Better Hearing and Speech Month: May 2012

May has been recognized as Better Hearing and Speech month in the United States for over 75 years. The month is an opportunity for those in speech therapy jobs to raise awareness of communication impairments in hearing, speech, and language—how to prevent them, how to communicate with those who have them, and how to improve your communication skills if you have such impairments.

The Needs for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

According to Michigan State University, Helen Keller was most troubled by her inability to hear and speak. Her blindness may have separated her from things, but her lack of capacity to hear or speak left her feeling separated and isolated from other people.

Speech-Language pathologists (those with careers in speech-language pathology) work with those impairments in communication that separate us from our fellow human beings. They work to identify and treat existing problems, and to raise awareness of the ways people can avoid these impairments. Today, the Speech-Language Pathologist’s career path requires a master’s degree, a passing grade on a national exam, and a year-long internship—these are highly-trained specialists whose job it is to help people communicate to the best of their abilities.

Audiologists work with those who have hearing difficulties, and the audiologist’s duties include testing hearing, prescribing hearing aids, and teaching people with hearing loss to make the most of their existing hearing capabilities. Audiologists must also achieve a graduate degree and become certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, becoming skilled professionals who specialize in assisting those who have trouble with hearing.

Speech, Language, and Hearing

Here are the facts on communication disorders in the United States, as reported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:

• About one million people in the United States have aphasia, which is a language-related disorder that results from stroke-induced brain damage.
• Almost twenty-eight million are living with a hearing disorder.
• Forty-three million people in the United States are living with impairment in speech, voice, language, or hearing.
• Ten percent of children have moderate or severe impairments in communication, such as problems with speech production or articulation, stuttering, and even language-learning difficulties.
• Children who deal with problems with speech and language are 4 to 5 times more likely to experience other language-learning disabilities, including potentially significant reading problems.
•  Twenty-eight million Americans have treatable hearing loss, but less than seven million actually use a hearing aid!

Speech-Language Pathology Activities during Better Hearing and Speech Month

During the month of May, those who work in Speech-Language pathology attend professional conferences and workshops, as well as reach out into the community to promote awareness of speech, language and hearing problems. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists fill a vital need in U.S. society.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, language, or hearing, we’re here to help. To find a therapy provider who can help your child reach their potential, visit santepediatrics.com.  Or, if you’re a therapist looking for speech-language pathology jobs in Texas visit our careers page today.

Speech Pathology Assistants

Communication Comes First

When it comes to the things that make us human, our ability to communicate through speech is at the top of the list. When that ability is interrupted or short-circuited, it can have a devastating effect on a person’s self-image, happiness, and quality of life.

Speech pathology assistants have the skills to make a positive difference for people with speech/communication disorders. Whether the disruption occurs when the patient is a toddler or an adult, a goal of speech-language pathology is to make a difference for people who experience problems when trying to communicate.

What is Speech Pathology?

Speech-language pathology is the discipline dedicated to helping individuals with speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) play a critical role in the evaluation, diagnose, treatment a range of problems with communication and its disorders.

Within the field of speech-language pathology, speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) help to make the clinical treatment of these disorders possible. Here are the answers to a few common questions about speech-language pathology:

• Who are speech-language pathology assistants, and what do they do? Speech-language pathology assistants, also known as speech pathology assistants, speech therapist assistants, or SLPAs, are support personnel with academic and on-the-job training that help ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists on a daily basis.
• Is the SLPA profession new? Since the 1970s, SLPAs have worked and been regulated in many states. The number of SLPAs is on the rise as the demands of the speech-language pathology increase— but some states still prohibit the use of speech-language pathology support personnel.
• What can SLPAs do? Speech pathologist assistants conduct speech-language and hearing screenings, assist with documentation; prepare documents of patient performance and improvement to be presented to the speech-language pathologist; assist during patient assessment; manage clerical duties; maintain equipment; and support research, departmental operations, quality control, and public relations… and more.
• What do SLPAs earn? According to ASHA, SLPAs make between 60 percent and 75 percent of speech-language pathologists’ salaries—so check the average salaries for speech-language pathologists in your area to determine potential salaries at the assistant level.

The Need for Speech Language Pathology

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the need for speech, language, and hearing services among children is on the rise, and life-saving measures for infants with potential communications disorders are becoming more successful. At the same time, the number of aging Americans is increasing as the Baby Boomers enter their retirement years.

