How Play Sparked Liam’s Language:
A Patient Success Story
Rogers Bridge » Speech Therapy » How Play Sparked Liam’s Language: A Patient Success Story
At Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy, we believe in the power of early intervention and the magic of play. For one little boy named Liam (name changed for privacy), play wasn’t just fun, it was the key to unlocking his communication.
Starting with Support
Liam began his journey with us through Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait program. At just under two years old, he wasn’t using many words, and his family was understandably concerned. He had a bright personality and a clear desire to connect, but without reliable words or gestures, frustration often took over.
A comprehensive speech evaluation revealed that Liam had both receptive and expressive language delays. Receptive language refers to what a child understands—words, questions, and directions. Expressive language is how a child communicates with others—through sounds, words, gestures, or signs.
Understanding the root of Liam’s communication challenges helped us create a plan that met him right where he was, building skills through meaningful, playful interactions.
We partnered with Liam and his family to build the foundation for functional communication—the kind of language that helps a child express their wants, needs, feelings, and ideas in daily life. Our goal was to help Liam communicate in a way that worked for him and the people who loved him most.
Play with a Purpose
Rather than structured drills or flashcards, we focused on what matters most in early childhood: play.
Play gave us a window into Liam’s world. It allowed us to follow his lead, respond to his interests, and build communication through natural moments of connection.
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Bubbles
Bubbles were a favorite from day one. We used simple words like “pop,” “more,” “up,” and “open.” At first, Liam watched and laughed. Then he pointed. Then came the words. This activity became a fun and engaging way to practice early language skills—and every time he said “pop,” his face lit up with pride.
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Chase
Liam loved playing chase with his parents and older sibling. We used the game to model words like “go,” “stop,” “again,” and “run.” Over time, Liam began using those words to initiate the game, which empowered him to take the lead in social play.
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Swinging
The swing was another favorite. We embedded functional words like “more,” “help,” “go,” “fast,” and “stop.” These words had power—they let Liam control what was happening. His first clear “go” on the swing was met with laughter, movement, and celebration. Language became exciting.
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Bath Time
Bath time was a routine rich with language opportunities. We labeled toys like “duck” and “cup,” named body parts like “feet” and “belly,” and modeled actions like “wash” and “splash.” Because these words were tied to meaningful experiences, they became part of Liam’s growing vocabulary.
Family as Partners
Liam’s parents played a huge role in his progress. We worked together to create a language-rich environment at home. We encouraged them to pause, wait, and respond to every communication attempt. They learned to model simple words during routines, playtime, and meals.
And they didn’t just support communication during sessions—they practiced every day, turning daily moments into opportunities for connection.
Moving Forward with Confidence
By the time Liam transitioned out of early intervention, his communication had changed dramatically. He was using functional words to express his needs, combining words to share ideas, and engaging in back-and-forth conversations with his family.
He wasn’t just talking—he was connecting.
Why This Story Matters
Every child’s path looks different, but Liam’s story shows what’s possible when we focus on the right things at the right time. Early support. Responsive caregivers. And most importantly, play.
Functional communication doesn’t begin with long sentences. It begins with meaningful, everyday moments—popping a bubble, asking for “more,” laughing during a chase. These are the moments that matter.
If you have questions about your child’s speech and language development, we’re here for you. Early intervention changes lives, and we’d be honored to walk that journey with you.
Ready to Explore?
Call us today for a free phone consultation. 💬 Let’s talk about how we can support your child’s communication through play.
"I’m a very proud Momma, my son was behind in his speech, he would only say 'mama and dada.' On his 1st day with his speech therapist Christina she encouraged my son to say at least 3 words on his very 1st day. Now my son is saying over 50 -60 words and he just made 2 years old."
– Kira