, vocal fold anatomy, voice warm-up exercise, etc. All these apps should be used in consultation with an SLP to avoid any vocal misuse. I hope you find this blog helpful and use these apps in your therapy. More Tools in Your Digital Toolbox Additional speech therapy software for adults and free voice therapy apps include: S/Z Ratio App – measures voicing efficiency. Vocal Fold Anatomy Apps – educational resources for understanding voice function. Voice Warm-Up Apps – structured warm-up exercises to prepare the voice before speaking or singing. All of these are considered some of the best speech therapy apps and can be highly beneficial for language and voice therapy routines at home. Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or a therapist, leveraging the best speech therapy software and voice test apps can enhance therapy outcomes. From voice perception tracking to real-time vocal feedback, these digital tools help support rehabilitation, consistency, and motivation. Always consult your SLP before starting with any app, but once you do—your voice therapy can reach a whole new level of precision and success. If you wish to know more about Speech-Language Therapy For more ideas check out our other blogs

How will you know if it is a sensory or behaviour problem? This is a question we ask ourselves many times. Is your child undergoing a behavioural tantrum or a sensory overload? A child throws a tantrum for various reasons. The gain can be an object, attention, or even avoidance of a situation. Have you observed that your child throws a tantrum, and you wondered what was bothering them? Note it down: It becomes essential to identify if this child is overwhelmed or seeking a gain. To understand this better, it helps by noting down the behaviours every time the child is upset. One of my psychologist friends suggested this once: Noting them in the format of ’A-B-C’, i.e., antecedent, behaviour and consequence. A: The antecedents are the triggering factors that lead to a meltdown. These could be being denied screen time, loud sounds, hunger, etc. B: Note the behaviour. What is the child conveying through this tantrum? What is the behaviour like during a meltdown? C: What happened after the child had this meltdown? Was he given the chocolate/ was he held close? Did gentle rocking help? Did the child calm down after being removed from a situation? Identification of a meltdown as sensory or behavioural problem: How would you know if it is purely a Sensory or Behaviour problem? The main answer is it can be both! Every want or action has a sensory base to it. The feeling is enjoyed, hence the demand is repeated. Everything we do is based on sensory input. Therefore, an overwhelmed child is most likely to demand removal from over stimulatory space. Also, an agitated child will calm down when given something he wants. It is important to understand what the meltdown is about: The gain from a meltdown can vary as per the reason. Is the child not calming down? Is that even after you gave them something you thought, they wanted? Did talking softly help a little better? What is the reason for this behaviour? If the want is met, and a child usually calms down after receiving it, it is most likely behavioural. Addressing the ‘why’ of the tantrum will help with behaviour handling. If the child is sleepy, helping take a nap would address the meltdown. Similarly, behaviours related to Hunger, attention, and avoidance of something are addressed appropriately. Sensory Overloads can lead to dysregulation in children leading to meltdowns. Unexpected touches like shoulder taps, sudden clapping in class, and physical exertion can all contribute to meltdowns in children with sensory processing difficulties. What can you do if it is a sensory problem? Good regulation helps a child be calm, regulated, and interactive. Therefore, therapy including sensory processing techniques along with delayed gratification, and emotional regulation helps with behaviours mostly secondary to sensory processing disorders. Children with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and learning disabilities are prone to tantrums because of sensory overload, low frustration tolerance and affected communication skills. Sensory Integration based approach will help with sensory processing difficulties. Hyperresponsivity or Hypo responsivity to a stimulus is addressed with this therapy. These techniques help a child stay calm, alert, and focused. Thus, Helping the child with sensory deficits and appropriate behaviour techniques helps better. Read here about sensory processing disorders. What can you do when it is a behavioural problem? Professional guidance can help address behaviours. They include Speech and Communication experts, Psychologists, or Applied Behaviour Analysis therapists. What not to do when a child has a meltdown: Do note, regardless if it is a sensory or a behavioural problem, The behaviour mustn’t be punished. As behaviours are an extension of communication by children, understanding the cause is important. Also, not acknowledging the behaviour may not be the best move always. Identifying signs of sensory overload will help manage a meltdown by using a sensory diet or calming activities. **Understand this. The way a child processes the sensory inputs will directly impact the way a child behaves. Read about managing temper tantrums here . How can we help? We are a team of trained professionals at 1sp. We can help in areas of not only behaviour issues, counselling, behaviour modifications, and communications, but also sensory processing, sensory regulations, and sensory diets. Sharing a few Sensory Play Ideas here. Write to us at info@1specialplace.com or get in touch with us at 1specialplace

Animal walks are playful, engaging gross motor activities for kids that help develop a wide range of skills, from muscle strength and coordination to language development and sensory regulation. These are a fun and simple way to disguise exercise as play, making them perfect for occupational therapy for children, preschool gross motor games, and sensory integration activities at home or in school. 🔍 Why Animal Walks Are Important in Occupational Therapy (OT) Animal walks are a favorite tool among occupational therapists because they support the development of multiple domains in children, especially those with sensory processing challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or motor delays. ✅ Key Benefits of Animal Walk OT Activities: Upper body and core muscle strengthening Bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body) Improved spatial awareness and body control Boosts balance, mobility, and flexibility Encourages motor planning and problem-solving Supports aerobic fitness and healthy movement habits Provides proprioceptive and vestibular input for sensory needs Enhances play skills and imaginative thinking Builds expressive and receptive language skills These activities are an ideal form of heavy work for children needing sensory input to calm down or focus better during their day. 🐾 Top Animal Walks for Kids – OT Approved Activities Here are some of the most popular and beneficial animal walks to include in your child's therapy or home play routine: Animal walk – OT activities Bear Walk Bend over and put both hands on the ground. Now, walk forward with same leg & arm. So, move your left arm & left leg forward together and then right arm & leg. Don’t let your knees touch the ground. Benefits:  Builds upper body strength, coordination, and core stability. Snake Walk Start in prone position (laying down on tummy) ) & keep hands to their sides. Child moves by wiggling on the floor and move forward without using their hands. Benefits:  Enhances body awareness and promotes motor control. Seal walk Start in prone position (lying down on tummy) Child props self-up on arms. Use arm to pull yourself forward. Benefits:  Strengthens shoulders and supports tummy time needs. Kangaroo jump – Keep your feet together, hands to chest & start with small jumps with both feet while keeping hands stationary. Keep knees flexed throughout. Benefits:  Great for jumping skills , leg strength, and coordination. Crab walk – Start by squatting down close to the ground. You should look like a table top now. Now walk sideways, while holding your bottom off the ground & your back straight. Benefits:  Improves core strength , balance, and bilateral coordination. Frog jumps – Start in squatted position. Place your hands on floor in between your knees. Using your feet, jump forward & land with your hands & feet on the ground. Benefits:  Builds leg strength and explosive power; supports motor planning. Duck walk – Squat down & walk around from there & waddle like a duck. Benefits:  Increases lower body strength and endurance. 