Child Solutions

For more than ten years, ITI/TalkTools^® has provided parents and therapists with the information and tools that allow them to meet the needs of children with oral-motor deficiencies. Our extensive product line was developed by therapists for children. As your one-stop source for educational therapy tools and information, we are "here for you all the way," and our knowledgeable staff is available to help with any questions that may arise.

TalkTools^®/ITI Exclusive Products

These items are original products, designed and thoroughly tested in our clinics with clients of all ages and ability levels before they are released. The therapy supplies available here are fun and motivational. They encourage clients to explore shape and texture, increase sensory awareness, and build muscle agility and endurance in the jaw, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Questions From Parents

Question.

From the Einstein website: EINSTEIN-SYNDROME@LISTSERV.TBINET.ORG
As a parent of a child with Down syndrome do you think I would benefit from watching the video of Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson's class, "A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral-Motor Therapy? (Asked on line on the Einstein List - a web site for parents of children and adults with Down syndrome - May 2006)

Answer.

The answer is definitely YES. They really help give you the big picture and the whys and wherefores of what you are doing. They told me Evan had apraxia too at age 5 BUT we've since found out it's muscle weakness --as the SRJ program gets the muscles up to par, Evan is talking more and more and there's no more any sign of anything else wrong like apraxia. Here's an example of some of his latest talking - which is clear enough for others to understand:

"Girlfriend mine." (Talking to his big brother's girlfriend--thrills her to pieces.)

"It'll kill me, kill me!" (When put into the ocean last week by his big sister--I had told him if he went to the water without us it might kill him.)

"No I want the hot tub!"(When told he was getting in the bathtub last week on vacation.)

"You MY mommy!" (Love that one)

"Get out. See me." (First time he's cared if others see him changing.)

I'm totally convinced all kids with DS need SRJ's program --Evan would have been nonverbal without it. One thing that stood out to me on SRJ's videotapes was where she said something like, "Being able to speak even one word gives a person more dignity."

I hope this helps. Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson

(Follow Up)

That is so true and Evan is so much less frustrated than he used to be even though he's only working on 2-5 words at a time. It's miraculous and so neat for us to understand him most of the time.

Priscilla K

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