VIDEOS

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/speech Speech-Language Pathology: The Importance of Intervention with Babies and Toddlers Welcome to Speech-Language Pathology. Today, we will talk about speech and language therapy with babies and toddlers. First, let’s talk about the difference between the word “speech” and the word “language.” Speech is the physical production of individual sounds, such as /p/, /b/, /f/ and /s/. We combine speech sounds to form words and sentences. In contrast, language is the meaning or message that is conveyed through talking. What happens in speech-language therapy with babies and toddlers? Many babies and toddlers are seen for speech and language therapy at Cincinnati Children’s. This is important if the child is not producing sounds as expected for his age. It is also important if the child does not seem to understand words or short sentences or is not talking as much as expected for his age. The goal of this therapy is to help infants and toddlers to develop important early communication skills. These skills help build the foundation for a child’s future speech and language development. Parents are always active participants in their child’s therapy. This is because parents know their child best. It is also important for parents to participate in speech-language therapy sessions so that they learn how to help their child at home. Why is Speech-Language Therapy with Babies and Toddlers Important? Birth to 3 years of age is considered a “critical period” for speech and language development. This is because babies’ and toddlers’ brains are growing and changing rapidly during this time. Research shows that early speech-language therapy is linked to stronger speech and language skills in preschool, elementary school, high school, and beyond. It is also linked to later reading abilities. Early speech-language therapy is important because it helps children learn important skills during the “critical period” of language development. It helps children to create new brain connections during a time when their brains are specifically “wired” to learn speech and language skills. Speech-language therapy for babies and toddlers is designed to be fun! Children develop many important communication skills through play at this age. Activities are set up to follow the child’s lead and interests. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about speech-language therapy with babies and toddlers. For more information about our division, please visit our website. http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/speech

Watching your child develop new skills is exciting, but sometimes parents get concerned when a child doesn't do something by a certain age. In this public service announcement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Shu describes warning signs that a child may be missing a developmental milestone, and what to do. For more information about child development, visit HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics website for parents.

Video details some of the potential benefits of being bilingual, according to research.

http://identifythesigns.org/espanol/ Una campaña de la Asociación Americana del Habla-Lenguaje y Audición La campaña Aprenda los Signos está encaminada a educar al público sobre las primeras indicaciones de los problemas de comunicación. Los trastornos de habla, lenguaje y audición tienen tratamiento. De la detección pronta de estos trastornos dependen en gran manera la recuperación más rápida, los periodos de tratamiento más cortos y los costos menores tanto para los individuos como para la sociedad. Se exhorta a los visitantes a utilizar este sitio Web para aprender sobre los primeros síntomas de un problema, obtener ayuda profesional si fuera necesaria y compartir la información del sitio con la familia, los amigos y las redes sociales.

Do you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, swallowing, or hearing? School-age children who are eligible and demonstrate a need can receive audiology and speech-language services in the schools at no additional cost to families. In this video, experts from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association walk parents through the process of securing special education services for their child. Learn more at https://www.asha.org/bhsm/

http://identifythesigns.org/ The Tech Effect: How Too Much Device Time May Be Taking a Toll on Today’s Children (Research Roundup & Tips for Families) Use of handheld devices is now common among toddlers, and near universal for teens. New research and polling shows areas of concern—many relating to communication. The noteworthy exception is assistive devices that are used by people who require them to communicate. Finding #1: Language Development In their earliest months and years, children learn to communicate (talk, listen, understand, and eventually, hold conversations) by listening to those around them talk. Even before tablets and phones take their hold, the youngest of children often play with electronic toys that talk and make sounds. But these may be reducing critical parental interaction. A 2015 study in JAMA Pediatrics showed that when toys make the noise, parents talk less—and subsequently, their infants vocalize less. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/23/traditional-toys-may-beat-gadgets-in-language-development/?_r=1 Finding #2: Attention Span Joint attention—focusing on the same thing at the same time as another person—is a key communication skill, a precursor for conversation and socialization. This involves a parent and child reading a book together or looking at the same toy, for example. A study in Current Biology points to reduced time for joint attention when parents are preoccupied with their smartphones—and shows babies’ attention spans are suffering. http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/health-development/is-your-iphone-ruining-your-babys-attention-span Finding #3: School Performance A study of Boston eighth graders by University of Toronto and Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers found those who spent more time multitasking with technology performed worse on standardized tests of English and math compared with those who spent less time multitasking. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/teens-think-they-can-multi-task-without-ill-effect--but-sorry-thats-not-true/2016/05/20/73dd7b84-1def-11e6-9c81-4be1c14fb8c8_story.html?postshare=3511464179993219&tid=ss_tw Finding #4: Hearing Problems Those hours of listening to tech with ear buds or headphones are also taking a toll on hearing, with a whopping near 30% of 11–17 year olds suffering from tinnitus (a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears), according to a study in Scientific Reports. http://www.today.com/health/it-s-going-get-worse-nearly-30-percent-teens-have-t96756

Video explains how speech-language pathologists help children with autism improve their daily functioning and quality of life. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Autism/

Speech-language pathologists can help parents address a range of feeding concerns. The type of treatment a child receives depends on their individual needs. Find out what services speech-language pathologists offer.

A number of health factors may make treatment for a feeding disorder more likely in a toddler. Learn more.

How can you tell a “picky eater” from a child with a possible feeding disorder? There are certain signs that might indicate a possible disorder.

The toddler years can be the most challenging time for feeding. Learn more about why this time is unique.