Quarter in Review

May 2025

🗣️💙 May is Apraxia Awareness Month! 💙🗣️

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder where a child knows what they want to say but has difficulty coordinating the movements needed to speak. Unlike other speech delays, CAS affects the brain’s ability to plan and sequence sounds, making speech inconsistent and effortful.

🔍 Signs of CAS:
✔️ Difficulty pronouncing longer words
✔️ Inconsistent speech errors
✔️ Groping movements when trying to speak
✔️ Trouble with rhythm and stress in words

For children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), communicating can be a daily struggle. CAS is not just a speech delay—it’s a motor planning disorder that makes it difficult for the brain to coordinate the precise movements needed for clear speech.

💡 But there is hope! With early diagnosis, intensive speech therapy, and ongoing support from trained professionals, children with CAS can build the speech skills they need to express themselves. Every child deserves a voice, and we are here to help them find it! 💙

Spotlight on: Camp Communicate

We have a few spots left for all of our camps this summer! We’re excited to see what the summer holds for Speech Spot, Kid Connect, and our two sessions of Intense Academy! Head over to our Camp Communicate page to check out what weeks we still have available. We’d love to have you join us for some summer fun! If you are not interested in attending camps but know someone who is and would benefit from financial support, check out our option to gift a camp!

Intense Academy is an intensive camp focused on improving oral-motor planning and/or articulation skills. Camp is offered for 2 weeks each session, campers are required to attend both weeks of camp. Camp will also target behavioral intervention as it pertains to the child’s ability to effectively participate in group activities and cooperate with instructions as well as improving communication behaviors. The camp will typically run for three hours each day M-F and will be individualized to what each child needs. Campers will participate in individual, small group, and large group sessions to target communication goals and comply with instructions to improve the ability to participate in joint/group activities.  The focus will be to decrease frustration while increasing communication and social skills.  Group parent/caregiver training and question/answer sessions will also be provided for carryover of skills within the home program or coordination of services with the child’s private therapists. Camp generally has a one to one ratio of adults to children. Staff includes Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, graduate student interns, and undergraduate student volunteers. Camps will also have guidance from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and/or assistance from Registered Behavior Technicians to assist staff with facilitation of social and communication targets.  Children generally make marked progress during this intense camp, and past data has shown that the primary change has been that speech therapy and home programs are more effective throughout the coming year after this intensive intervention and training

Speech Spot is focused on providing intervention at a more intense rate than what your child would receive in a typical week of speech therapy. Campers will be provided two individual speech session per day, targeting goals that are important for their communicative success, as well as multiple group sessions throughout the day. Camp will generally have a ratio of one adult to two campers. Staff includes Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, graduate student interns, and undergraduate student volunteers. Speech Spot is open to any families excited to take advantage of summer vacation to make a significant change in their child’s speech and language skills! Think Speech Spot is the camp for you? We’d love to help your child meet their full potential through individualized and group therapy!

Kid Connect focuses on primarily group intervention with 2 individual sessions per week. Since we’ve already developed a great program with our yearly social groups, why not continue them through the summer? With ratios of one adult to three campers, our Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, graduate student interns, and undergraduate student volunteers are skilled in targeting social communication and language development through group games, activities, and intervention methods. Kid Connect is a place where your child can belong; they can find friends, be themselves, and work on interacting with others in a safe environment under the supervision of professionals skilled in facilitating social communication. We’d love to bring this connection into your lives! 

