In November, Jennie and I had the amazing opportunity to travel across the world to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where we were invited to speak at the Jeddah Institute for Speech and Hearing’s (JISH) 24th Annual Scientific Conference on Communication Disorders. This was more than just a professional event—it was a week of learning, connecting, and celebrating the power of global collaboration in speech-language pathology.
We’re so excited to share the most frequently asked questions about our experience—and some of our favorite moments!
🕓 How long did it take to get there?
A long journey, but absolutely worth it!
Our outbound route: Denver → Frankfurt → Dubai → Jeddah
Our return trip: Jeddah → Dubai → Newark → Denver
The flight home took about 38 hours!
📅 How did this all come together?
We first met our wonderful hosts from JISH at ASHA in 2022 in New Orleans. While Jennie had connected with them before, this was our first real conversation about going to Saudi Arabia. We revisited the idea in early 2025, and the rest is history!
🕌 What did you do while visiting?
So much! Our trip blended work and exploration.
One highlight was visiting AlUla, a stunning region in northwest Saudi Arabia full of history and natural beauty. We explored Elephant Rock, the Maraya Concert Hall, and the beautiful Old Town.
We also went on a walking tour of historic Jeddah with a group of amazing women—SLPs, professors, and moms—all working to support and grow our field. It was deeply inspiring to share stories and experiences.
🎤 What were your presentations about?
Our work agenda included two days of presenting and three days of collaborative clinical work:
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Jennie spoke about assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
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Lauren (me!) presented on incorporating literacy into CAS therapy.
We engaged in thoughtful discussions about Arabic-English speech patterns, current research, and practical applications for therapy.
🧸 Tell us about the clinical days!
These were some of our favorite moments.
At JISH, therapy starts at 10:00 AM, so we had collaborative time each morning to review notes and prep sessions. One of the clinicians was already familiar with the Bjorem Speech® Sound Cues, which made integrating them a breeze!
We worked on early sound-symbol correspondence, floor play, CAS assessments, and so much more. We even visited Danube (our favorite grocery store!) to gather affordable everyday items like blue tape, Dixie cups, aluminum foil, and stickers to show how play-based therapy can be simple and accessible.
🗣️ Did everyone speak English?
Not everyone, but many did. We presented in English without an interpreter and worked with bilingual therapists during our sessions.
🏫 Who hosted you?
We were hosted by the incredible team of SLPs at JISH during their 24th Annual Conference, which was both in-person and virtual. Their dedication to the field and their hospitality were unmatched.
🍽️ How was the food?
Absolutely delicious!
From fresh fish at the market to a traditional Turkish breakfast, and even authentic Egyptian cuisine with goat and kebabs—it was a feast of flavor! We also became regulars at our hotel’s Indian restaurant (and we're not ashamed!).
💖 What Was Your Favorite Part?
Jennie shares:
“The highlight of my trip to Saudi Arabia was working in the clinic at JISH, connecting with Saudi families and children, learning some of the Arabic speech sounds, and supporting SLPs in bringing more play into therapy. We focused on modeling the power of family involvement, including getting down on the floor with young children to demonstrate how play, interaction, and connection can transform communication.”
Lauren shares:
“One of my favorite moments was during a therapy session with a young boy who was working on sound-symbol correspondences. At one point, he turned to his Arabic-speaking therapist and asked how to say ‘Nice to meet you’ in English so he could say it to me. Later, we played table basketball together. That simple exchange—connection, communication, and play—was truly a highlight of my trip!”
Final Thoughts 💭
This trip reminded us that SLPs are changing lives around the world, and when we come together to share knowledge, tools, and support—we all grow.
We’re beyond thankful to JISH and our new SLP friends in Saudi Arabia for welcoming us with open arms.
💬 Want to Bring Bjorem Speech® to Your Country or Clinic?
We love collaborating! If you're interested in booking Jennie Bjorem or Lauren Kline for a course, event, or international training, click here to contact us.
