Big things are happening at our McKinney location—and we’re excited to share the updates with you!

At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we’re proud to serve the McKinney community with a dynamic team of skilled and passionate pediatric therapists. Whether your child needs support with speech, communication, motor skills, or sensory processing, our caring team is here to help.

Where to Find Us

Our McKinney clinic is conveniently located just west of Ridge Road on Virginia Parkway—easy to access from many neighborhoods in the area!

Why Pediatric Therapy Matters

Did you know?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 1 in 12 children (ages 3–17) in the U.S. has a voice, speech, or language disorder.
Around 6% of school-aged children experience motor coordination challenges that impact school success and social development (source: AAFP).

With McKinney’s growing population, that means hundreds of children right here could benefit from expert support in speech or occupational therapy. And that’s exactly why we’re here.

Meet the McKinney Dream Team

Julie Bell, MS, CCC-SLP

Julie brings over 16 years of experience in early intervention, hospitals, and schools. She's a whiz with everything from articulation and feeding to fluency and autism. Kids with Down syndrome, TBI, or ASD thrive under her warm and experienced care.

Fun Fact: Julie’s clients (and their parents) absolutely adore her!

Lauri Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP

Lauri has been serving the DFW area for 17+ years, specializing in receptive/expressive language, reading comprehension, apraxia, and autism. She’s also trained in the DuBard Association Method, a powerful multisensory approach for kids with learning differences.

Creative, calm, and incredibly patient—Lauri finds the “just right” way to engage each child.

Andrea Allie, MS, CCC-SLP

With a career that started in 1996, Andrea brings seasoned experience from both elementary and secondary schools. She’s your go-to for language delays, fluency, articulation, and pragmatic/social language skills.

Known for her warmth and positivity, Andrea creates a safe and encouraging space for every child.

Calli Liamis, OTR

Calli is our amazing occupational therapist who lights up the room! With advanced certifications in Handwriting Without Tears and SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test), Calli helps kids with autism, CP, Down syndrome, sensory challenges, and more.

Children LOVE working with Calli—therapy time feels more like playtime!

What Makes Us Different

At our McKinney clinic, we believe in play-based, individualized therapy that feels natural and fun. Each session is:

• Tailored to your child’s strengths and needs

• Designed to build trust and confidence

• Focused on real-world communication and functional skills

• Backed by research and guided by experienced professionals

We also know how important YOU are in your child’s progress. That’s why family involvement is at the heart of what we do. We’re here to answer questions, provide tools for home, and cheer on your child every step of the way.

Ready to Connect?

Whether your child is just beginning to speak or needs more support to thrive at school and home, our McKinney team is ready to help.

Call us today at (972) 424-0148
Visit us in McKinney—serving families across North Texas. Let’s help your child grow with confidence, one step at a time.

July 31, 2025

 If your child has been diagnosed with dyspraxia, it’s natural to feel both concerned and eager to help. Your involvement as a parent plays a powerful role in your child’s development—especially when it comes to communication skills. The good news is, there are several practical and engaging ways you can support your child’s speech progress right from home.

Encourage Communication in Positive Ways

Children with dyspraxia often understand much more than they can express. Because of this gap, they may resort to pointing, tantrums, or physical outbursts out of frustration. As a parent, it's important to gently guide them toward using words instead. Here’s how:

• Use Visual Aids: Create picture boards with images representing common wants and needs. This visual support helps bridge the communication gap.

• Try Augmentative Communication Devices: These are portable picture boards or devices that speak when images are tapped. They provide immediate feedback and promote language development.

• Learn Sign Language Together: Contrary to popular belief, learning signs won’t delay speech—it can actually support it. Sign language gives your child a tool to express themselves while working on spoken words.

• Encourage Speech Attempts: Don’t give in to pointing or screaming. Prompt your child to say the word (or a close approximation), then respond with praise and meet their request. Consistency reinforces their effort to communicate verbally.

Make Learning Interactive and Fun

Integrating speech practice into daily activities makes the experience enjoyable and stress-free for your child.

1. Daily Letter Practice

Dedicate each day to a new letter. Throughout the day, point out objects that begin with that letter and encourage your child to say the word. This turns everyday routines into playful learning opportunities.

2. Speech Notebooks

Create a special notebook with your child. Cut out pictures from magazines that show items your child can already say, then glue them into the notebook. Use this as a custom “word book” for practice and gradually introduce new sounds as they progress.

3. Repetition Through Storytime

Children love predictable, repetitive books—and they’re a great tool for speech development. Choose books with repeating words or sounds your child is working on. For example, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is great for practicing the /ch/ sound. Repeat favorite books often, and celebrate every attempt your child makes.

