About Avivit Ben-Aharon

Founder & Clinical Director at Great Speech Inc. | Providing Innovative Alternatives to Speech Pathology Services

Entries by Avivit Ben-Aharon

What Happens If You Don't Treat Speech Delays?

Every child develops at their own pace, but communication milestones still matter. Some children are naturally quieter or take a little longer than their peers to begin talking; however, when speech and language delays are left untreated, the effects can extend further than just vocabulary and correct pronunciation. Communication skills have an influence on learning, [...]

Should Kids Take A Break From Speech Therapy In The Summer?

When summer arrives, many families welcome the slower pace. School routines pause, schedules open up, kids finally get a chance to relax, and it’s natural for parents to wonder whether speech therapy should pause too.  In most cases, it is incredibly beneficial to continue speech therapy throughout the summer.  While summer should absolutely feel [...]

Language Processing Disorder LPD - Our Complete Guide for Parents

Does your child appear to hear what you are saying but still struggle to understand, follow directions, or express themselves clearly? If so, they are not alone, and in some cases, these challenges may be linked to something called Language Processing Disorder (LPD).  This helpful guide will answer many of the common questions around this [...]

Is Screen Time Causing Speech Delays? What The Data Shows

If you’re a parent today, you’ve probably wondered if screen time can negatively impact your child’s speech. This is a fair concern that is getting more attention as tablets, phones, and TVs are becoming a normal part of everyday life for many, including toddlers.  The short answer is that yes, screen time [...]

How To Know If Your Child Has Expressive Language Disorder: Signs, Examples & Treatment Options

If your child seems to understand what you say but struggles to respond clearly, you may be wondering whether it's just a phase or something more. Expressive language disorder can be confusing for parents because it’s not always obvious right away, and many children with this condition are bright, attentive, and capable, [...]

Speech Delays Are Increasing: Here Is What The Data Shows

If you feel like more children are struggling with their ability to communicate than ever before, you’re not imagining it, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have been noticing this as well.  Speech and language delays have always been expected for some children as they develop; however, multiple recent studies suggest that the number of children [...]

How Speech & Language Issues Can Be Misdiagnosed As Behavioral Problems: Are You Treating The Right Problem?

A toddler who melts down out of nowhere.  A child who refuses to follow directions.  A student who acts out during class.  At first glance, these behaviors can look like defiance, attention-seeking, or even a sign of behavioral disorder, but what if the root cause is not behavioral at all? Instead, they may be struggling [...]

Should Children Struggling with Behavioral Health also have a Speech Evaluation?

A parent's focus is often on finding the right counselor, psychologist, or pediatrician when their child is struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, and while that is absolutely important, there is another piece that is sometimes overlooked: communication.  If a child is anxious, withdrawn, frequently frustrated, or has behavioral issues, it is [...]

How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?

A common question that we are asked is “How long does speech therapy take?” We understand that clients want to know how quickly progress can be expected, but there is no simple answer.  Speech therapy timelines widely vary. Some people see improvements within a few weeks, while others need months or even years, depending on [...]

Adults with Communication Disorders Face Significantly Higher Risk of Mental Health Conditions like Anxiety, Depression, and Social Isolation

Communication is something that many people take for granted until it becomes difficult. It is at the center of how we connect, work, and live happy, successful lives. Being able to communicate with ease matters. Whether it's speaking clearly, finding the right words, or understanding others, for adults with communication disorders, these everyday [...]

1 Year Old Speech Milestones

Have you and your partner been talking endlessly with your toddler, waiting for the tiniest reply? You are not expecting a full sentence, just a sweet little mama, dada, or even dog. You are not alone if you are wondering whether your child is on track with their speech development. Questions about 1 year old [...]

What Are The Symptoms Of Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder?

We follow a wide range of unwritten social cues when we communicate with others each day. For example: * We greet people depending on the setting * We adjust our tone when speaking to a child versus a colleague * We maintain eye contact * We take turns in conversation * We stay on topic * We notice when someone we [...]