OUR APPROACH
Useful messages. Responsive listeners.
Created by a licensed, experienced speech-language pathologist who has worked with more than 1,000 children.
Start with a real reason to communicate
The activities draw on naturalistic language-teaching strategies, including techniques used in milieu teaching. A toy, book or everyday routine gives a message a purpose. The adult models useful language, leaves space and responds to what the child communicates.
These are original home-practice adaptations, not validated treatment doses or independently approved clinical protocols.
THE VOCALIZE PRACTICE ROUTINE
Notice. Model. Pause. Respond. Build.
- Notice
Look for an interest, a need, or a message your child is already sharing.
- Model
Show one useful way to communicate through speech, familiar signs, gestures, or AAC.
- Pause
Leave comfortable space for a turn, while keeping help and communication supports available.
- Respond
Act on the message your child gives you. A look, point, sign, symbol, sound, or word can have meaning.
- Build
Add one useful idea, then look for another natural moment to use it.
Show an example without requiring a performance
Model a word or a natural sentence while its meaning is clear. Build on a message with one useful detail. A child can watch, contribute in their own way, correct the adult or decline. Help, comfort and communication tools stay available.
Make communication accessible
Speech, gestures, signs and AAC belong throughout the program. Use the child's familiar access and vocabulary, along with the languages that connect your family. No eye-contact or spoken-language milestone unlocks communication.
Build the adult's skills
Six flexible phases organize what the parent practices, from joining play to supporting stories and everyday communication. The phases are places to explore and revisit. They are not age levels or tests a child must pass.
Keep individual care with the child's team
Vocalize provides education and home-practice ideas. Individual assessment, treatment, communication access and feeding or swallowing plans come from the family's qualified care team.