Empowering Bilingual Families in Early Intervention

In this episode course we dive into essential strategies for supporting bilingual children and their families during the critical early intervention period. Listeners will explore three key components of a whole-child approach in pediatric speech therapy, gaining insights into how to view and support children beyond just their speech and language needs. The episode also covers practical ways to integrate oral motor therapy into early intervention, with clear explanations and examples to guide implementation. Finally, the presenter shares a powerful, actionable message that clinicians can use to empower bilingual families on their early language journey. Through thoughtful discussion and real-life applications, this episode equips professionals with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Earn 1 clock hour of continuing education credit (Introductory Level, Professional Area).

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This program has been approved for 1 clock hour of continuing education credit by the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). TSHA approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures. TSHA continuing education (CE) hours can be used toward renewal of your Texas SLP license (and most other states too) and for professional development hour(s) for the maintenance of your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Simply save your certificate of completion, these CE courses are not ASHA CEUs and will not be sent to the optional ASHA CEU registry. CLICK HERE to learn more about ASHA CUEs vs PDHs.

As a result of this presentation the participant will be able to:

•1.Identify 3 key components of a whole-child approach in pediatric speech therapy.
•2.Describe how oral motor therapy can be integrated into early intervention
•3.Explain one thing you can tell a bilingual family to empower their bilingual early language journey.

00:00Introduction to the Pep Talk Podcast
02:04 Empowering Bilingual Families in Early Intervention
08:30 Debunking Myths About Bilingualism and Language Delays
16:08 The Whole Child Approach in Pediatric Speech Therapy
26:14 Personal Experiences and Insights on Myofunctional Therapy
27:05 Understanding Common Misconceptions in Child Development
29:40 The Importance of a Whole Child Approach
29:56 Sensory Integration in Therapy
33:52 Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy
43:46 Oral Motor Therapy and Early Intervention
49:35 Empowering Bilingual Families in Language Development

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. Pep Talk Podcast, its host, and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during episodes unless otherwise stated. TSHA approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Guest Speaker
Martha Boiardt is a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and published author with Bjorem Speech Publications, where she creates Spanish-language materials to support culturally responsive care. She is the founder of Miami Speech Therapy, LLC, offering concierge in-home and in-school services across Miami-Dade. The daughter and granddaughter of Cuban refugees, Martha is passionate about empowering bilingual families—especially those raising neurodivergent children—to embrace their culture and advocate with confidence. Her clinical work focuses on early intervention, speech sound disorders, feeding and myofunctional therapy, and parent coaching. When she’s not working, you’ll find her crafting, reading, or enjoying life with her husband and three kids.

Disclosures

Michelle Andrews’ financial disclosers: She has a Teachers pay Teachers, Boom Learning, and Teach with Medley store under Pep Talk LLC. She is also the founder and manager of the Pep Talk Podcast.
Michelle Andrews’ non-financial disclosures: Speech Arcade is an in-kind sponsor for this podcast.
Martha's financial disclosures: she is the owner of Miami Speech Therapy, LLC, a pediatric private practice that conducts bilingual speech, language, and feeding therapy in Miami, FL. I also earn compensation for Spanish language consultations and a percentage of the sales of her products with Bjorem Speech Publications. I am in the process of developing a course centered around empowering parents to take charge of their child's care and will be presenting on this topic at FLASHA 2025.
Martha's non-financial disclosures: None

References & Resources

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Episode Sponsor

This Episode is sponsored by: Martha's Multisyllabic Words deck by Bjorem Speech Publications

I will definitely be using this information starting tomorrow in therapy sessions. There is more to learn, but it definitely opened my eyes to why certain kids I have or have had were not progressing like their other peers.

— Hailey P.

I love this podcast! What a fun way to earn continuing education. I have learned new skills that I will be using going forward.

— Emily W.

I have been listening to this podcast on my way to work and so far I have earned 3 CEU hours! I will be back for more!

— Hannah E.

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Earn 1 Hour of Continued Education