Compare our Camps

Camps

Intense Academy

Speech Spot

Kid Connect

Pricing

START FOR

$3000

/PER 2 WEEKS

START FOR

$1500

/PER WEEK

START FOR

$500

/PER WEEK

The Basics

Intense Academy

Speech Spot

Kid Connect

Individual Sessions

Q&A / Parent Training

Ratios (child to adult)

Group activities

Provided Snack

Fun Experience

2-3 per day

4 training topics

1:1

2 per day

5 training topics

2:1

2 per week

Q/A only

3:1

Intense Academy

START FOR

$3000

/PER 2 WEEKS

The Basics

  • 2 Individual sessions per day 
  • 5 Parent training sessions
  • 1:1 child-to-adult ratio
  • Group activities
  • Provided snack
  • Fun experience

Speech Spot

START FOR

$1000

/PER WEEK

The Basics

  • 1 individual sessions per day 
  • 2 parent training sessions
  • 2:1 child-to-adult ratio
  • Group activities
  • Provided snack
  • Fun experience

Kid Connect

START FOR

$500

/PER WEEK

The Basics

  • 1-2 individual sessions per week 
  • Q/A only
  • 3:1 child-to-adult ratio
  • Group activities
  • Provided snack
  • Fun experience

FAQs

NO! If you have a copy of their current care plan, we’d love to see it. If you don’t have a copy, no worries! We will talk with you before you begin our programs at Speech Pathway.

We do not offer allergy-friendly snacks at this time. However, please feel free to provide snacks for your child that adhere to their needs.

All of our staff is highly trained in communication and behavior as well as facilitating social interactions. Our staff will help your child grow in a safe, encouraging environment while forming relationships, building confidence, and having fun!

This is a great question and one we can only answer by getting to know your child a little better. When you fill out your application, check the boxes to let us know what camps you may be interested in. The more information you give us on the application, the better able we are to find the right fit for your child. Intense Academy offers intensive intervention to facilitate functional communication. Speech Spot is our camp for less intense intervention, but those who still need some extra work on speech and language development. Kid Connect is an extension of our groups program that focuses on social communication and relationship-building. If you’re still unsure, fill out our application with the most information possible and we can help guide you through the process!

At this time we cannot take insurance for our programs.

Speech Pathway does not offer financial aid for our programs.  However, you can visit the grants and funding page for a list of grant organizations that may be able to help.

At the main Speech Pathway clinic on 122nd street in Oklahoma City.

We understand that sometimes things happen with kids. However, in order to maintain our level of staff as well as the high-quality intervention we offer, we are unable to provide refunds for missed days.

At this time masks are not required for our programs.   However, that is subject to change in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

Camp Communicate consists of both individual and group interventions and is requires enrollment for an entire session at a time (one week for Speech Spot or Kid Connect and 2 weeks for Intense Academy). Summer Slam involves individual speech therapy sessions only but is intense, with multiple sessions throughout the week over multiple weeks on an individual basis.

There are no refunds for our programs. If you wish to request a refund you may contact our programs coordinator at programs@speechpathway.net

Upcoming Events

07 June 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73109

Mark your calendars for the Oklahoma City PieceWalk! Make sure to note the time change to 10am!

As we get closer to summer break, you may be looking for community events and activities. We have compiled a list of upcoming community events that are sensory-friendly and some places that offer sensory accommodations that we would recommend if you’re looking for a fun family activity. 

  • Sensory Friendly Films at AMC theatres are offered on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. They show family-friendly movies with the lights turned up and the sound a little quieter. Be sure to check your local AMC theatre to see what they are showing and when their screenings are!
  • We Rock the Spectrum is a great place to explore and let out some energy in a safe, controlled environment. There are activities for all ages. Be sure to check the Yukon location for summer camps and character events!
  • The OKC Thunder offers sensory kits that can help reduce sensory overload with things like headphones. Be sure to check out the sensory inclusion room for a quiet calm atmosphere as well!
  • Chuck E. Cheese has Sensory Sensitive Sundays the first Sundays of every month. They open two hours early for this event. The game room and dining rooms are quieter and are less overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Their staff during these events are also trained to understand the needs of kids with sensory sensitivities to help everyone have a safe and fun experience.
  • The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks offers Sensory Nights the first Tuesday of every month. These events have smaller crowd sizes, lower lights, and quiet music to help everyone explore the aquarium without the overwhelming overstimulation. These events are free with general admission and begin at 6:00 PM.
  • The OKC Museum of Art offers sensory booster packs free of charge, which contain noise-cancelling headphones, wiggle seats, fidgets, and social narrative packets. Be sure to ask the admissions desk for one when you arrive. Children under 17 get free admission to the museum and adult admission is $14.95. They also have quiet spaces available for families that need a break. Be sure to check out their extensive collection of art from around the world!
  • Metropolitan libraries around Oklahoma have lots of family events throughout the year, so be sure to check your local branch for their upcoming activities. All locations also offer sensory bags to help ease anxiety and increase communication for all individuals. These bags include headphones, laminated communication cards in English and Spanish, a notepad and pen, sunglasses, and fidgets. Also, be sure to stop by your local library this summer and join the free summer reading program to get free books and other prizes!

