At the 2015 American Speech and Hearing Association Conference, I attended an intriguing workshop titled, "The Neurological and Social Foundations of Speech" by Ken Bleile from The University of Northern Iowa. In this presentation, Dr. Bleile explored the idea that social context plays a major role in supporting brain development. He cited studies that show that children learn language much more effectively from a caregiver than from an electronic screeen. He suggests that the reason for this is that social context energizes and promotes brain development.

Dr. Bleile then asked the question, "What is the major driver of clinical success, the clinician or the approach?" This question can be applied to other areas outside of speech therapy as well. Research shows that the clinician and his/her relationship with the client is much more important than the approach. He hypothesizes that interactions between the clinican and students engage the social brain, which promotes brain learning. Dr. Bleile said that both the student and clinician are neurologically wired for learning in a social context. In working with children, whether they are 2 years-old or 15 years-old, I try to remember this workshop. I've seen this with my own children also. A child (or anyone for that matter) needs to feel that they have a connection with the person in front of them before they are able to learn and progress.

Amber Sampson, MS, CCC-SLP