May 11, 2021
THE WASHINGTON POST – Emily Grodin has finally found her voice.
For her first 25 years, Grodin was largely unable to communicate due to non-verbal autism, which left her prone to meltdowns and on the outside looking in at most social and many educational opportunities.
Her parents, Valerie Gilpeer and Tom Grodin, always believed there was more to Emily trapped beneath the surface. So they fought tenaciously to secure the best education and to find ways to help Emily reach out.
Ultimately, it was Facilitated Communication (FC) – in which an aide helps a person with autism type, often by gently holding their elbow – that let Grodin be heard.
The GoTalk Now Lite App Gives a Voice to Children With Autism and It s Free! 8 Shares
While verbal communication is a common goal for many families of children with autism, it s not always the most functional option. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), an estimated two million people use a type of communication known as augmentative or alternative communication (AAC). AAC can incorporate vocalizations, gestures, signs, pictures, or communication devices, depending on a person s strengths and needs. Studies have indicated that AAC can be effective to highly effective as an intervention for children with autism.
As a speech/language pathologist, I ve used AAC with my clients as a way to maximize self-expression by building on existing abilities. Communication devices are one aspect of AAC that has become increasingly accessible to families. These devices can provide an audible voice for children with a range of special needs
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Four ways to make the most of Better Hearing and Speech Month
Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a number of other health problems; catching it early on can reduce the risk of lasting impact on other areas of life.
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When left untreated, hearing loss has been linked to a number of other health problems, including social isolation and depression, cognitive decline, and increased stress levels. A 12-year study found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk, moderate loss tripled risk, and and people with a severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia.