By Jennifer Volpe

As we approached our “awareness” theme this month, I reflected on the many ways it connects to speech therapy.

What does it mean to raise awareness? We have Dyslexia Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. These observances are about more than just information-sharing; they’re about normalizing differences, celebrating strengths, and helping others understand the struggles of our kids. In speech therapy, awareness is at the heart of what we do.

We help children become aware of their bodies: where their tongue is, how their lips are shaped, and whether they are using diaphragmatic breathing. We use mirrors, tactile tools, and visuals to help them tune into their articulators.

In pragmatic language therapy, we explore social awareness. We want kids to be their authentic selves while also recognizing the needs, wants, and feelings of others. We discuss reading the room, understanding personal space, and navigating conversations.

But at its core, building awareness in therapy means helping children understand themselves. We want to recognize what they’re good at, what challenges them, and how to move between the two confidently.

We build this awareness by explaining everything we do: Why are we doing this activity? What will it help with? How does it connect to their goals? We’re helping them develop a stronger sense of self.

And from that self-awareness, other types of awareness can grow:

• Where is my body in space?
  
  
• What is going on around me?
  
  
• Am I aware of my breathing, my emotions, my energy?
  
  

These things start to click once kids begin to truly see themselves.

Awareness isn’t just a theme for October, it’s a mindset we nurture daily.