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Eat, Speak, & Think

I've been a medical speech-language pathologist since 2008, and I'm passionate about sharing useful tips and resources to help people living with swallowing, communication, or cognitive challenges.

Featured Post

🔥EST Updates: Simplify motor speech evaluations with the CMSF

Hi Reader,I recently ran a 1-week giveaway that no one entered! So the free 12-month extension for a new Medbridge subscription is still up for grabs. The new giveaway runs from today (10/20/2025) through 11/3/2025. The odds of winning depend on the number of people who enter. If you sign up for a new Medbridge subscription with code EATSPEAKTHINK during that timeframe, you will automatically be entered to win. You don't have to purchase a subscription to enter! See the Giveaway Rules for...

Hi Reader,I've been having fun learning how to make YouTube videos. I released a new video this week, giving a quick overview of one of my handouts and my tips for how to use it in therapy. Thank you so much to those of you who responded to my poll on what kind of videos to make. I really appreciate your supportive comments! 👓 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a really funny and insightful cartoon from a Black man who is living with ALS.🌟Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find: A...

Hi Reader,I'm excited to share my new YouTube channel! I released my first short video on Saturday night, sharing 3 tips to remember why you walked into a room. My goal is to share practical tips and a down-to-earth persona, which is why I left the blooper in at the end. In this age of AI, I want to double down on being human (as Joanna Penn of The Creative Penn often says). Please complete this quick poll and help me decide what kind of videos to make!📺 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a...

Hi Reader,Today, I'm sharing 3 free assessment tools you may not have seen before. I apologize for forgetting to mention that I would be sending my emails on the 2nd and 4th Mondays this month in observance of Labor Day. I didn't get any frantic emails, so I don't think I upset anyone! The EST article and download are about the ways skilled clinicians can help beyond restorative therapy. 🧩 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a 1.5 minute video challenge.🧠 Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun,"...

Hi Reader,I met Stephen Chase roughly one year ago. I walked into his home wearing my scrubs and carrying my home health bag, eager to see how I might be of help. Steve was sitting in the living room, eyes full of life, and a half-smile turning up the corner of his mouth. He struggled to greet me in an audible voice. By his side was his petite wife, Wendy, who I quickly learned had the courage and strength of a lion. Wendy and Steve were well-matched in every way that I could see. When I met...

Hi Reader,It turns out that there are many risks of eating a modified diet, and that SLPs don't necessarily know about them. I wrote this article in the spirit of Maya Angelou's famous quote, which I'll paraphrase: "When we know better, we do better."🛠️ Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a short video showing how disability accommodations often benefit all of us.🕒 Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find: - Excellent time management tips.- Eye-opening discussion about the history of...

A person in a bright pink jacket and olive-green pants stands confidently on a rocky, shallow stream bed at the base of a tall, tiered waterfall. The waterfall cascades down dark, moss-covered rock ledges surrounded by dense, green forest. Sunlight filter

Hi Reader,I just saw 21 waterfalls along a 4 mile hiking trail... in Pennsylvania! I had never heard of Ricketts Glen State Park until I asked ChatGPT for suggestions on what to do at the halfway point of my long drive back to my hometown. Check out a photo of the 94-foot waterfall at the bottom of this email! I'm working on my next article for the blog. I'll be discussing the 13 risks of altered diets (food and liquid). If you don't know what they are, check out this open-access article....

Person marking a checkbox on a paper survey with green, yellow, and red smiley faces indicating different responses. Text on the right side reads: '35+ free cognitive tests, screeners, and questionnaires.'

Hi Reader,I emailed out EST's updated Resource Binder to all current supporters on Buy Me A Coffee on July 1. It now stands at 326 pages! If you can't find the email, just reply and let me know. The Mini Resource Binder was also updated and is now 84 pages. This is a reward for people who offer a one-time tip on Buy Me A Coffee. As always, thank you for your support! It's a large reason why I keep going with this project after 7 years!⭐️ Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find Black American Sign...

Hi Reader,After realizing that my executive function training is not ADHD-friendly, I've been taking a deep dive into adult ADHD. In my first post, I hope to raise awareness about key points that we should know. I'm planning on writing a follow-up article on what ADHD-friendly executive function training looks like. If you know of any good resources, please let me know! I know I usually talk about Medbridge, but I also really like SpeechPathology.com. If you sign up for a new subscription by...

Hi Reader,I've fielded a lot of questions lately about how to do AAC evaluations, so I thought I would share my tutorial. I'm also sharing a foundation that offers grants for free AAC equipment and more. On a personal note, I had a great vacation in my hometown. I met up with a friend, I borrowed a clarinet to practice for a July concert, and my sister sent me home with lots of gardening tips and ideas. It was great to spend time with my family. I hope you have a relaxing vacation planned!...