4. Use Games to Motivate Speech

Games are a natural way to get your child talking. During board games, have them say how many spaces to move or describe what’s happening. For a creative twist, use their picture board in a game of bingo—your child can name each image before placing a marker on it. This builds confidence and vocabulary in a pressure-free environment.

Helping your child with dyspraxia doesn’t require elaborate tools or expensive resources. Small, consistent efforts at home can make a meaningful difference in their communication journey. The key is to make speech practice part of your everyday life—through play, reading, and meaningful interaction.

For additional ideas, personalized strategies, or professional support, reach out to the team at The Speech and Occupational Therapy Center of North Texas. We’re here to help your child grow with confidence, one word at a time.

July 01, 2025

 Becoming a parent changes everything. From your baby’s first smile to their first steps, every milestone is filled with joy, excitement—and sometimes questions. One of the most important areas of early development is speech and language. Helping your little one build communication skills starts earlier than you might think—and your role is more important than ever.

Here’s what every parent should know to support their child’s speech and language development in those critical early years. 👶🗣️

Why Early Speech & Language Development Matters

Speech and language are the foundation for learning, relationships, and future success. But they aren’t just about talking—they help with:
✅ Expressing needs and emotions
✅ Building relationships
✅ Learning new concepts
✅ Boosting confidence

Speech focuses on the physical ability to produce sounds and words, while language is about understanding and expressing ideas—whether through words, gestures, or pictures.

Key Speech & Language Milestones for Infants and Toddlers

Every child develops at their own pace, but here are general milestones to watch for:

0–3 Months

• Cooing, gooing, and early sounds (like /p/, /b/, /m/)
  
  

• Reacting to loud sounds
  
  

• Different cries for hunger, discomfort, or tiredness
  
  

4–6 Months

• Babbling with more variety
  
  

• Eye contact and vocal play
  
  

• Responding to voices
  
  

7–12 Months

• Reduplicated babbling (“ba-ba,” “ma-ma”)
  
  

• Imitating sounds and actions
  
  

• Recognizing familiar words like their name
  
  

• First meaningful words (“mama,” “dada,” “bye-bye”)
  
  

12–24 Months

• Using 3 to 20 words by 18 months
  
  

• Simple two-word phrases (“all gone,” “more juice”)
  
  

• Following simple directions
  
  

• Vocabulary boom around 18–24 months (up to 50 words expressed, 300+ understood)
  
  

24–36 Months

• 200+ words spoken, 500+ words understood
  
  

• Short phrases and basic sentences
  
  

• Asking questions (“Daddy go?”)
  
  

• Identifying objects and actions
  
  

Tips to Encourage Speech & Language Development

The best way to help your child? Quality interactions every single day. Here are simple strategies that work:

🗣️ Talk and Listen

• Narrate your day: “We’re washing hands.”
  
  

• Respond to your child’s sounds or words—even if unclear
  
  

• Expand on what they say: “Bubu?” “Yes, big bubble!”
  
  

📚 Read Together

• Label characters, actions, and feelings
  
  

• Use fun voices and sounds
  
  

• Keep books accessible for independent exploration
  
  

🎶 Sing, Play, and Explore

• Sing songs with hand motions
  
  

• Play with blocks, dolls, or pretend food while labeling items
  
  

• Encourage pointing, waving, clapping, and imitation
  
  

🤗 Follow Their Lead

• Engage with what interests your child
  
  

• Use their favorite toys to promote communication
  
  

• Model simple words and phrases during play
  
  

🚫 Limit Technology

• Avoid passive screen time for children under 2
  
  

• Focus on face-to-face interactions
  
  

• Use technology only for shared, interactive experiences
  
  

💡 Structure the Environment

• Have routines and familiar activities
  
  

• Place favorite toys just out of reach to encourage requesting
  
  

• Provide choices: “Do you want the ball or the car?”
  
  

What if You Have Concerns?

If your child isn’t meeting speech and language milestones or you notice delays, early intervention is key. Talk to your pediatrician, and consider a speech-language evaluation. Early support can make a huge difference in communication skills and confidence.

At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we provide:
✔️ Full speech and language evaluations
✔️ Parent coaching and hands-on strategies
✔️ Play-based, personalized therapy

Most evaluations are covered by insurance.

We’re Here to Help Your Child Thrive

Worried about your child’s speech or language? Let’s work together to support their development.

📍 Visit us in Plano, Texas
📞 Call today: 972-424-0148

Together, we can help your little one find their voice—and set them up for success! 💙

July 01, 2025