🧠 How Animal Walks Boost Brain & Language Development Animal walks are more than just physical activity—they stimulate the brain through cross-lateral movement, encouraging both sides of the brain to work together. This is crucial for skills like: Reading and writing Speech and language development Listening and following instructions Problem-solving Talking about animal names, actions, and sounds boosts vocabulary, concept understanding, and expressive communication. For example: During the snake walk, ask: “What sound does a snake make?” (Practice “Sssss”) For the dog walk, say: “Let’s bark like a dog! Woof woof!” These interactive activities build receptive and expressive language skills while making learning fun. Fun Ideas to Add Purpose & Play Make animal walks more engaging by pairing them with: Scavenger hunts  (collect puzzle pieces while walking like different animals) Animal song enactments  (e.g., “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”) Alphabet animal games  (“A is for Alligator walk”, “B is for Bear crawl”) Obstacle courses  using cones, tunnels, and mats Flashcards  to randomly pick the animal walk Animal walk races  to promote turn-taking and teamwork These ideas turn movement games into structured OT activities that promote executive functioning, attention, and social skills. Some additional benefits – Practice & repetition is a key factor when developing gross motor skills not only for adequate power but also for brain development . The use of both hands & legs in organized manner helps significantly in brain development. These fun moves & walks can have functional cry over into everyday activities such as improved obstacle navigation, increased core strength. Moreover it also allows them to release their excess energy. Talking about animals & their movements can support both receptive & expressive language skills. Also helps in increasing vocabulary (Jump, sit, fast, slow). Acting out animal movements can even support a child’s imaginative play skills. Introducing concepts – Who can swim? – Fish walk; enact a pet/domestic animal – Dog (woof woof). This does not only introduce new concepts but also facilitates child’s ability to interpret & respond to a variety of question forms. Be creative with your child & always add purpose to these activities – Scavenger hunt, enact according to animal song, think of an animal with particular letter – A – alligator, B – Bear & so on; obstacle course, animal races, use flashcards to denote different animals, etc. You can make it fun game by taking turns picking an animal to walk like. Use this opportunity to also work on communication skills – Ask “what does snake say?” during snake walk. Practice Hissing sound with your child. This is an excellent source of heavy work which is perfect for helping children that are struggling with flapping hands, fidgeting toys, wiggling & even meltdowns.

Six Tips to Encourage Pointing Pointing is one of the first nonverbal communication skills in toddlers, often appearing before spoken language. It’s a critical early developmental milestone and a strong indicator of a child’s future language development. A lack of pointing could signal speech delay in toddlers or be one of the early signs of autism . Therefore, it's important to actively encourage this gesture using simple, engaging strategies. Here are 6 effective ways to teach pointing to toddlers: 1. Model pointing: Use pointing in front of the child. It is best to model ‘how’ and ‘when’ to point. This must be done in front of the child, as often as possible within meaningful situations. For instance, when you want to request something from the child, point (towards what is wanted). When you are showing a child a toy to play with, point to it. Modeling pointing teaches them how and when to use the gesture . When you are talking about a person the child to go to, point to them. And so on. The child should see the gesture being used repeatedly. This is important. Many children learn well by seeing and imitating a skill. 2. Shaping pointing. If a child uses their whole hand or body to indicate interest, gently shape it into index finger pointing. This helps build intentional communication skills. An adult will assist the child to raise the arm and point with the index finger towards what is needed, wanted or requested. Once again, this must be done often. It is best to begin this for the purpose of ‘request’ by the child. Such as, if the child wants a biscuit- assist him to point at it (shaped by the adult). 3. Encourage index finger pointing through games. Simple, yet fun games can be played with the child to encourage the use of the index finger. This can later be used for the skill of pointing. Few games are Pointing to named body parts (e.g., “Where’s your nose?”). Popping bubbles blown around the child (great for toddlers with speech delay ). Finger painting using the index finger (stimulates sensory play). Using games for touch screens (on phones, laptops, tablets). The use of the finger can be encouraged. Game suggestions – iOS and Android game called ‘Dexteria -Fine motor skill development’ or an Online game called ‘Curious George – Bubble pop’). Using cause-effect toys (such as pressing – piano keys, buttons of pop up toys etc.) 4. Allow the child to make choices. This is a great way to get a child to proactively practice pointing. LOffer your toddler two options (e.g., “Do you want an apple or a banana?”) and model pointing to each item. Encourage the child to point to make a choice, shaping their finger if needed. Use this as an opportunity to let the child reach out to what s/he wants. Show the child how to point (model pointing) and then get the child to point (shape an index-finger pointing). Whenever the child requests for items, use them as opportunities for the child to make choices from two items. 5. Reinforcing the right behavior quickly A child requires reinforcements to use the skill well. It is helpful if the adult gets excited every time the child attempts pointing. Small successes require to be reinforced. It is also essential to reinforce the child on time. This means that when a child points or attempts to point – the child should be reinforced with his request, quickly. Too much time between the two may lead to having the child not understand that he is being reinforced for the gesture. 6. Diverting emotional responses to meaningful gestures. A child’s emotional response should be diverted to meaningful communication which would also include pointing. Pointing is one of the quicker ways to get a child to communicate for a request or desire. When there is a communication breakdown and therefore an emotional response such as crying or shouting – assist the child to point to what the child is requesting for. This is a means to get communication started. Thereafter the adult can respond to the ‘communication’ meaningfully. If your toddler isn’t pointing by 12–14 months, it may be a red flag for developmental delay  or autism . Encouraging pointing helps lay the groundwork for language development, social interaction, and functional communication. For persistent concerns, consider consulting a speech-language therapist or look for early intervention programs. Was this article helpful? Write to us, we’d love to hear.

