Play, Talk, & Grow is a private pediatric practice serving the greater Asheville area. Specializing in the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders. Including Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Phonological Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Language delays, Natural Language Acquisition, Analytic Language Learners, and supporting Autistic children through child-led therapy.
We value meaningful goals that represent the whole child. Our therapeutic approach is respectful and strengths based for ALL families. We are play-based therapists that believes in following a child’s lead. By listening to the child and providing engaging activities we are able to build trust and establish a nurturing relationship on which we can develop speech and language skills.
We provide primarily clinic based services, however home-health, virtual, and school-based services are available. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be present and fully participate in therapy sessions. Connecting with the family is just as important as our relationship with the child.
Attention Parents and Professionals!!!
Does your child memorize books or movies? Do they speak with inflection but are difficult to understand? Are they imitating all the words they hear? Often, children who use delayed echolalia (or scripting) are gestalt language processors. Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a form of language development that starts with whole memorized phrases to single words. It is a natural way to develop language but is often thought of as disordered by those unaware of GLP. It is NOT!
Those that are not yet using flexible, original language require a different approach in order to begin communicating with self-generated language. Chrissy is a Certified NLA Trained Clinician and can help parents and other professionals understand child-led therapy, gestalt language processing and learn the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework, developed by Marge Blanc (2012), to help support kids on their language development journey. Contact us today to learn more!
In the News…
ABCNYMoms says: “Chrissy has distilled her method for teaching children how to talk into a simple, easy to understand program featuring high quality makers and non-toxic and environmentally friendly products.” Follow the link to read more. https://abcnymoms.com/meet-chrissy-thompson-of-playtalkgrow/
“I wanted a place for parents to go to find answers to their questions and to learn real strategies and tools. I want them to feel empowered that they can support their child every day.” From my interview with Motherhood Moment. Read more here: https://motherhood-moment.blogspot.com/2019/08/website-spotlight-playtalkandgrow.html?fbclid=IwAR1pQogYZgXQMTscF0uRMi-xDr-UCJYhtKJ2Pg2G6IlsefdSv8fMzBoMUJE
Chrissy uses creative and natural play to engage children and encourage emergent language and communication. She is skilled at promoting child initiated, functional, and unprompted verbal and nonverbal interactions. Her dedication to improving the communication skills of children is evident in her warm and compassionate relationships with children and families.
Jennifer B.
