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A FRESH START FOR SPRING
READ BELOW!

 
 
From NICU to Home:
FINDING YOUR RHYTHM
WITHOUT THE MONITORS
 
Bringing your baby home from the NICU is both joyful and overwhelming. In the hospital, monitors and care teams guided every step. At home, that support shifts—creating space to learn your baby’s cues, build trust, and find a rhythm that works for your family.
 
This transition often means moving from strict schedules to more flexible, cue-based care. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize your baby’s hunger cues, feeding patterns, and unique needs. Progress may feel gradual, especially if feeding skills are still developing, but small, consistent experiences help build confidence for both you and your baby.
 
It’s easy to focus on numbers like ounces or timing, but your baby’s cues and overall patterns matter just as much. And just as importantly, so does your well-being during this transition.
 
You don’t have to do this perfectly—just stay connected, flexible, and supported.
 
Click here to view the full article!

 
FROM OUR DIETICIAN
 
  A Practical Approach To:
PEDIATRIC WEIGHT GAIN
 
For some children, weight gain can be a challenge—and it’s easy for mealtimes to become stressful when every bite feels like it counts. The good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big difference without turning food into a battle.
 
The foundation starts with balanced meals that include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to support growth, energy, and development. From there, simple strategies like adding calorie-dense ingredients, incorporating healthy fats, and using dips or toppings can help boost nutrition without increasing portion sizes.
 
Most importantly, keeping mealtimes positive and pressure-free supports not just growth, but a healthy relationship with food.
 
Small changes can go a long way in supporting both nutrition and confidence at the table.
 
If you're feeling unsure about what it looks like for your child or are still concerned about weight gain, you don't have to figure it out alone. I'm always here to help- please reach out at any time for personalized guidance and support tailored to your family!
 
Morgan Knust
MS, RDN, LD

 
Preserving Voice Beyond Speech:
STORY BANKING FOR ALS
 
For individuals diagnosed with ALS, changes in speech can occur over time. Story banking offers a meaningful way to preserve what matters most before those changes happen. Rather than focusing on how someone sounds, it captures what they want to say—personal stories, messages, and the phrases that reflect who they are.
 
This process supports future communication while maintaining identity, connection, and authenticity. It’s not just a clinical tool, but a deeply personal way to create something lasting for both individuals and their loved ones.
 
Because communication is more than speech- it's who we are.
 
If you are interested in learning how to guide someone through this process, we invite you to explore our online course by clicking the link below:

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When we think of spring, we think of growth. For many kids, learning to read is a huge part of that growth. But for some, reading doesn't come easily, no matter how hard they try. This may be a sign of dyslexia, a learning difference that impacts how the brain processes written language. It can impact reading, spelling, and writing, even in children who are bright, motivated, and eager to learn.
In this article, we take a closer look at what dyslexia is, common signs to watch for, and why early support is so important.
 
We also share how speech-language pathologists support the foundational skills behind reading and simple, low-pressure ways you can support your child at home. Click the button below to view the full article.

 
When Access Changes:
Navigating the gap
in swallow studies
The recent closure of Patheous Health has created a significant gap in access to instrumental swallow evaluations like FEES and MBS. For many facilities and patients, these services were essential for timely diagnosis, diet recommendations, and overall safety.
 
Without reliable access, delays in care can increase the risk of aspiration, unnecessary diet restrictions, and prolonged recovery. While bedside assessments are valuable, they cannot replace the real-time visualization these studies provide.
 
This shift highlights how critical access is in healthcare. As providers work to find new solutions, there is a growing need for responsive, relationship-driven care models that ensure continuity and timely answers.
 
At Speech and Swallowing Specialists of Kansas City (SaSSKC), we are committed to helping bridge this gap through mobile FEES services that prioritize quick access, collaboration, and immediate clinical feedback.
Your patients deserve timely, accurate care-
and we're here to help make that happen.
 

 
Every step forward—big or small—is worth celebrating. At SASSKC, we see growth happen every day, whether it’s a child mastering a new skill, a family settling into a new routine, or an adult finding ways to maintain independence.
 
As we embrace this season of renewal, we hope this newsletter gives you ideas, encouragement, and a little inspiration to take your own fresh steps this spring. Here’s to new beginnings and meaningful progress—one day at a time. 
Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC
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6550 Sprint Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66211, United States