Occupational Therapy (OT) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) plays a vital role in helping children build functional skills. A certified occupational therapist for autism assesses a child’s sensory and motor needs to design purposeful activities. These activities improve daily functioning, enhance motor coordination, and support sensory integration therapy in a structured environment. How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism Children with Autism may exhibit a range of challenges such as sensory processing difficulties, motor delays, difficulty with routines, or restricted and repetitive behaviors. Occupational therapy activities aim to either calm or activate specific sensory systems, depending on each child’s unique needs. Let’s explore how various sensory systems and occupational therapy interventions support children with autism. Presentation of a child with Autism: According to DSM V, Autism symptoms vary from one end of the spectrum to another.  Thus a child can look withdrawn or on the go. Also, sensory processing difficulties contribute to the stereotypical behaviors displayed by the child. A child prefers the sameness of routine and gets upset when routines are disturbed. A child can exhibit restricted or fixated interests that vary in intensity. Also, a child with Autism may be hypo or hypersensitive to sensory inputs. Clinical observations help a therapist to plan activities in Autism. Let us look at how sensory systems appear in Autism: Proprioceptive Sense: Some children struggle with posture, low muscle tone, or judging force and direction. These challenges affect tasks like handwriting, catching a ball, or moving confidently in space. OT activities like steamroller exercises, obstacle mazes, and pressure-based games can support body awareness. Proprioceptive Seeking: A child who appears to seek Proprioceptive inputs appears to intentionally fall or push other children. He/She prefers tight clothes and appears to be fidgety or unable to sit still. Selected activities include proprioceptive inputs in form of pressure or deep touch. Weight-bearing activities like wheelbarrow walk and using a weighted jacket are suggested. So are bar hanging, wall climbing, crawling activities under a tunnel, animal walks. All these activities provide excellent proprioceptive inputs. Resistive games of clay, rubber bands, provide inputs to small muscles of the hands. Proprioceptive difficulties: Some children present with poor standing or sitting posture. They appear weaker than other children their age. Some children also appear to have low tone. Proprioceptive difficulties interfere with the ability to gauge the speed and direction of the ball. It affects prompt body movements needed to catch the ball. They also contribute to an inability to gauging pressure while writing. Children may write with too much or too little pressure. Proprioceptive difficulties also contribute to moving cautiously in space. There is certain clumsiness in the handling of objects. Again, proprioceptive inputs are given through: Pressure on shoulders and knees. Using weighted jackets or backpacks during sit-down activities to calm the child. Steamrollers help provide necessary inputs. Mazes or games that help children move through space and provide different heights and surfaces. 2. Vestibular Sense – Balance & Movement Vestibular Seeking Behaviour: This is a child who enjoys a variety of movements. He/she can spin or rotate for prolonged durations. This child shows an inability to sit still. He/she can assume various body positions, and enjoy inversions. For vestibular seeking, calming activities help. The selection of activity includes a proprioceptive element, in form of weight-bearing. Calming vestibular therapy for autism includes: Wheelbarrow walking and animal walks. Vestibular inputs like linear swinging to calm an overstimulated vestibular system. Hanging also provides great proprioceptive input, thus trapeze swinging helps. Wall climbing is another calming activity that provides ample proprioceptive inputs. A Rope Ladder works similarly. Hyperresponsive to Vestibular Stimulus: A child who is hyperresponsive to vestibular stimulus avoids vestibular inputs derived through movements. Fast spinning movements or fast swinging and amusement rides are largely off-limits. This child benefits from the following activities: Gentle rocking on a therapy ball. Slow bouncing, Jumping on a trampoline, Linear swinging with a weighted vest on and also swinging with a large base of support. Playing in a lycra swing will also calm the child. Adding on a target game on a swing also helps. Thus, a hi -5 to the therapist or beans throw on a mat helps. 3. Tactile Sense – Touch Sensitivity Tactile Hypersensitivity: This child is uncomfortable with a variety of tactile inputs. Clothe labels, elastic binds around arms or legs affects the child.  The roughness of cloth texture or the stitches also bothers a child by causing discomfort. This reduces attention and focuses on the activity at hand. For increasing tolerance to a variety of tactile stimuli, the therapist selects: Object search games in a ball pool. Experiencing textures like soft, rough, wet, dry, grainy, or smooth. Textures are selected gradually without overwhelming the child. Art and craft activities also help. Proprioceptive inputs-based games are continued as calming strategies. These sensory integration therapy techniques calm the child and improve focus. 4. Visual Perceptual Activities Visual perceptual skills are crucial for tasks like reading, writing, and spatial orientation. Activities for visual development in autism include: Spotting activities and word searches. Completing the picture or finding the other half of the picture. Tracing and colouring. Identifying the shape various forms, like the round of sun and round of orange is still a round shape. Design copying. Large letter formations in air or wall or on a board are advised before notebook writing. Sorting and arranging shapes also help with visual skills like scanning, visual focus. These help improve visual scanning, attention, and coordination. Pointers for Occupational Therapy Activities in Autism: Say a child attends an art-based activity and seeks movement. He is allowed to sit on a wobbly chair or a therapy ball at the table. This provides ample movement thus increasing focus on performance. An overstimulated child is overwhelmed, giggly, cranky, or yawning. Flapping or stimming may be signs of calming an overstimulated system. Use flexible seating like therapy balls for movement-seeking children during table-top tasks Recognize overstimulation signs like yawning, giggling, or stimming Introduce multi-step activities like swinging followed by a game (e.g., beanbag toss) Ensure safety during climbing or jumping activities The therapist modifies activity in Autism Intervention: The therapist adds to the activity when the child achieves a level of ease. Standalone swinging gets a target element. Crawling changes to crawling with rings to put in a stand. Climbing and jumping on crash pillows and moving from different suspension elements. It is essential to follow all safety protocols when a child engages in them. Incorporating Sensory Breaks in Daily Routine Sensory breaks are essential for children with autism to self-regulate and stay focused. Examples include: Jumping in place or on a trampoline Musical breaks or singing Water breaks or fidget play Popping bubble wrap or squeezing stress balls These short, structured breaks boost attention and reduce sensory overload. Occupational Therapy Activities in Autism also discusses Sensory Breaks: Activity breaks enhance a child’s performance. These form the sensory breaks and they are an integral part of a child’s schedule. Sensory breaks include jumping in the corner for a certain count. Singing a song, or playing a musical instrument for some time is another example. Water break, toilet break, bursting a bubble wrap also contribute to sensory breaks. With teletherapy gaining popularity, online occupational therapy activities are now accessible and effective. Virtual OT sessions at platforms like 1SpecialPlace provide personalized sensory-based interventions guided by certified occupational therapists. These sessions include interactive games, parent training, and real-time support to help your child succeed. This is how the therapist selects Online Occupational Therapy activities in Autism intervention. Other Useful resources: Spectrum of Hope – Aariv Books about autism Check out our more blogs OccupationalTherapy Occupational therapy activities for autistic children are essential tools for developing independence, focus, and emotional regulation. Through a structured and individualized plan, autism occupational therapy helps children thrive both at home and in school. Looking for the best occupational therapist for autism? Connect with 1SpecialPlace  today for expert guidance, both in-person and through online therapy.

Every child is unique, with dreams that shape their journey. Unnati, a young girl with Down syndrome, is a shining example of how passion, resilience, and unwavering support can break barriers. From a young age, she discovered her love for acting, public speaking, and dance, and today, she stands as an inspiration to many. Her journey has been one of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and achieving remarkable milestones. A Mother’s First Reaction to the Diagnosis Unnati's mother recalls the moment she first learned about her daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis. "I wasn't prepared, and it came as a shock. It took some time to accept that life would be different than I had imagined. However, I was fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends, which made the journey easier. One of the most valuable influences in overcoming my doubts and fears was the guidance of Dr. Surekha Ramachandran. Her insights and encouragement gave me strength and clarity." Discovering and Nurturing Unnati’s Talents From an early age, it was evident that Unnati loved the stage. "She would light up in front of an audience," her mother shares. Recognizing this passion, she ensured that Unnati had every opportunity to explore and develop her talents. From school events to national conferences organized by the Down Syndrome Federation of India, Unnati began hosting and participating in public speaking engagements. As time passed, her skills and confidence flourished, allowing her to shine on multiple platforms. Breaking Barriers in Mainstream Opportunities One of the biggest hurdles for children with disabilities is gaining access to mainstream opportunities. However, Unnati's journey has proven that talent and perseverance speak louder than societal barriers. "Unnati earned her place in mainstream movies and on the TEDx stage because of her dedication, grit, and resilience. She is an incredibly hardworking girl. I am grateful to her school, the movie crew, and our extended family and friends for recognizing her abilities and providing her the right platform." A Moment of Immense Pride Every parent's heart swells with pride when they witness their child achieving something extraordinary. One such moment for Unnati’s mother was when her daughter took the initiative to participate in the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament at her college. "She framed her speech using ChatGPT, prepared independently, and delivered it with confidence and poise. Watching her take the lead, present her thoughts so articulately, and own the stage made me incredibly proud. It was a testament to her growth, self-confidence, and unwavering spirit." Representing at the United Nations and Winning the IB MYP Innovator Grant Among the most defining moments in Unnati’s journey were her invitation to speak at the United Nations and winning the IB MYP Innovator Grant. "These achievements were milestones not just for her but for our entire family. They validated our belief in her and significantly boosted her confidence. More importantly, they gave her an opportunity to make a real impact." Overcoming Doubts and Skepticism Unnati’s journey has not been without its share of skepticism and doubt from society. "There have been times when people questioned her abilities. Initially, such comments would disturb me. However, over time, I learned to accept them and respond in the best way possible—by helping Unnati prove them wrong. Some challenges require creative solutions, while others are best left behind. We have learned to navigate these moments with resilience and grace." Advocacy for Inclusion and Diversity Balancing motherhood with advocacy is not easy, but for Unnati’s mother, it is a mission. "If we want society to be inclusive, it is our responsibility as parents to take the initiative. The first step toward inclusion is awareness." Driven by this belief, she founded an NGO called BUBBLES to empower the Down Syndrome community in Surat. Through this initiative, she has been working tirelessly to create opportunities and awareness for children like Unnati. Training and Mentorship: The Pillars of Growth Unnati’s growth has been shaped by a combination of mainstream schooling, diverse experiences, and specialized training. " Exposure to various opportunities, traveling, and training in yoga, sports, dance, and theatre have all contributed to her development. We have always encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and explore new avenues, and this has made all the difference. " Advice for Parents of Children with Down Syndrome When asked what advice she would give to other parents who are unsure about their child's potential, Unnati’s mother shares a heartfelt message: " Expose your child to different fields—sports, arts, public speaking. Set small goals and work consistently toward them. Build a strong support system and remember to take care of yourself too. You cannot pour from an empty jug. When parents are well-supported and mentally strong, they can provide the best guidance to their children . " Dreams for the Future Unnati has big dreams. She aspires to act in more movies and become a businessperson. Her mother supports these ambitions wholeheartedly, hoping to see them come true. " Personally, my biggest wish is for her to be independent in as many ways as possible. I want her to lead a fulfilling life where she can inspire others and continue breaking barriers ." A Role Model for Many Unnati's story is one of determination, talent, and the power of unwavering support. From stepping onto the stage at a young age to making her mark in the mainstream, her journey is a beacon of hope for many. She has not only redefined what is possible for individuals with Down syndrome but has also become an advocate for inclusion and diversity. Through her relentless spirit, Unnati is proving that dreams have no boundaries. With the right support, guidance, and belief, every child—regardless of their challenges—can carve their own path to success.

In a world where neurodiverse individuals often struggle for acceptance, one mother’s love sparked a movement that has touched countless lives. Ritu Vig, the founder of Special Hangout , turned her personal journey into a source of strength, community, and change for families raising children with developmental and intellectual disabilities . Her story is not just one of resilience; it is a tale of hope, belonging, and creating an inclusive society. A Mother's Inspiration: The Beginning of Special Hangout Special Hangout was born from a deeply personal space in Ritu’s heart. As the mother of Kritin, a child with an intellectual disability, she experienced the emotional toll of watching her son long for connection and meaningful engagement. Like many parents of neurodivergent children, Ritu often felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of where to turn for support. Kritin’s desire to form friendships and be part of a community motivated Ritu to take action. She realized that many families like hers were silently navigating the same challenges. With unwavering determination, she decided to create a space where individuals like her son could be accepted without judgment and where families could find community and support. Thus began the journey of Special Hangout — a platform built on love, empathy, and the vision of an inclusive future. The Mission: Empowerment Through Inclusion The core mission of Special Hangout is to offer a nurturing, inclusive environment where individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental conditions can thrive. The organization believes in celebrating diversity and empowering every individual to discover their strengths. Through a wide range of activities such as workshops, group hangouts, vocational training, and expressive arts programs, Special Hangout helps participants develop social, communication, and life skills. The goal is to foster independence, reduce stigma, and support neurodiverse individuals in living with dignity and purpose. A Platform for Expression: Events and Programs Special Hangout organizes numerous events throughout the year. These range from skill-based workshops and inclusive celebrations to public exhibitions and talent showcases. One of their most cherished initiatives is the annual art and product exhibition, where neurodivergent artists proudly display their work. The upcoming exhibition on May 3rd at World Trade Center is a celebration of talent, creativity, and awareness. These events are more than just public gatherings; they are powerful opportunities for storytelling, breaking stereotypes, and showcasing the true potential of individuals with disabilities. Other programs include music and fitness sessions, talent shows, awareness webinars, and rural outreach efforts. These diverse offerings ensure that participants have multiple avenues to explore their abilities and build meaningful connections. Building Confidence and Social Skills The impact of these programs on participants is profound. Each event is carefully designed to foster confidence, improve social interaction, and enhance communication skills. When a young adult steps onto a stage to sing, or when a painting receives heartfelt applause, it builds self-esteem that carries over into everyday life. Ritu recalls a particularly moving story of a young woman with limited speech who discovered her love for singing during a music therapy session. Over time, she gained the confidence to perform classic English songs in front of an audience — a transformation that speaks volumes about the power of expression and acceptance. Challenges and Triumphs Starting an initiative like Special Hangout came with its own set of challenges. From securing physical space for meet-ups to gaining societal acceptance and funding support, Ritu had to navigate many obstacles. Initially operating out of a school building in Colaba, the organization grew slowly, fueled by passion and persistence. Convincing others of the need for such a space wasn't always easy. But Ritu found strength in a growing community of parents, professionals, and volunteers who believed in the cause. The trust of families and the joy seen in participants’ faces became her biggest motivators. Shifting Societal Attitudes Over time, Special Hangout has contributed to a subtle but significant shift in societal attitudes toward disability and inclusion. Through public events, collaborative projects, and consistent advocacy, the organization has helped people better understand neurodiversity and the importance of empathy. Parents often express gratitude for finally finding a place where they feel understood and supported. The collaborative approach with other disability-focused organizations has expanded Special Hangout’s reach, bringing hope to more communities, including rural areas. The Role of Volunteers and Caregivers Volunteers, parents, and caregivers form the backbone of Special Hangout. Many of the workshops are led by parents who share their lived experiences, while volunteers take on responsibilities ranging from event planning to facilitation. Caregivers bring critical insights into the needs and challenges faced by the participants, enabling the organization to tailor programs effectively. This shared effort builds a strong sense of community, rooted in compassion, patience, and a common purpose. Looking to the Future Ritu Vig envisions a future where Special Hangout becomes a replicable model across India. With successful collaborations and a growing network of supporters, the dream is to create spaces in every city and town where individuals with disabilities can thrive. This model aims to strike a balance between support and independence, offering neurodivergent individuals the tools they need to lead meaningful lives. How You Can Support Special Hangout There are many ways for individuals and organizations to support the mission of Special Hangout: Volunteer your time or skills  — artists, therapists, educators, and organizers are welcome Sponsor an event or training session Purchase products and art  created by neurodiverse participants Help spread awareness  through social media, community talks, or school programs Engage with empathy  — attend events, meet the community, and share the experience As Ritu puts it, " Awareness is the first step toward inclusion ."  Her journey from a concerned mother to a changemaker is proof that one person’s love can spark a movement. Special Hangout is more than a space — it is a home for hope, creativity, and belonging for families across India. About our Success story At 1SpecialPlace , our Success Story blog segment is a tribute to individuals and families who transform challenges into opportunities and create lasting change in the world of disability and inclusion. These stories highlight the journeys of parents, therapists, educators, and advocates who inspire hope through their resilience, compassion, and commitment. By sharing these lived experiences, we aim to build awareness, foster empathy, and celebrate the victories—big and small—that shape the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their communities.

Mothers are special. In other words, our friend, first teacher, and guide. Moreover, this bond is beyond expressions, just beyond words and pictures. Further, mother’s efforts are just priceless, from having sleepless nights managing a toddler to being an anxious mom waiting for their children to return home early, mothers are known to be the epitome of love, kindness, and selflessness. For many of us, Mother’s Day is every day. No matter our age, we rely on our mothers for support, encouragement, and unconditional love. To honor these everyday heroes, Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide on the second Sunday in May each year. When it comes to children with speech delay or other developmental challenges, the role of the mother becomes even more crucial. These mothers often take on multiple roles—caregiver, therapist, educator, and advocate—all with the singular goal of helping their child speak, learn, and grow. That’s why Mother’s Day activities for children with speech and language delay can be a perfect opportunity to boost communication skills and show appreciation. Speech therapists for kids often use such thematic activities for effective language stimulation and speech therapy at home. Marking the day on the calendar This basic activity is ideal for language development in toddlers and older kids alike. Ask your child to mark or color the second Sunday of May on a calendar. This supports concept learning, time awareness, and introduces calendar vocabulary like “Sunday,” “May,” and “Mother’s Day.” 2. Mother’s are superheroes Use this engaging prompt to elicit action verbs. Ask the child, “What does your mother do?” Responses like cook, clean, drive, teach, hug, help, etc., encourage verb usage in speech therapy and enhance sentence formation. 3. Different avatars of mother This activity helps children identify different types of clothing vocabulary and relate them to people they know. Show visuals or flashcards and ask, “What is mom wearing here?” This supports vocabulary building for special needs children. 4. Making a mother’s day card This classic activity is excellent for expressive language skills. Whether it’s drawing, sticking shapes, or using words, children get to use their creativity. Encourage them to write a short message or use symbols/pictures to communicate feelings. It's a great Mother’s Day language activity for speech therapy. 5. Planning a mother’s day celebration Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you want to celebrate Mother’s Day?” or “What should we do for Mom?” This activity enhances conversation skills and decision-making. It’s particularly helpful for children with autism or language delay to structure their thoughts and communicate them clearly. These are just a few examples of how to work on speech and language stimulation using the concept of Mother’s day. Also, I am sure there is no end to using creativity using this particular concept. Furthermore, each one of us can use this concept in our own ways and let the child use their imagination. Few things to remember when we do a concept based activity are: Keep it simple and short Let there be room for loads of pictures/visuals Focus on overall communication rather than just expression Have different activities revolving around the same concept Have scope of repetition of the concept in various context Use natural communication pattern

