It is Better Hearing and Speech Month.
During the month of May, the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates the role of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in providing life-altering treatment for children and adults and raises awareness about communication disorders. ASHA’s mission is to make “effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all”. According to the National Institutes of Health, “nearly 1 in 12 (7.7 percent) U.S. children ages 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or wallowing in the past 12 months”. The data indicates “that of the 7.7 percent of children with a communication or swallowing disorder, 5 percent have speech problems; 3.3 percent have language problems; 1.4 percent have voice difficulties, and 0.9 percent have swallowing difficulties.”
Therapy at Play’s Proud Role
At TAP, we help support children and families affected by a large variety of communication disorders. Better Hearing and Speech Month is very important to us. Our speech-language pathologists have specialty training in PROMPT, the Kaufman Approach for Apraxia, feeding, TalkTools, Social Thinking, Zones of Regulation, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and bilingual assessment and treatment. I have helped a toddler says his first word, supported a family receiving an Autism diagnosis for their daughter, taught a five-year-old to say his name clearly, worked with teenagers trying to make their way through the complex social dynamics of middle school, and helped a child with complex needs say “I love you” for the first time with an AAC device.
Best Profession on Earth
Dr. Megan Hodge, from the University of Alberta, said “A career in speech-language pathology challenges you to use your intellect (the talents of your mind) in combination with your humanity (the gifts in your heart) to do meaningful work that feeds your soul… I am proud to be a member of what I believe to be the best profession on earth.” I can’t think of a better description of our work. Through every session, good days and hard days, small victories and huge successes, our speech therapists at TAP know we are making a difference in the lives of our clients. I feel so incredibly privileged to be able to work with so many amazing children and families. I wish you all a wonderful Better Hearing and Speech Month!