Back to School? Let Us Know Your New Schedule!

As summer winds down and back-to-school prep kicks into high gear, we know your calendar is filling up fast! New school hours, sports, clubs, and homework routines can make this a hectic time for families. As you settle into your fall schedule, don’t forget to share your updated availability with your clinician.

Here’s why it’s important to let us know your new routine as soon as possible:

🗓️ We want to keep your therapy consistent—and that means finding a day and time that works best with your school commitments.
💬 Open communication helps us plan ahead, especially if session times will need to shift or we need to coordinate with other services.
🎯 We can better support your child’s goals when we have a clear picture of their week and how therapy fits into their new routine.

Many families are trying to book after-school times, and they fill up quickly! The sooner we know your fall availability, the more likely we are to find a time that works well for everyone.

Feel free to send us a message, call, or talk to your clinician at your next visit. We’re here to help make this transition as smooth as possible for your family!

Wishing you a great start to the school year! 🍎📓

Summer Speech Fun

 Tips for Keeping the Conversation Going All Summer Long

  1. Talk, Talk, Talk! (Everyday Moments Count!)

Whether you’re in the car, at the grocery store, or walking the dog, there are so many chances to turn everyday chatter into practice.

Try this:

  • Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think we’ll see at the park today?”
  • Narrate your actions while cooking, packing a bag, or watering plants.
  • Play “I Spy” in the car to target descriptive words, categories, or articulation goals.
  1. Make Books a Beach Bag Essential

Reading is one of the best ways to support language development—and it can happen anywhere! Choose books that match your child’s interests and speech goals.

Speech tip:

  • Pause and let your child “fill in the blank” or predict what happens next.
  • Focus on target sounds in book titles or character names.
  • Use silly voices to practice articulation in a playful way!
  1. Game Time = Goal Time

Board games, card games, and outdoor scavenger hunts can all support speech goals without feeling like “work.”

Game ideas:

  • Articulation: Choose games with repetitive phrases like “Go Fish!” or “Uno!” and sneak in target sounds during turns.
  • Language: Play categories, rhyming games, or “20 Questions” while waiting in line or on long drives.
  1. Summer-Themed Speech Practice

Sandcastles and speech sounds? You bet! Tie in your child’s goals with summer fun.

Ideas to try:

  • Practice “s” sounds while scooping sand, shells, and shovels.
  • Use sidewalk chalk to draw target words or practice following directions.
  • Blow bubbles while working on breath support, turn-taking, or requesting.

     

  1. Cook Up Some Language in the Kitchen

Even a simple snack can become a speech session!

Involve your child in:

  • Reading the recipe (great for following directions!)
  • Talking about ingredients (describing, sequencing, categories)
  • Making predictions: “What will happen if we don’t stir the batter?”

Final Thoughts: Keep it Light and Keep it Fun

Speech practice doesn’t have to mean worksheets or strict schedules. In fact, the best carry-over happens when kids don’t even realize they’re “working.” Just by being intentional with your words and making space for conversation, you’re helping your child continue their progress in meaningful, connected ways.

So pack the sunscreen, grab your flip-flops, and keep those conversations rolling all summer long. 