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and behaves. While each autistic individual is unique, identifying the early signs of autism in children can be crucial for providing timely support. With rising awareness, many parents are actively searching for answers to questions like “How do I know if my child has autism?”  or “What are red flags for autism in toddlers?” Autism is considered a disability from a legal point of view. This is because Autistic people need access to extra support, care, and government aid. Since each person with Autism is unique, their need for support also varies. In other words, it simply means a person with Autism has a unique nervous system. Further, Autistic have atypical brains . 15 Early Signs of Autism Limited and repetitive patterns of conduct are also part of the illness. Although there is no cure for autism spectrum condition, there are treatments available. Early detection and intervention are the most beneficial, since they can aid with behaviour, abilities, and language development. Intervention, on the other hand, is beneficial at any age. Though children with autism spectrum disorder do not usually outgrow their symptoms, they can learn to function well. Autistic people have a high vulnerability in everyday life. Early intervention improves outcomes in young children with autism.  Despite increased awareness, many children are not diagnosed with autism until age four or more! Detecting autism as early as possible is essential. Why Early Detection Matters Despite growing awareness, many children are still diagnosed after the age of four. Yet early detection of autism in toddlers can make a significant difference. Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions are most effective when started early—ideally before age three. If you’ve been searching for signs like “speech delay in toddlers” , “my child doesn’t make eye contact” , or “why isn’t my baby pointing or babbling?” , the following list may help you determine if your child is showing early signs of autism. This blog outlines 15 early signs of autism and highlights the importance of early intervention for autism—because the sooner support begins, the better the outcomes. Babbling Pointing Showing objects to caregivers Able to do gestures Able to share enjoyment Doing movements or actions properly (Repetitive movements or actions) Maintaining eye contact Following an adult’s pointed finger Paying more attention to objects than people Playing with toys Copying actions or sounds Responding to his or her name when called Engaged in pretend play Responding emotionally Imitating others behaviours What to Do if You Notice These Signs If you observe several of the above behaviors in your child, don’t wait. Contact a certified Speech-Language Therapist or a developmental pediatrician. A professional assessment can help you understand whether your child is showing signs of speech delay, autism, or both. 💬 Click here to test if your child has a speech delay The Power of Early Intervention for Autism When autism is detected early, especially before age 3, a child’s brain is still highly adaptable. This means that early therapy can significantly improve language development, social interaction, and behavior. Children with autism may not “grow out” of their symptoms, but with support, they can learn to communicate, connect, and thrive. At 1SpecialPlace , we’ve seen incredible progress in children who begin speech therapy for autism early. Our therapists use individualized, evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s needs. HEAD LAG TEST for early signs to identify Autism The HEAD LAG test to check Autism in Infants is a great tool for parents of babies as young as 6 months. Here is a video! Autism is not a problem to be fixed—it's a difference to be supported. Understanding the early signs of autism in children allows parents to take meaningful action that can change the course of their child’s life. Whether your child is missing speech milestones or showing social difficulties, early diagnosis and intervention are key. Don’t wait and watch—observe, act, and support. Book a sessions For more ideas check out our other related blogs

Oral Motor Exercises for kids Oral motor exercises for kids are specialized movements and activities designed to strengthen the muscles of the mouth, face, and jaw. These exercises target areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw to improve coordination, strength, and control. Skills refer to the appropriate functioning and use of the facial muscles (lips, jaw, tongue, cheeks, and palate) for speaking and eating. Achieving oral-motor skills is an important part of every child’s communication and feeding development. Normal oral motor development begins during foetal stage and continues up until 4 years of age. By 3 years of age a child should be able to consume liquids and solids through straws and open mouth cups and chew advance food textures such as whole fruits, meats etc. It's critical to understand the rationale behind the exercises we evaluate while discussing oral motor exercises for toddlers. Through oral motor activities, we hope to help the kid show the coordination required for sound generation and articulation by improving the way their mouth, jaw, lips, cheeks, and tongue function. Other manipulation-related problems include chewing, moving foods and liquids, tolerating different textures, and swallowing food and liquids. Read here to learn about Childhood Apraxia of Speech . Delay or deviant oral-motor development may lead to poor verbal communication skills and feeding difficulties. Some children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down’s syndrome, Intellectual Disability and Global Developmental Delays present with weakness of oral muscles. Oro motor exercises help to improve strength, range of movement and co-ordination of the oral muscles which will facilitate better speech and swallowing function. What are oral motor skills? Oral motor skills are the motions of muscles in the jaw, tongue, mouth, and lips. The tone, strength, and motion coordination of your baby's facial muscles allow him or her to move the oral structures necessary for suckling, chewing, biting, facial emotions, and communication. Oral motor abilities develop smoothly in large part because of consistent practice and maturation of the oral cavity's muscles. On the other hand, some kids might not acquire their oral motor skills as quickly. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can address current issues and promote healthy oral motor development. The following lists the skills for the functioning of all facial muscles: Awareness Strength Co-ordination Movement Endurance Who needs oral-motor exercises?  These are some red flags in a child that oral-motor skills need attention: Speech sound errors/ delayed verbal language skills Mouth is usually in open position Tongue hangs out of the mouth Drooling/ Excessive saliva secretion Often food falls out of the mouth while feeding Difficulty chewing and biting Unable to elevate or protrude tongue Choking or coughing often while eating Gagging while feeding Unable to suck, lick, chew or blow Preference of specific food texture/ oral sensory issues “If any of the above stated issues have been persisting in a child, it is highly recommended to first consult with a Speech-Language Therapist.” Contact us now. How and when should you practice with your child?  The activities listed below are easy to practice with children. Try to incorporate the exercises during play time with your child. It is very important to demonstrate and model these exercises to facilitate faster learning. You can use a mirror or a puppet to make it interesting. If a child is unable to do a particular oral-motor exercise listed below, it’s an indication to train for that specific muscle group. These exercises can be repeated three to six times a day until the skills improve. Every child learns at his/her own pace, progress may be noted in a few days to weeks or sometimes it may also take months. “If you are already consulting with a Speech-Language Therapist, please follow their advice regarding your child.” Read here about Oral Placement Therapy Tools  Following are some Oral motor exercises: Oro motor exercise help improve strength, coordination, and awareness of the muscles used for speaking, eating, and swallowing. These exercises are especially helpful for children and adults with speech delays, articulation issues, or feeding difficulties. Here are some commonly used oral motor exercises for toddlers: Lip exercises: Make a smile (hold for 3 seconds), relax and repeat the same  Make a smile then say “ooooo” , “eeeeeee” Lip pops, say “pop” “puh” “pe” with exaggerated pressure Lollypop squeeze (Hold and squeeze lollypop with lips for 6 seconds) Lip press (press your lips together for 3-6 seconds) Make a kiss (hold 3-6 seconds) Smack lips together (5 times) Make humming sounds Drink through a twisty straw Cheek exercises: Make silly faces in a mirror Blow bubbles or puff balls Blow cheeks with air and hold (3-6 seconds) Massage cheeks with two fingers in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction (6 times) Holding ice cream stick between lips (3-6 seconds) Drink from a straw Jaw exercises: Chewing a candy Chewing a chewy stick or toy Drinking thick milkshake from a straw Playing tug-a-war by holding a chewy candy in between the lips and you pull it away Open the jaw wide and say “aaah” (hold 3-6 seconds) Massage the jaw gently towards and away from the lips Chew to make a paste of advance food textures (carrots, apples, pear etc) Ice chips on jaw and lips to improve sensory awareness Tongue exercises: Read here to learn more about tongue aerobics. Lick lollipops up and down protruding