By Leslie Lindsay

Although we are no longer dealing with CAS in the instensity or severity we once were, I truly did see a change overcome Kate (now 7.9 years and in 2nd grade) as she boinged and bounced around the trampolines.  Her mind was present and engaged; she giggled as though there was no tomorrow, and she initiated a game of “mimic me.”  It went like this, “Okay, mom…I am going to do what you do [on the trampoline].”  And she did.  Not that I was all that innovative (or limber) on the giant stretchy material.  But sure, I did some seat-drops, high-knees, and straddles.  She did them all.  I counted and completed repetitions of exercises…say 10 seat-drops in a row and she watched, repeating what I had done.   

Now how does all of this relate to speech and language, you ask?  Bear with me. 

• It helps organize thoughts
• Kate’s  mimic game has a lot to do with turn-taking in coversations.  You speak, I speak.  We both listen (hopefully)…and observe. 
• It gives kids a *boost* of confidence
• Little talking is really required to jump on a trampoline.  It just takes a little skill and stability…even so, it’s still a ton of fun, and sure to elicit some smiles and giggles (which is a precursor to speech and language)
• You can sneak in speech drills with trampolines, too…as you bounce along, quiz your child on words/phrases/sounds he is working on in speech therapy. 
• Play I’m-gonna-get-you…and run about the trampolines.  When you “catch” each other, say a troublesome word/sound/phrase. 

Our experience wasn’t exactly cheap (about $10/per person) and I wouldn’t advise going to pricey indoor play gyms like this one all the time (or in lieu of speech therapy by a trained and qualifed SLP), but for an out-of-the-house experience, you and your family can have a fun and healthy time while sneaking in a little speech-langauge work.  And please use caution–as you would with any physical activity or sport.  Trampolines, if not used correctly can cause serious injury. 

For more tips & information on ideas like this (those involving gross motor, and the science behind it), please refer to chapter 8 in SPEAKING OF APRAXIA: A Parent’s Guide to CAS (Woodbine House, 2012).