The One Where I Talk About Communication Avoidance, Pressure, and Shutdown Sometimes children avoid communication not because they "won't" communicate — but because communication feels overwhelming, high-pressure, or emotionally unsafe. In this episode, Megan explores how communication anxiety, perfectionism, overwhelm, and nervous system regulation can impact language access and participation. In This Episode We Discuss: Communication pressure in early childhood Shutdown versus refusal How overwhelm impacts language access Perfectionism in communication Why some children avoid participation Reducing performance pressure during communication Creating low-demand opportunities for interaction Supporting communication through connection and regulation Takeaway Avoidance is often connected to pressure, overwhelm, or fear of failure — not laziness. When adults reduce communication pressure and increase emotional safety, children often participate more authentically. Practical Strategies Mentioned Reduce testing-style questions Increase commenting and modeling Use visuals and routines for predictability Offer wait time Focus on connection over performance Support co-regulation during communication breakdowns Stay curious about what behavior may be communicating Connect with Me! You can find more early childhood communication resources, trainings, and information at www.theslpnextdoor.com

Visual supports are widely used in classrooms and speech therapy—but sometimes they don't work the way we expect. In this episode, we explore why visual supports can sometimes create additional pressure and how to adjust them so they truly support communication and understanding. When used effectively, visual supports can increase predictability, reduce stress, and support functional communication development. But when they are introduced at the wrong time or used as a demand, they can become overwhelming. In This Episode We Discuss • Why visual supports sometimes fail • When visuals reduce stress—and when they increase demands • How adults can model the use of visuals effectively • Signs that a visual system may need to change Who This Episode Is For This episode is helpful for speech-language pathologists, early childhood educators, and caregivers who use or are considering visual supports to support communication development. Key Takeaway Visual supports should reduce stress and increase understanding—if they are adding pressure, it may be time to simplify and adjust how they are used.   Be sure to share this podcast with someone you know!  Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review!

Once we understand that communication becomes harder when a child is overwhelmed, the next question becomes: What can we do about it? In these instances, it is so important that we work hand in hand with parents, caregivers, and teachers to help them see the child's behavior as a way of communicating a want or need. Because communication support isn't just about getting children to say more words. It's about helping them communicate in ways that actually work in their daily lives. So why are we still buying into this idea that children "must" talk to communicate? The truth is, for children who are experiencing difficulties or delays with the actual talking part of communication, support should be provided. As professionals, we should be helping parents see that their children can communicate with them- effectively- without using verbal speech. Whether that means we introduce sign language, picture boards, choice boards, or encourage their gesture development- there are other ways. Is talking an important part of being able to communicate? Sure. It's much easier to talk versus use a device, point to pictures, or have someone interpret sign language. But just because someone doesn't talk doesn't mean they aren't less than. So, let's change the narrative. Let's introduce parents and educators to the full view of communication. Remind the grown-ups that they don't "just" talk to communicate, and neither do children. Here are some ways to do that. Acknowledge, Empathize, and Strategize. Acknowledge what's going on, empathize with the situation, and strategize ways to improve functional communication. The great thing is- is that when you improve a child's ability to communicate, you also improve their ability to regulate and keep their nervous system in check. And that, my friend, is the ultimate goal. Looking for more information on early childhood language development? Check out my website! www.theslpnextdoor.com Do you love The SLP Next Door Podcast? Help others find it by leaving a rating and review!

In this episode of The SLP Next Door, Megan explores how nervous system regulation affects communication development in young children. When children are overwhelmed, accessing language becomes much harder. Understanding the connection between regulation and communication can help grown-ups respond in ways that support learning and build connections. In This Episode We Discuss • Why nervous system overload impacts communication • How stress affects language processing • The difference between behavior and regulation • 3 small shifts we can make to support communication in early childhood Who This Episode Is For This episode is helpful for speech-language pathologists, early childhood educators, and caregivers supporting young children's communication development. Key Takeaway Supporting regulation often makes communication easier and more accessible for children.

After a year away, The SLP Next Door is back. In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist Megan Peveto reflects on what sustainability really means in speech therapy, early childhood classrooms, and communication development. Too often, we feel pressure to add more strategies, more visual supports, and more goals. But sustainable, trauma-informed support doesn't come from doing more — it comes from building systems that fit real life. In this episode, we discuss: Why functional communication must work outside of structured settings Reflection questions to help you determine whether your approach is sustainable When it's time to simplify instead of add This episode is for speech-language pathologists, early childhood educators, and caregivers who want communication support that feels practical, compassionate, and doable. 🎙 New episodes release on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

What Medicaid changes mean for providers—and how to support families without the drama. In this episode, Megan is unpacking the real story behind the recent Medicaid changes—without the noise, drama, or clickbait. There's a good chance you've heard about Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and seen some intense headlines, but what does it actually mean for families and providers? This episode isn't about politics—it's about people. We're looking at both sides of the issue and exploring how to be steady and informed advocates as the system shifts. Whether you're in early intervention, schools, or private practice, this episode will help you stay grounded and proactive as upcoming changes in Medicaid begin to roll out. Read the blog post here!  

Just wanted to shout out THANK YOU- thank you my friends for your continued support as I walk this post partum anxiety journey. I see you, I appreciate you, and I am thankful for each and every one of you. 

In this episode, I'm sharing my journey through the first 2 months post-partum and how it relates to parent involvement in speech therapy for toddlers.  I pride myself on being an empathic person. Life has thrown a ton of curveballs my way. With each curveball, I've been left with a lesson and purpose that has helped me relate to parents on multiple levels. Today, I want to share some of that with you.  Check out this episode if you're interested in learning about post-partum anxiety and more ways you can empathize with the parents of toddlers on your caseload. 

In this episode, you'll find an honest conversation about setting boundaries, find peace, and making tough decisions about work life balance.  If you caught the previous episode of The SLP Next Door Podcast, then you know I'm currently in the midst of new motherhood (second time around) and fighting an incredibly difficult battle with post partum anxiety.  Today, i'm opening up and talking about big decisions I've had to make over the last few days and the ways I will be navigating life moving forward. 

In this episode, I'm starting to share my journey with post-partum anxiety. Like many moms, my post-partum anxiety slammed me out of nowhere and left me feeling completely out of control of my life.  After posting about it on Instagram, I realized that many others also experience crippling anxiety and so I've decided to carve out some time on The SLP Next Door Podcast to share my journey.  I'm no stranger to anxiety disorder; in fact, I've experienced anxiety all my life. After my second baby was born, I knew it was coming, I just wasn't expecting it to hit me as hard as it did.  If you're a follower of The SLP NExt Door Podcast- the speech therapy for toddlers side, don't worry! I will continue to share episodes. They will be labeled with pink thumbnails. For the anxiety side of things, look for the purple thumbnails.  You can decide which side fits you best (although I do hope you'll join me for both!)  This is the first episode, where I'm introducing the concept of this podcast series and sharing how it all got started.  You can find me on Instagram @theslpnextdoor - I would LOVE to hear from you!