And remember—we’re just a message away if you need ideas, encouragement, or a fresh activity suggestion.

Happy Summer & Happy Talking!

Summer is the perfect time to focus on speech and language goals!

Summer Services have many benefits! 

  1. Prevent Regression
    Just like academic skills, speech and language abilities can regress without regular practice. A long break can lead to the loss of progress your child worked hard to achieve.
  2. Maintain Momentum
    Summer provides a chance to build on the progress already made without the distractions of school. Consistent practice helps reinforce skills and boosts your child’s confidence.
  3. Catch Up or Get Ahead
    For some children, summer is the perfect time to focus more intensely on specific goals. With fewer competing demands, therapy can be more targeted and productive.
  4. Consistency Is Key
    Speech and language growth thrives on repetition and routine. Sticking with therapy helps keep skills sharp and reduces the need for re-teaching in the fall.
  5. More Flexibility = Less Stress
    Summer schedules are often more relaxed. This flexibility allows families to schedule sessions at ideal times, making it easier to fit therapy into your day.

Did you know insurance approvals for evaluations and therapy can take weeks? 

Beat the rush! 

If you’re considering speech therapy services for your child, schedule early to ensure everything is in place when summer starts.

Headed Out of Town This Summer? Let Your Clinician Know!

Summer is just around the corner, and we know many of our families are looking forward to some well-deserved time away. Whether you’re planning a weekend at the lake, a road trip to Grandma’s, or a full-blown beach vacation, we hope your summer is full of fun, family, and sunshine! ☀️

If your travel plans will affect your child’s scheduled therapy sessions, we kindly ask that you let your clinician know as soon as possible. Early notice helps us in several important ways:

✅ We can adjust your schedule to make up for missed sessions before or after your trip.
✅ We can offer that spot to another family who may be waiting for extra sessions.
✅ We can plan around goals to maintain momentum or offer ideas for continued learning at home while you’re away.

We understand that things come up last minute, but when possible, a heads-up helps us serve everyone better. It also helps us make sure your child gets the most out of their therapy plan—even when summer adventures call!

Need to update us about your plans? Just send a quick message, call the office, or let us know at your next appointment. We’re happy to help rearrange things so your summer runs as smoothly as possible. 🌴

Thanks for being part the Speech Pathway family—have a great summer!

You Ask, We Answer

You Ask We Answer is a place you can come to find answers to all the burning questions you, as a parent, may have about speech, language, feeding or Speech Pathway in general- straight from the horses mouth! Or, in our case, the minds of our brilliant, yet humble, experts in communication.

I Spy With My Little Eye….A New Sign in the Lobby!

You may have noticed a new sign in our lobby with an important reminder about our check-in and waiting procedures. To help us create the best possible environment for all of our clients, we kindly ask parents and caregivers to refrain from waiting in the lobby during sessions. This policy is in place for several important reasons:

  • Protecting Client Privacy – Many of our clients are working on sensitive communication needs, and a quiet, private setting helps support their progress.

  • Supporting Smooth Transitions – Some children may become overstimulated or distracted in a busy waiting area. Waiting in your car can help them transition into and out of therapy more easily.

  • Maintaining a Safe and Orderly Space – Especially during our busiest times, limiting foot traffic in the lobby allows our clinicians to move safely and efficiently between sessions.

What to Do When You Arrive:
Upon arrival, please text your clinician to let them know you are here. Then, remain in your car until your clinician comes to escort your child inside.

At the End of the Session:
Your clinician will walk your child back to your car and provide a quick update on their session. If your child uses a car seat and needs help buckling, please plan to do that yourself, as clinicians are not permitted to place children into car seats.

Thank you for helping us maintain a calm, focused, and family-friendly space for everyone we serve!

CONTACT

P. 405. 603. 6622
F. 405. 722. 3244
E. info@speechpathway.net

LOCATION

8007 NW 122nd St. 
Oklahoma City, OK 73142

HOURS

Monday – Friday 
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.