Hi Reader,
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I have to avoid certain foods due to sensitivities (such as dairy, corn, and honey), plus I'm pescatarian, which makes banquets tricky for me. I went to a high school sports banquet last month that didn't serve anything I could eat.

Thankfully, the kitchen staff prepared a meal for me. I remember sitting at a large round table waiting for my meal while everyone else ate. I felt very awkward, sitting at an empty spot as everyone else dug into plates piled high with a variety of yummy-looking food.

Then the staff brought out my meal. My plate was half-filled with plain steamed carrots, while the other half contained pasta with marinara sauce.

My plate looked very different than everyone else's, plus it wasn't a meal I would ever make for myself. I remember sitting there, feeling awkward for new reasons and disappointed by the plain but expensive meal.

Now listen, I know my challenges with food are very minor compared to many other people. I usually can find something delicious to eat at most restaurants, and I don't have a swallowing problem. But sitting there at that big round table, I felt acutely uncomfortable at being so obviously different than everyone else.

I ate my meal with gratitude that the kitchen staff took the time to prepare something specifically for me.

But I also ate with a touch of humility, realizing that my recommendations as a speech-language pathologist may result in other people being made to feel the same way.

My experience at that table renewed my determination to put my patient's desires first. I will educate and offer options, but it is my patient and their families who make the decisions.

I'm sharing this story for two reasons. First, I thought you might find it interesting or relatable. And second, I just came across the new SWIG podcast and episode one relates directly to the topic of speech therapy and social eating.
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​🎧 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a great podcast about youth with cognitive impairments and the justice system.
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​🧠 Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find:

• A sale on speech therapy apps.
• Impressive new brain sensors.
• Podcast about the SLP fix-it mentality regarding dysphagia.

Feel free to reply to this email with any suggestions or comments!

MedBridge Education Discount for SLP, OT, PT, nurses, and athletic trainers.

Save over $100 on a year-long subscription for unlimited access to hundreds of CEUs.
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Read why I recommend Medbridge, and what you get with your subscription or sign up using the code EatSpeakThink.
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​STUDENT SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS! Only $100 (save $50)
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You may be interested in these courses:

• ​Managing Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP) Challenges - Julie Blair
• ​AI Speech Therapy: What Ethical Considerations Should I Think About? - Sarah Baar & Nina Benway
• ​Aging in Place: Cognitive Changes in Aging and Strategies for Success - Angela Mansolillo

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​These are affiliate links. As an affiliate of MedBridge Education, I may earn a small commission on qualifying new subscriptions. There is no extra charge to you, and it will help make Eat, Speak, & Think sustainable.

EST post from the archives

• ​17 tips for the new home health SLP. Actually this article offers advice for any clinician wanting to work more efficiently.

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• Working more efficiently is an ongoing goal for me! Please reply with any tips you may have!

PDF Download from the archives

You can access all free Eat, Speak, & Think PDF downloads in the password-protected Free Subscription Library.
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​☕Treat EST to a coffee and you'll get the Mini Resource Binder (67 pages). Become a member at the "Supporter" level and you'll receive the full Resource Binder (308 pages), plus updated editions. Thank you if you choose to support me in this way!

• ​Tips for the new home health SLP - This clinician cheat sheet lists all 17 tips on a single page, making it easy to scan. Try picking one tip to try out this week, and let me know how it goes!

🎧 Diverse Voices

I'm intentionally seeking out new voices that differ from me in some way. Reply to this email with your suggestions for future newsletters! ​
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The Cognitive Capacity podcast investigates how young people living with cognitive disabilities are treated by the justice system. The April 1, 2025 episode dives into a pivotal case that went to the Supreme Court.

🧠 Interesting, Useful, or Fun

Want more of this? Check out the Eat, Speak, & Think Blog Facebook page.​
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(1) Sale on Tactus Therapy apps until May 15! I have most of the Tactus Therapy apps and use them often with my patients. (I have no affiliation with them.)
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(2) New brain sensors are so small, they fit on the scalp between hair follicles! They are comfortable enough to wear all day, and they don't need conductive gel. This tech will open up many new opportunities!
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(3) Dr. Ianessa Humbert's new podcast has a new podcast, called SWIG. Episode One lays out the fascinating history of how SLPs came to treat dysphagia and the impact of our "fix-it" culture.

Thanks for reading!
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Consider supporting EST by telling a friend or directly with a small tip through Buy Me a Coffee.

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Stay safe and be well,

Lisa
(she/her)