Socializing and Second Language Learning

"New findings by researchers at theInstitute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at the University of Washington demonstrate for the first time that an early social behavior called gaze shifting is linked to infants’ ability to learn new language sounds." (McElroy, 2015)

University of Washington: Babies' brains show that social skills linked to second language learning

Technology and Your Child's Development

Digital distractions have become the new normal in our everyday lives.  

Technology can make things easier, faster, more convenient -- but at what cost? 

From parents of infants using their technology during time which could be spent interacting with their babies, to children who say their parents check their devices too often -- discover even more about how technology and our ever-increasing use of it is becoming a factor in the development 

of our children.

Chicago Tribune: Is your technology hurting your child's development?

More reasons to read!

There are so many reasons to read.  To learn, to calm, to explore, to escape.  Public Radio International reminds us of one of the many important reasons in one of its Science Friday featured articles.
It's not just about learning how to read the words on a page.  Reading contributes in an even greater way to the development of a child.  When reading books, children are exposed to a greater number of unique words than in everyday conversations.  More rare and complex sentences are features of literature that also tend to present themselves in books more than in day-to-day life.  It is in these ways - among many - that books and other texts can provide what everyday is not.

Public International Radio - A new study gives parents another reason to read to their kids

The Birth of a Word

Find out how one man fused his roles of researcher and parent to find out more about how children learn words.

TED 2011: "MIT researcher Deb Roy wanted to understand how his infant son learned language — so he wired up his house with videocameras to catch every moment (with exceptions) of his son's life, then parsed 90,000 hours of home video to watch "gaaaa" slowly turn into "water." Astonishing, data-rich research with deep implications 

for how we learn."

Check out the video from TED2011 HERE.

Why Some Kids Struggle

Helping Struggling Readers

Find top articles, including those especially for parents, that take a closer look at some of the underlying causes and contributing factors related to difficulty learning to read.  Learn more about risk factors, early identification, and what to do when you suspect a problem. 

 Check out the entire page dedicated to Helping Struggling Readers. 

How can you tell if your child has a speech or language impairment?

How can you tell if your child has a speech or language impairment? There is a lot of research available to help you answer that question. Keep reading to find out more..

https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-your-child-has-a-speech-or-language-impairment-31768

Does your child have a speech disorder?

Does your child have a speech disorder? It's important to be aware of the early signs says Pascal Van Lieshout, U of T professor and chair of the Speech Language Pathology department.

http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2015/11/23/how-to-determine-if-your-child-has-a-speech-disorder.html

Great Read Alouds!

Not sure what to read to your kids?

Gain some insight from with the help of Reading Rockets.  Find great read aloud suggestions for babies to third graders, and make the most of reading time with your little ones!

Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3

Reading Tips for Parents

Reading Begins before the First Day of School

Even before a child begins school, the success of a future reader gains its roots at home.

Check out these reading tips specifically for parents.

Help your Child Learn to Read!

Reading Rockets to the Rescue! 

Help your child learn to read using the endless resources from Reading Rockets.  

This site includes strategies, information, and a variety of resources including 

blogs, apps, shows and printables.  

Check out this fantastic site to find the strategies, lessons, and resources that fit your family! 

http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies

Eardrum Perfs and Language Spurt

Hearing and language development.  We know they are connected.
But to what degree? And with what impact? 

Read the first-hand experience of a mom and audiologist whose daughter stopped talking due to middle ear fluid.  The events lead her to believe there could be a greater connection between repeated/persistent middle ear fluid (otitis media) and language delay.

Find the article here in The ASHA Leader!

ABA 101

So you've heard of ABA, but you don't feel like you quite get it?  In a world of information-overload there is always an abundance of material to get lost in.  Leave it to The Autism Helper to break it down and explain the basics in ABA 101: What is ABA?

http://theautismhelper.com/aba-101-what-is-aba/

The Process of Articulation therapy

The process of articulation therapy is systematic and based on the the speech language pathologist's assessment of a child's speech. See how Heidi Hanks, SLP clearly outlines the process in her blog: http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/?p=687. Heidi's blog also provides free worksheets for speech practice at home!

The Amazing Song from Sesame Street

Apps for Apraxia of Speech

GeekSLP.com - Your source of educational apps and technology information has compiled a collection of apps for apraxia of speech.  These apps have been developed as tools for the practice of intensive motor speech drills that can help children learn consistent sound production. This collection includes descriptions and screenshots for each, with a summary chart to compare them all by feature and price.

"Sesame Street adds Julia, an autistic character, to its cast"

Meet Julia! She is 'Sesame Street''s newest friend. The new addition to this lovable cast comes as part of the new initiative launched this week: Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.  

CNN tells us more about the arrival of Elmo's new friend HERE.

'Sesame Street' adds Julia, an autistic character, to its cast

Autism Speaks and Cineplex announce fall lineup for Sensory Friendly Screenings

Autism Speaks and Cineplex announce fall lineup for Sensory Friendly Screenings This partnership continues to offer screenings in a lower sensory environment to promote an enjoyable movie-going experience for all.  What makes these films Sensory Friendly? House lights are left on. Sound is brought down. Films are shown in 2D. There is access to a Calm Zone, with less stimulation. Outside food is welcome. Films are shown at off-peak hours, with smaller crowds. Fall films included in this fall's program will include: For more information check out http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/SensoryFriendly

Early Signs of Autism in Infants

Infants show preference for baby talk in Montreal research

CBC: Infants show preference for baby talk in Montreal research.  An infant's brain maps language from birth.

May is Speech & Hearing Month

Closing the Word Gap

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Researchers at the University of Toronto investigate links between family income, children's vocabulary and academic achievement and cultural factors. How closing the 'word gap' could give poorer kids an equal chance at success

Light it up blue- World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.   Click on the link to learn how you can light it up blue:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/03/18/5-ways-you-can-light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day

4 Myths About Speech Problems In Children

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4 Myths About Speech Problems In Children: 

 1. Children grow out of speech problems  

      2. Speech problems are caused by tongue tie 

    3. Children who don't speak clearly are lazy

      4. Therapy for speech problems doesn't work