This episode explores LSVT LOUD for KIDS through a partnership between Northwestern University and GiGi’s Playhouse in Deerfield, Illinois. Speech-language pathologist Leigh Cohen explains how the program works for young children with Down syndrome and how families, schools, and other providers collaborate to support communication. Then, parents Brittany Briscoe (mom of Worth) and Consuelo Martinez (mom of Rafael) share their sons’ experiences, from the intensive treatment period to maintenance, and talk about what has changed in their children’s voices, speech, and everyday communication. Together, they discuss teamwork, peer support, and what they hope other families will know as they consider LSVT LOUD for their child. As we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this conversation highlights the importance of supporting communication and creating opportunities for children with Down syndrome to be heard and understood.

Special Guests: Leigh Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP; Consuelo Martinez, Rafael’s Mother; Brittany Briscoe, Worth’s Mother

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

GiGi’s Playhouse: Nonprofit network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers that provide free, research-based educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Click here to find a location near you: https://gigisplayhouse.org/

GiGi’s Playhouse, Deerfield location: https://gigisplayhouse.org/deerfield/

Audio Samples, LSVT LOUD for KID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfCGQ1a_FNg&list=PLAVGIFagFDk5xnQyx072w4FgFLPk2V-A9&index=7

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, written and produced by Ian Grant, Paul Mitchell, and Josh Phillips. The song and video were inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

In this episode, Beth is joined by speech-language pathologist Heather Shirey and Mindy Imron, mother of Weston, to share Weston's experience receiving LSVT LOUD in the school setting. In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, they discuss what led them to pursue LSVT LOUD for Weston, a talkative and social 9-year-old with Down syndrome, after his family and teachers noticed he was becoming harder to understand, even though his articulation skills were strong.

Heather and Mindy walk through what treatment looked like for Weston, how Heather adapted the program to keep a young child motivated and engaged, and the changes they saw in his voice and everyday communication. They describe Weston speaking more slowly and loudly, singing with more intonation, being heard during the Pledge of Allegiance, and confidently ordering his own meal at a busy restaurant. Most importantly, they share how they made the intensive LSVT LOUD program work at school, including updating his IEP, scheduling sessions at the end of the school day, collaborating with teachers, staff, and Weston's private SLP, preparing Mindy to support homework at home, and continuing carryover in the classroom after treatment ended.

This episode is ideal for SLPs, educators, and families wondering, "Can LSVT LOUD really work in a school setting?" Heather and Mindy's story shows that with teamwork, collaboration, and a willingness to think outside the box, it can.

Special Guests: Heather Shirey, MS, CCC-SLP; Mindy Imron, Weston's Mother

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson's by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, written and produced by Ian Grant, Paul Mitchell, and Josh Phillips. The song and video were inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson's worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson's. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:33 Weston's communication before LSVT LOUD

3:09 Why LSVT LOUD was a good fit

5:21 Mom's first reaction and concerns

7:09 Adapting LSVT LOUD for a child

8:56 Making it work in the school setting

10:31 The parent's role: IEP and homework

11:41 IEP changes and classroom carryover

13:46 Fitting treatment into the school day

14:39 Collaborating with the private SLP

15:30 Changes in Weston's voice and communication

20:04 The moment it clicked

22:14 Advice for SLPs and families

24:44 Keys to Weston's success

27:09 Final thoughts

29:04 Closing and credits

In this episode Beth is joined by Dr. Michael Braitsch, a physical therapist and professor at Texas Woman’s University, to explore his journey into working with people with Parkinson’s disease and his innovative approach to Parkinson’s wellness.

Michael shares the story behind Tribe Wellness, the Parkinson-specific clinic he founded in Dallas, and the group exercise programs he developed, including Southpaws Boxing Club, Brain & Body Tai Chi, Mobility Yog-ahhh, and Peak Performers. They discuss the power of combining evidence-based exercise with community, connection, and opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to stay active and engaged beyond traditional therapy. Michael also introduces his upcoming “Your Own Parkinson’s Pilgrimage” fundraiser for the Davis Phinney Foundation and shares his perspective on what it means to live well with Parkinson’s.

Special Guest: Mike Braitsch, PT, DPT

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Connect with Dr. Braitsch!

Instagram: @tribewellnessllc or @drmikebraitschpt

Email: tribewellnessllc@gmail.com

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Click subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!