Who's excited for the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention next week? The convention is happening November 17-19 in Philadelphia, PA. We are ready to blow your mind both at presentations and at booth #423 and serve you the best we can!

At the booth, you will be able to view and handle all TalkTools' signature products, such as the Horn Kit, the Straw Kit, the Honey Bear, the Bite Blocks and more. Any order placed at the Convention will receive a 20% OFF discount and FREE shipping (most orders will even be fulfilled right there)!!!

Anyone visiting the booth can be entered for our raffle featuring Introduction to OPT Kits ($195 value), Online Courses ($30 to $220 value), Amazon gift cards ($250 value) and more! Just come and have your badge scanned. There will also be free bracelets, pens, chocolate and more for everyone ;) And you will be able to be photographed dressed as a super hero  at our super cool photo station to celebrate your successes in speech & feeding therapy.

Another reason to stop by our booth is to chat with TalkTools experts! Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP & Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S will be on hand to answer your therapy questions and discuss your Continuing Education opportunities.

TalkTools is scheduled for two presentations that you don't want to miss, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

"Diet-Shaping for Self–Limited Diets in Children With a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Session Code: 1205 Thursday, November 17, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: Terrace Ballroom IV Presenters: Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Presentation explores 1) the etiology of self-limited diets in autism; 2) the sensory-motor system as it relates to feeding; 3) sensory processing and how it affects the diet; 4) the importance of establishing home–base when conducting a feeding program and 4) diet–shaping based on a sensory-motor approach to feeding.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Improved understanding of the etiology of a self-limited diet 2. Demonstrate understanding of a home-based diet 3. Comprehend the concept of diet-shaping

"Careful Hand Feeding or Comfort Feeding Evaluations: Techniques in Palliative Dysphagia Management"

Session Code: 1689 Saturday, November 19, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: 204A Presenter: Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Review the speech-language pathologist’s role of traditional dysphagia management versus palliative and end of life care. Review primary and secondary recommendations made when there is known risk of aspiration. Address ethical questions SLPs face regarding dysphagia management. Instructing professionals or caregivers in careful hand feeding techniques will be introduced.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Describe the difference between traditional speech pathology services and those available during palliative care 2. Demonstrate the consultant role, service and communication needed during palliative care 3. Apply sensory motor techniques which can facilitate ‘careful hand-feeding’ if this is an option chosen by the patient with severe feeding difficulties and dysphagia

See you in Philadelphia!

"Every morning I wake with cautious optimism for the day, hoping I have breakthroughs with your child and every other child I work with.

Every day I comfort a parent and a family. When I say we are on the right track to get your child to speak just one sound or even eat one mere meal a day, I believe it with all my heart.

Every day I pray that my small words may help the parent and family to get through not even the day, but the hour.

Every day I think and sometimes agonize about my patients from sun up to sun down. While I may be running late between sessions or seem frazzled, your child is never far from my mind.

Every day my heart bursts at the seams when your child accomplishes what could be considered a 'small' feat by some. It is never a small feat to me.

Every day I boast to my husband, sister, parents, and anyone else with ears about the accomplishments your child made.

Every day when I give hugs, a high-5, or a 'good job' I can feel the love and happiness in my bones.

Every so often the reality of working with children who have struggles ahead weighs heavy on my heart.

Every so often I am known to sit in my car and break down over the mountains my patients must climb in order to complete the most basic tasks of a human: eat and speak.

Every day I live out my dream and passion through my career of speech-language pathology.

Every night I count my blessings. You allowing me to be a part of your child's life story is the greatest gift you can give me."

~ Vanessa Anderson-Smith

Vanessa Anderson-Smith is a Speech-Language Pathologist born and raised in South Dakota. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at Augustana University and Master’s Degree from The University of South Dakota. In 2013 she began Anderson-Smith Speech Therapy, LLC. She is now the only TalkTools® Level 3 Trained Therapist in South Dakota. Her practice focuses on assessment and treatment of motor-based speech and feeding disorders among children and adults. Vanessa lives in Canton, South Dakota with her extremely supportive husband, Ryan.

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We are happy to introduce our new Pre-Feeding Kit!

The goal of a pre-feeding program is to develop the oral sensory motor skills to support safe, effective and nutritive feeding. This kit was designed in response to therapist and family requests for a comprehensive kit appropriate across the ages and for a variety of feeding issues. It includes a DnZ-Vibe with a collection of tips, a replacement battery and a safe disinfectant, all in a sturdy travel case. Products are made in the USA out of medical grade materials that are FDA compliant and contain no lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. Three colors are available for the Z-Vibe plastic handle: light grey, light blue and magenta.

The Pre-Feeding Kit is made of the following components at a discounted rate:

• 1 Z-Vibe
• 1 Blue Tip
• 1 Yellow Preefer Tip
• 2 Blue Soft Fine Tips
• 2 Mini Green Tips
• 1 Blue Soft Spoon Tip
• 1 Green Bite-n-Chew Tip
• 1 Blue Bite-n-Chew Tip XL
• 1 Purple Soft Mouse Tip
• 1 Replacement Battery
• 1 PureGreen24 - 4oz Spray Bottle

Additional tips are available here.

For detailed instructions of pre-feeding activities to implement with this kit, refer to the course “A Sensory-Motor Approach to ​Feeding” (Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT) and the book A Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding (Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT & Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP).

And here is the best part: we are giving away 1 FREE Pre-Feeding Kit / month. Enter now to participate!

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