31. Why Movement Is the Missing Link in Speech Therapy: An Occupational Therapist's Core, Gross, Fine Motor & Visual Motor Secrets

Movement isn’t optional in speech therapy—it’s essential. Research shows that children with speech and language impairments are far more likely to also have motor delays. When a child can’t join in multi-step play, it’s not always about words—it’s often about the body.In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Evans, a passionate pediatric occupational therapist, who reveals his best-kept secrets for building the core, gross motor, fine motor, and visual motor skills that unlock communication and social interaction.You’ll learn:Why motor skills matter just as much as speech skills in therapyEasy core-strengthening activities that fit seamlessly into speech sessionsObstacle course ideas that improve balance, sequencing, and engagementFine motor strategies that boost both language and classroom participationBonus: Joe’s top activities for visual motor integration (a skill many SLPs overlook)✨ Want weekly, ready-to-use activities that combine movement, literacy, speech, language, and AAC? Inside the SIS Membership, you’ll get empirically-based, theme-based lessons plus a parent/large group/teletherapy Google Slides deck every week. Join here: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis