Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s lack of verbal communication in select social environments, such as school. Children with selective mutism possess the ability to speak, but are selective of the settings in which they choose to speak. They will often speak in environments where they feel safe, relaxed, and calm with familiar people such as parents or siblings, but will choose not to speak in environments where they are less comfortable. A common misconception is that selective mutism is a form of autism. Children with selective mutism may demonstrate lack of appropriate social language use that mimics those on the autism spectrum, but selective mutism is not indicative of autism.
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Speech,
Language,
Communication,
Stuttering,
Learning,
Voice,
talking
Learning to read can be challenging for children. Fortunately, research is now available that suggests how to give each child a good start in reading. When parents help their children learn to read, they help open the door to a new world.
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Speech,
reading,
literacy,
Learning,
toddler
Playing with your child is a essential way to improve his/her speech, language, and social skills! Below are five different toys and ways to play with your child to encourage language growth and development:
Mr./Mrs. Potato Head:
- Following Directions: Ask your child to give you various parts. If this is too simple, ask him/her in a more complex way. For example, instead of asking for Mr./Mrs. Potato Head's shoes, say "the ones you put on your feet.” Sometimes this works best after the child has built Mr./Mrs. Potato Head and is asked to follow the directions of placing each part back into the box.
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Speech,
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Communication,
Support,
Learning,
Voice,
toddler,
talking
Did you know…
- An estimated 40 million Americans experience speech, language, and/or hearing disorders.
- The second most common reason for special education services in public schools is speech/language impairment.
- 36 million American adults report so
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Speech,
Hearing Aid,
Audiology,
Language,
Hearing Aids,
Communication,
Hearing,
reading,
literacy,
Hearing Loss Prevention,
Teens,
Support,
Caregiving,
Hearing Loss,
Stuttering,
Learning,
Voice,
toddler,
talking,
Autism
Teaching your infant Baby Sign Language can help improve his or her communication skills. This is particularly appealing for new parents, given that there’s a gap between what babies and toddlers want to say and what they can verbally express.
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American Sign Language,
ASL,
Learning,
Voice,
toddler,
talking
Children who have been identified with speech-language impairments have likely established nonstandard patterns of speaking or have deficits that will require extra attention and training to improve. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) working with you and your child should serve as a "coach" to provide you with activities or homework to reinforce newly established skills and to strengthen emerging skills. One or two sessions a week is not enough, and your involvement in carryover activities is crucial to your child's communication development. Talk with your SLP about activities and games you can use at home to help.
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Speech,
reading,
literacy,
Teens,
Support,
Learning,
Voice,
toddler,
talking
Learning the rules of English will not erase your accent but will make it easier for others to understand you. Your identity will not, and cannot, be diminished. However, accent modification training can, and will, expand your abilities and allow you to communicate optimally.
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Speech,
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Communication,
Learning,
talking,
Accent Modification
Experts recommend you read to your child as often as you can and that you strive to have at least one scheduled reading time each day. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) is a way to help your child learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.
If your toddler will let you, hold him or her in your lap when you read. It's a great spot for:
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literacy,
Learning,
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toddler,
talking
Reading aloud is an important way to help your child make the transition from infancy into their toddler years. Between the ages of 1 and 3, your child will have triumphs and challenges. Studies show that children with an active exposure to language have social and educational advantages over their peers - and reading is one of the best ways to expose your child to language.
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Speech,
Language,
Communication,
reading,
literacy,
Learning,
toddler