the tongue outside the mouth Licking honey or yogurt from sides of the lips Tongue clicks and popping sounds Hold tongue elevated (3-6 seconds) Hold tongue outside the mouth (3-6 seconds) Touch tongue tip to nose Push and hold the tongue inside both sides of cheek (3-6 seconds) Chew a biscuit to make it soft and mushy Fold and hold tongue tip between lips (3-6 seconds) Push against a lollypop on either side protruding the tongue (hold 6 seconds) Gently press the lollypop on the tongue (6 times) Place chocos or cheerios on the tongue tip and lift and press against the palate Say “puh tuh kuh” repeatedly in the order Say “lalalala” “tatata” Say “shhhhh” Say “Brrrrrrrr” Palate exercises: Puff cheeks and breath through nose while someone presses on against the cheeks Straw blowing Transfer puff balls through a straw from one bowl to another Blow cotton balls or bubbles in water Say “aahhhh” Say “ma ba” alternating Say “na da” alternating Eat cold food (ice cream etc) for oral awareness Click here to see a detail video on oral motor skills Important advantages of oro motor exercises: Oro motor exercises are essential for the development of speech and language and have several advantages for those with speech and language problems, challenges, or neurological impairments affecting the orofacial muscles. The following are some main advantages: 1. Strengthening and Coordinating Muscles: Oral motor exercises for toddlers improve the coordination and strength of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheek muscles that are used to produce speech. More accurate speech movements and clearer articulation are the results of stronger muscles. 2. Enhancement of Speech: Speech production muscles that are targeted can help with articulation, pronunciation, and general clarity of speech. People may notice improvements in their communication's expressiveness and fluency. 3. Encouraging the Ability to Swallow and Feed: It helps strengthen the swallowing muscles, which is beneficial for people who have dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. Overall swallowing and feeding abilities are improved via increased coordination during the swallowing process. 4. Fostering Awareness of Oral Sensations: Improved oral sensory awareness is a prerequisite for comprehending and managing mouth muscle movements during speaking and feeding, and oro motor exercises aid in this process. A higher level of awareness helps with feeding and speech output. 5. Children's Oral Motor Skills: This activity helps children with speech and language difficulties develop and improve their oral motor skills. The main goals of the exercises are to increase muscle tone overall and lip and tongue movement. 6. Correction of Tongue Thrust: Tongue thrust is a condition that can cause incorrect tongue posture and dental issues. However, oral motor exercises for kids are an excellent way to manage this issue. The goal of these exercises is to teach the tongue how to properly rest in the mouth. 7. Improving General Communication Abilities: Better oral motor function leads to enhanced communication abilities. Gaining confidence and fluency through the strengthening of speech production muscles enables people to communicate ideas and thoughts more effectively. Is oral-motor therapy effective? Practicing oral-motor exercises will greatly improve a child’s ability to eat better and produce speech sounds with improved clarity. However, not all children may benefit from stand alone oro motor exercises and may need additional Speech-Language therapy . If you are concerned about your child’s speech-language development, please contact a Speech-Language Therapist as soon as possible. “If you are concerned about your child’s speech-language development, please contact a Speech-Language Therapist as soon as possible.” With our exclusive Online Speech therapist and best online speech therapy in India , receive cutting-edge treatment from the comfort of your own home. At 1SpecialPlace you have the right to be confident in your communication and to learn from the finest. Please leave us a comment if you liked the article. Book a session now For more ideas check out our other related blogs

Strengthen Your Mouth Muscles: Best Oral Motor Exercises for Adults Oral-motor exercises are targeted movements designed to improve the strength, coordination, and control of the muscles involved in speech, chewing, and swallowing. These exercises are a key part of oral motor therapy  and are commonly recommended for adults experiencing difficulties due to neurological conditions, stroke, injury, or speech disorders. Oral motor strengthening exercises  focus on improving the function of the lips, tongue, jaw, and soft palate. These can include blowing, lip puckering, tongue resistance activities, and controlled chewing tasks. Regular practice of these exercises helps in enhancing muscle tone, improving articulation, and facilitating better control during speech and eating. Deviant or inadequate oral-motor skills may lead to swallowing difficulties. Some adults diagnosed with Dysphagia, Dysarthria, and other neurological conditions present with inadequate functioning of oral muscles. Oral-motor exercises help to improve strength, range of movement, and coordination of the oral muscles which will facilitate better swallowing function. What are oral motor skills? Oral motor skills refer to the appropriate functioning and use of the facial muscles (lips, jaw, tongue, cheeks, and palate) for verbal communication  and swallowing. Adequate oral-motor skills in all persons are important for verbal communication and safe swallowing of food. Normal oral-motor development begins during the fetal stage and continues to develop with age. A neurotypical adult should safely consume liquids and solids orally and be able to use verbal language for communication. The following lists the skills for the functioning of all facial muscles: Awareness Strength Co-ordination Movement Endurance What is the goal of oral-motor exercises for adults? The basic goal of oral-motor exercises for adults is as follows: Heighten awareness of oral functioning Normalize sensitivity to stimulation in the oral area Enhance normal oral muscle movements by inhibiting abnormal reflexes Improve strength and range of oral muscles To improve oral muscle coordination Who needs oral-motor exercises? These are some red flags in an adult that oral-motor skills need attention: Slurring of speech Swallowing difficulties  The tongue hangs out of the mouth Drooling/ Excessive saliva secretion Tongue or lip deviated to one side Spillage of food outside the mouth while eating Improper clearance of food in the oral cavity prior to swallowing Longer meal times Difficulty chewing and biting Unable to elevate or protrude the tongue Choking or coughing often while eating Gagging while feeding Unable to suck, lick, chew or blow Preference for specific food texture/ oral sensory issues “If any of the above-stated issues are present in the patient, it is highly recommended to first consult with a Speech-Language Therapist.” How and when should you practice? The activities listed below are easy to practice. Try to incorporate the exercises during your leisure time. It is essential for the caregiver to demonstrate and model these exercises to facilitate faster learning. You can use a mirror or a video demonstration to make it enjoyable. If an individual is unable to do a particular oral-motor exercise listed below, it’s an indication to train for that specific muscle group. These exercises can be repeated three to six times a day until the skills improve. Every person learns at his/her own pace, progress may be noted in a few days to weeks or sometimes it may also take months. “Please keep in mind these exercises should be performed only under the recommendation and guidance of a Speech-Language Therapist or a trained healthcare professional.” Adult Oral Motor Therapy: Oral motor strengthening exercises for Speech Clarity and Swallowing Oral motor exercises for adults are designed to improve the strength, mobility, and coordination of the muscles involved in speech, chewing, and swallowing. These exercises are especially helpful for individuals recovering from strokes, neurological conditions, or those experiencing speech and feeding difficulties. Here are some effective oro motor exercises for speech Lip exercises: Make a smile (hold for 6 seconds), relax and repeat the same Make a smile then say “ooooo” , “eeeeeee” Lip pops, say “pop” “puh” “pe” with exaggerated pressure Alternating make a smile and pucker (10 times) Pucker your lips (hold 3-6 seconds) Pucker your lips and move from one side to another without moving your tongue Smack lips together (5 times) Make humming sounds “m.m.m..m” “p..p..p” “b..b…b” Practice “me..me..me” “pe..pe..pe” “be..be..be” Cheek exercises: Blow bubbles or puff balls Puff both cheeks with air and hold (3-6 seconds) Puff one cheek at a time and hold air (3-6 seconds) Massage cheeks with two fingers in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction (6 times) Jaw exercises: Playing tug-a-war by holding a chewy candy in between the lips and you pull it away Open the jaw wide and say “ooooo” (hold 3-6 seconds) Massage the jaw gently towards and away from the lips Circular, upward and downward jaw movements Ice chips on jaw and lips to improve sensory awareness Lower lip lift as in pouting and hold (3-6 seconds) Place a bite block and bite hard (3-6 times) Palate exercises: Puff cheeks and breath through the nose while someone presses on against the cheeks Straw blowing Transfer puff balls through a straw from one bowl to another Blow cotton balls or bubbles in the water Say “ma ba” alternating Say “na da” alternating Tongue exercises: Lick lollipops up and down protruding the tongue outside the mouth Licking honey or yogurt from sides of the lips Hold tongue elevated (3-6 seconds) Hold tongue outside the mouth (3-6 seconds) Sweep your tongue across all of your teeth. Hold your tongue against your front teeth (3-6 seconds) Touch alternating left and right upper end teeth and hold (3-6 seconds) Touch tongue tip to nose Push and hold the tongue inside both sides of cheek (3-6 seconds) Fold and hold tongue tip between lips (3-6 seconds) Push against a ice cream stick on either side protruding the tongue (hold 6 seconds) Lick upper and lower lips Place cheerios on the tongue tip and lift and press against the palate Say “puh tuh kuh” repeatedly in the order Is oral motor therapy effective? Practicing oral-motor exercises will facilitate an individual’s ability to eat better and swallow food safely. However, not all persons may benefit from stand-alone oral-motor exercises and may need additional Speech-Language intervention.  Note: If your loved one is diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech or Speech Sound Disorder, seek Speech-Language Therapy sessions. The research into using oral motor exercises for the above-stated disorders is debatable and is an ongoing topic of research. Click here to read more!  “If you are concerned about your patient’s communication and swallowing, please contact a Speech-Language Therapist as soon as possible.” Whether used for speech clarity, swallowing safety, or post-surgical rehabilitation, oral-motor exercises  are a powerful tool in adult speech therapy. A certified speech-language pathologist typically guides the therapy to ensure exercises are done safely and effectively. With our exclusive Online Speech therapist and the best online speech therapy in India , receive cutting-edge treatment from the comfort of your own home. At 1SpecialPlace you have the right to be confident in your communication and to learn from the finest. Book a session now

The OT activities in Down syndrome target limitations and improve the functioning of individuals. The cause for Down’s is trisomy of the 21st pair of chromosomes. Thus, instead of 46 chromosomes, the child has 47 chromosomes. A child with Down syndrome has hypermobility of joints and laxity of ligaments. Also, they have specific physical characteristics. And, intellectual disability is present. Note : Every child with Down syndrome is different. While some may have medical complications and need elaborate interventional services, others may be relatively well adjusted. Consequently, their degree of independence in daily activities varies too. Persons with Down’s Syndrome may have a lower IQ compared to their peers. However, every individual—irrespective of IQ—can possess unique talents and skills like no other. They can also grow up to have a typical family and career, just like us all! 🧠 (Read more about Down’s syndrome) Occupational Therapy Down Syndrome: Key Focus Areas Fine Motor Skills: Children with Down syndrome often have shorter fingers and hypermobile joints, making fine motor skills difficult to master. Occupational therapy activities for Down syndrome focus on enhancing these abilities through fun activities for Down syndrome child development. Down syndrome occupational therapy activities in this area include: Art and crafts: This requires tearing, cutting, sticking, dabbing, painting or coloring. Rubber band activities: This includes stretching bands, placing them on cups. Also, bottles, or pegboards. Beading, magnetic play: As slightly resistive activities. Clay-based activities, cutting: For hand functions. cooking skills like sandwich stacking as a repetitive task. Foam squeezing and water play for hand awareness. TheraBand and elastic bands to improve hand strength. Use of tongs/ tweezers for finger movements, manipulation. Pegboards and puzzles. Gross Motor Skills: Gross motor activities for Down syndrome children aim at balance, strength, and coordination. These occupational therapy activities for Down syndrome are fun, goal-oriented, and build bilateral coordination. Examples include: Mazes or Obstacle course. Using the trampoline. Therapy ball exercises. Walking with or without assistance on the balance beam. Target-based games. Crossing midline with reaches and transfers. Bilateral integration helps with posture and movement, as also with using both sides efficiently. More on Motor skills Activities of Daily Living: These down syndrome activities help the child gain independence in routine tasks. Occupational therapy down syndrome programs emphasize both basic and instrumental ADLs. ADL boards: They not only help with practicing skills like zipping-unzipping but also buttoning-unbuttoning. Additionally, velcro usage certainly helps. Therefore, practice for using taps, handles, fasteners, and/or locks is achieved. Practice entails better performance of tasks. Practice sessions for instrumental ADL: Here the OT helps with positioning and usage of required equipment for effective functioning. Self-Care Skills: These are essential activities for kids with Down syndrome to promote self-sufficiency: They include eating, bathing, toileting, grooming, or dressing. Subsequently, an Occupational Therapist identifies difficulties faced in these areas. Typically, selected activities target areas of strengthening, coordination, grip, grasp. Also, environmental modifications are considered and suggested wherever necessary. Regular and constant medical check-ups will ensure the overall well-being of the individual. Regular hearing testing by an Audiologist is also mandatory. Occupational Therapist suggests strategies and the use of adaptive devices. They provide training for maximum functional independence. Sensory Integration: Children with Down Syndrome may have difficulty processing stimuli received. They either react overly to a stimulus or ignore this stimulus completely. Thus, this affects their interaction with family and peers. Also, it affects the way they interact within their environment. Here, down syndrome occupational therapy activities support better interaction with people and the environment. Examples of sensory-based activities include: Calming or stimulating activities are selected. These include: Ball bouncing Ball pressure Jumping on the ball Transfers while on the ball Blanket rolls or sandwich games 2. Activities for proprioceptive inputs are Pushing the wall. Using weights in various ways. Thera band. Joint Compression. 3. Vestibular Inputs based activities are: Use of bolster swing. Therapy/Swiss ball. 4. Tactile input-based activities like: Brushing. Sensory Play. Massage. More on Sensory based activities Oral Motor Activities like: These activities for Down syndrome support feeding and speech development: Blowing Sipping Oral motor imitation For babies with Down Syndrome, care is taken for: Positioning and handling and, Facilitating activities. Weight-bearing and, Weight shifts. These aid in achieving developmental milestones. Social Activities: Fun activities for Down syndrome child development must include social opportunities to: Peer interaction Group Interaction and, Play session Remember: While there’s no cure, occupational therapy activities for Down syndrome offer personalized interventions to improve everyday functioning. From down syndrome activities of daily living to fine motor tasks, everything counts. Make your home a therapy-friendly space through daily routines and interactive play. Break complex tasks into smaller chunks Encourage and praise often Make learning fun through play and natural conversation Let us remember: every child shines in their own way. With the right activities for Down syndrome, we nurture not just ability—but confidence, joy, and independence. Read more about Playing with OT activities here.