Teach Me To Talk the Podcast Take 2: Teach a Nonspeaking Child to Imitate Words | Laura Mize

If your toddler isn’t talking yet, don’t start with words — start with imitation! In today’s Teach Me To Talk podcast, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP explain the 8 essential stages a nonspeaking child must master before they’re ready to imitate words. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ Why imitation is the foundation for all speech ✨ The hierarchy of imitation from easiest to hardest ✨ How to teach imitation step-by-step ✨ What to do when a child refuses or can’t imitate words ✨ Real examples for toddlers with language delays or autism ✨ How parents and pediatric therapists can get better results by starting earlier in the process These practical strategies are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are not yet talking, barely talking, or struggling to imitate words. Designed for parents and professionals working with babies, toddlers, and young preschoolers with communication delays. If you'd like detailed instructions with lots of examples and activities for you to try at home, check out Laura's best selling therapy Building Verbal Imitation in Toddlers. Check it out here: https://teachmetotalk.com/product/building-verbal-imitation-skills-in-toddlers/ Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5 Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notes + 2 additional handouts 1. Tool for Assessing Imitation 2. Vocabulary List for Late Talking Toddlers and Preschoolers LINK HERE: https://teachmetotalk.com/?post_type=ceu_course&p=73056&preview=true Have a question for Laura and Macy? Email laura@teachmetotalk.com or macy@teachmetotalk.com with the subject line PODCAST Join Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!) https://teachmetotalk.com/ Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com The Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta... The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut... Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let... Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea... Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui... Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea... FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun... Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the... Learn about our Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate: Shift from deficits-focused to strengths-based speech therapy — using goals and activities that build genuine connection while honoring neurodiversity. https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/ Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!** Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas: https://teachmetotalk.com