Cochlear Implants: What to Expect During Surgery

by Jacky G. Hearing Loss
Cochlear Implant Diagram

Image source: Kidshealth.org

Cochlear implants are not a cure for hearing loss, but they can provide an opportunity to perceive sound. Research has shown that if parents are going to have their children undergo cochlear implant surgery, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later. Doing so can greatly improve the child’s speech and language development so that they are on target with their peer groups. While every surgery is serious and should not be considered lightly, it may reassure you to know that cochlear implant surgery has become routine. It may even be performed on an outpatient basis.

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The King’s Speech: How George VI Overcame His Stutter

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
King George VI Salutes

Image source: 2db.com

You might be surprised at how many famous people have struggled with a speech disorder. James Earl Jones developed a stutter as a child. So did Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Tiger Woods. Influential orators have also dealt with the issue, including Winston Churchill. And King George VI’s stuttering problem was made famous by the Hollywood hit, “The King’s Speech,” starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. While the screenwriter took certain liberties with historical facts (the compression of events into a shorter time period, for one), this can be forgiven since the primary focus of “The King’s Speech” is how George VI overcame his stutter.

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Sight Words Apps for Beginning Readers

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Using iPad App

Image source: Blogs.collegiateschool.org

As your child learns to read, you’ll probably encourage him to cope with the tricky words by sounding them out. But some words do not have straightforward spelling and they cannot be easily sounded out. These words are called “sight words,” and for better or worse, they are used quite frequently in English. Your child will have to learn to recognize them on sight (hence the term, “sight words”). This collection of words is also referred to as the Dolch word list. Encouraging your child to memorize sight words can greatly improve his written communication skills. Your child’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) can offer advice about improving your child’s reading and writing skills. You can also check out this list of apps that are designed specifically to teach children sight words.

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Fragile X Syndrome: Treatment Options

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child with Fragile X Syndrome

Image source: Childfirstpaediatrictherapy.com.au

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that often results in intellectual disabilities. This inherited disorder can cause a wide range of issues, including social and behavioral problems, sensory problems, and speech and language problems. To date, there is no cure for Fragile X syndrome. However, treatment options exist to help your child cope with the symptoms. The sooner your child gets the help he needs, the better the outcome will be.

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More ASL Sign Language Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Small Child Using Sign Language

Image source: Ehow.com

Have you ever wanted to figure out what your baby is trying to say when he cries? Probably every parent has. It can be frustrating to try to soothe a fussy baby when he refuses his bottle and doesn’t need to be changed. Baby sign language can facilitate communication between you and your little one. Parents are a child’s first teachers; consider sharing sign language skills with your baby to reduce frustration and start him on the path toward speech and language development. Remember to voice the words associated with the signs as you use them to help him learn spoken language, as well. Older children can also benefit from learning sign language, particularly if they have a speech disorder or delay, or if they have hearing loss. Here are a few helpful sign language apps to help you get started.

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