Six million children under the age of 18 suffer from speech disorders Breaking terminology down for the layperson, this book helps parents deal with every issue relating to their child’s problems: where to find help, how to evaluate therapies and therapists, and how to help a child face his or her challenges

This engaging, easy-to-follow handbook provides parents with functional tips for helping their children improve speech and language skills at home, while having fun at the same time. "What a gift to parents who want to help their little ones master the complexities of talking and listening! The skills Molly Rai Dresner lays out are all clear, compassionate and doable." Adele Faber, co-author of How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk "If you are looking for a short, easy-to-read guide that will keep you focused and empower your parenting decisions - look no further! Once you implement these strategies, you will be asking yourself, 'where did this chatty child come from?'" Dawn Winkelmann, M.S. CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist "A perfect resource for any caretaker or parent who wants to improve their child's communication skills. Highly recommend!" Mahsa Akhavan, MD

The essential, up-to-date guide for helping children with language and listening problems Does your child have trouble getting the right words out, following directions, or being understood? In this revised new edition of Childhood Speech, Language, and Listening Problems, speech-language pathologist Patricia Hamaguchi-who has been helping children overcome problems like these for more than thirty years-answers your questions to help you determine what's best for your child. This newest edition: * Expands on speech and articulation issues affecting toddlers * Includes a new chapter on socially "quirky" children Explains how to get the right help for your child, including when to wait before seeking help, how to find the right specialist, and how the problem may affect your child academically, socially, and at home Covers major revisions in educational laws and programs and insurance coverage as well as current information on new interventions and cutting-edge research in the field Updates information on autism spectrum disorders, neurobiological disorders, and auditory processing disorders "Provides valuable information for parents of children with speech, language, and listening problems."-Sandra C. Holley, Ph.D., Former President, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (on the Second Edition) More than 1.1 million children receive special education services each year to address speech and language problems, and many others struggle with language and listening to some degree. If your child is one of them, this book gives you the crucial and up-to-date guidance you need to help him or her both in school and at home.

First Words: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide to Helping a Child with Speech and Language Delays gives parents the information they need to allow them to stimulate their child’s speech and language. Parents are given actual samples of how children with autism and other language delays respond differently to questions and how their responses can be redirected in order to start building connections. Offenbacher explains terms such as speech and language, typical language delay, PDD-Pervasive Developmental Delay, ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and ABA-Applied Behavioral Analysis. The book outlines the typical developmental steps of speech and language acquisition, and where parents should begin when starting to help their child. It suggests the types of toys, and experiences that stimulate language, as well as a floor plan to arrange a “work area” and learning center in their home. It provides check lists for them to evaluate their child every step of the way and set meaningful and attainable goals. This book is not meant to replace professional intervention. But it guides parents in becoming a para-speech partner in maximizing the stimulation their child receives so they develop skills for communicating.

Communication is one of life’s most fundamental joys, yet one often taken for granted until it is lost or fails to develop. Yet for millions of children each year, the skills that encompass communication stall or do not emerge at all. Even a mild disorder or temporary interruption in development can have long-term effects and result in serious and far-reaching deficits that touch every aspect of a child’s life. Each year, millions of children and their families join the ranks of those who are navigating a life they never expected, and frequently feel they are unable to take on. While it is critical to address the child’s deficits with supports and specific interventions, it is equally important to directly address the impact on the family, from the marital relationship to the well-being of siblings. With a warm and compassionate approach, Suzanne Ducharme provides parents with comprehensive information about speech and language development and the intervention process, but also delves deeply into the fears, concerns, and questions that every parent faces when something goes wrong. She provides families with information and resources, but also support and perspective. Using real stories throughout, Ducharme is able to illustrate the range of difficulties, challenges, and triumphs of families who love and support children with speech and language issues.