National Speech Language Hearing Month
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM) is a month-long observance in May aimed at increasing awareness of communication and swallowing disorders along with the life-changing services that speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and those within related fields provide. Spreading that message is particularly critical now, as—coming out of the pandemic. Because of the pandemic, more children are manifesting communication delays and disorders. Additionally, the World Health Organization warns about hearing loss from loud noise exposure, even in children and adolescents.
According to Robert Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP, President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: “It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs, and to really trust their intuition and seek out an evaluation from a certified audiologist or speech-language pathologist, should they have questions. The earlier we are able to intervene, the more successful the outcomes generally are for children.”
What Families Can Do
The American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) recommends that families do the following:
Learn the signs of communication disorders. Families can visit the Identify the Signs website to see signs of disorders by age.
Connect with early intervention if you have concerns. Families don’t need a referral from a pediatrician to connect with their early intervention program. To find your local program, go to: https://familyhealth.utah.gov/oec/baby-watch-early-intervention/.
Focus on daily interactions with your child. Talking, singing, playing, and reading books together are simple yet immensely effective ways to boost communication and social skills. These activities build a child’s brain. Birth to 3 years is a time when the brain is most adaptable, but these activities are crucial beyond that period. Limit recreational screen time when possible.
Visit www.IdentifytheSigns.org to learn more about communication disorders.
Additional Resources:
https://www.asha.org/national-speech-language-hearing-month/
