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Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode!
We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know will help your clients, no matter what area you’re working in!
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Easy Ways to Incorporate Speech into Play
Helping an SLP Implement Sensory Strategies
Speech therapy and sensory integration may seem like two separate worlds, but combining them can lead to incredible results for children. Whether you're a parent working with a speech therapist or a therapist wondering how to make sessions more engaging, movement and sensory strategies can play a huge role in improving communication skills.
Children are naturally wired to move. Sitting still for long periods isn’t easy for them (or for adults!).
Research shows that movement activates the brain and supports learning and communication. For kids with limited verbal skills or articulation challenges, adding movement can help stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for speech.
The vestibular system, which helps with balance and spatial orientation, is closely linked to language development. Activities like swinging, crawling, or bouncing can stimulate this system and often lead to more verbal communication.
While sensory strategies are traditionally part of occupational therapy (OT), they can enhance speech therapy sessions as well. Simple movement-based activities—like crawling through a tunnel to retrieve a flashcard or bouncing on a therapy ball while practicing sounds—are examples of how movement can keep sessions fun and effective.
Not only does movement make learning more enjoyable, but it also helps children stay regulated by calming their nervous system. This regulation is essential for better engagement and communication, especially for children who are in a dysregulated or fight-or-flight mode and struggle to focus on speech tasks.
Parents and therapists often ask, "Is it within a speech therapist’s scope of practice to use sensory strategies?" While sensory integration training is not typically part of speech-language pathology education, incorporating movement doesn’t mean stepping outside the scope of practice.
Activities that facilitate communication—like using rhythm, movement, or tactile input—can be naturally integrated into speech therapy sessions. Speech therapists should feel confident collaborating with occupational therapists to learn more about sensory strategies.
If you’re a speech therapist, parent, or OT looking to incorporate sensory strategies into speech sessions, here are some easy, actionable ideas:
Have the child crawl through a tunnel to pick up a flashcard and practice the sound on the card.
Use a therapy ball for bouncing while working on speech sounds.
Incorporate a swing if available—ask the child to identify objects or make sounds while swinging.
Sing songs to practice speech patterns or rhymes.
Use a metronome and have the child clap, jump, or bounce in time with the beat while practicing words.
Offer Play-Doh, fidgets, or vibrating toys for tactile input during sessions.
Use oral motor activities like blowing bubbles, using sour spray (with parent permission), or chewing gum to stimulate the muscles used for speech.
For children who are dysregulated, start with heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, or crawling to help calm their nervous system.
Once they’re regulated, introduce quieter, seated tasks if needed.
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing strategies at home. If practicing speech sounds at the table feels like a struggle, try mixing it up:
Create a fun obstacle course where each stop involves saying a target word.
Use rhythm games like clapping or bouncing to help practice articulation.
Encourage movement breaks throughout the day to help your child stay regulated and ready to learn.
Speech and occupational therapists share a common goal: empowering children to thrive. By integrating movement and sensory strategies into their sessions, speech therapists can create engaging and effective experiences that children genuinely enjoy.
If you’re a speech therapist, collaborating with an OT for ideas or mentorship can open up new possibilities for your practice. For parents, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s therapists for guidance on incorporating movement and sensory activities into daily routines for even greater success.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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