Add to that growing bilingual populations; the growing need for rehabilitation as the number of closed-head injuries and survivors of blast injuries increase; and recent laws and provisions addressing the needs of people with disabilities… and it becomes clear that the need for speech-language pathology assistants is also growing rapidly.

If you are already pursuing a career as an SLP or assistant, ask us about mentorship program at Sante to help you reach your greatest potential.  If you’re considering a career as an SLPA or SLPA, we can give you some insight. Contact us today at (866) 239-2339.

Therapy Tools

No matter how much you know about your field, there’s no substitute for a real connection with your patients. Therapy for children takes a special kind of care and understanding from the therapist. Think of these techniques as therapy tools in a toolbox equipped to help you connect with patients.

• Pay attention to details. From the moment you walk into the room, the child’s age, demeanor and actions should guide your behavior. A child who’s happily playing with a toy in her own seat is in a different frame of mind than one who’s hiding behind her mother’s skirt.
• Give the child a little space. Acknowledge them first, even before acknowledging the parent. Play peek-a-boo through the door frame with a younger child, or shake the hand of an older child. But don’t be extra loud, fake-friendly, or ask for an immediate hug. Give children the space to feel uncomfortable and show them, rather than tell them, that they can trust you.
• Play. Let your patient bring out the kid in you. Sing a kid’s song with them during a physical examination— “hey, let’s sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.’ I’ll be done looking by the time we’ve finished the song.” And work playtime into therapy sessions. Play is something every kid understands… something that will make them feel at home, in their own element.
• Invest. Invest a few minutes into getting to know the child. Ask a 3-year-old about her favorite color. Ask an older child their favorite part of the school day. After each visit, jot a note on something you learned, so you can ask them something personal during the next visit—“Hey, how did your summer camp go?” for a child, or “So… how was your hot date?” for an older teen.
• Use the “Four E’s.” John M. Purvis, MD, suggests using the Four E’s: Engagement, Empathy, Enlistment, and Education:
  • Engagement: You will only be successful once the child is willing to interact with you. Engagement doesn’t mean rushing in with a big smile, baby talk, and open arms. It means being friendly and respectful, creating an atmosphere where a child can speak and be engaged, not overwhelmed.
  • Empathy: A soft word, a gentle touch, even just encountering an adult that takes the time to make sure the child understands what’s going on—these small experiences can help a child feel comforted and loved. When children feel secure, they open up, and empathy is the key to creating that sense of security.
  • Enlistment: Once a child is comfortable with you, enlist their help in figuring out how you can help them. Put yourself and your patient on the same team, working together to find solutions.
  • Education: Tell the child what you’re thinking and what you’re doing. Verbalize your actions so they know what to expect, and involve them in any long-term planning. “Educating” and “talking down” are not the same things. Use age-appropriate language, but don’t patronize the children who trust you.

Building rapport with your patients is the key to success in therapy for children. If you’re looking for a pediatric therapy service that truly puts the needs of children first—and offers a rewarding, flexible work environment—visit www.santepediatrics.com. We supply the therapy tools you need to succeed.

Join the conversation with Santé Pediatrics – follow us on Twitter, join our talent community, or visit santepediatrics.com.

occupational therapy for autism

What is Occupational Therapy for Autism?

Occupational therapy for children can seem like a non sequitur when it comes to children—how can any child, much less a child with autism, have an occupation? But the tools used in occupational therapy, when applied to children’s activities, can have a profound effect on the day-to-day functioning of autistic children. Similar techniques, when customized for adults, can continue to help adults with autism spectrum disorders function at their peak levels outside the home.

How Autism Therapy Makes a Difference

An early diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder paves the way for early intervention. Kids with autism need care, understanding, and respect—but most importantly, they need the specific tools that an individually designed occupational therapy plan provides. Occupational therapy focuses on helping the patient learn how to cope with a variety of situations using proven techniques.

Occupational therapy for autism changes lives.

According to American Occupational Therapy Association’s fact sheet on occupational therapy for autism, occupational therapy can help people with autism by:

• Determining areas in which the child may need help developing appropriate skills (evaluation).
• Using developmental or play activities that help with sensory integration and sensory processing, decreasing the biopsychosocial effects of autism (intervention).
• Helping a child communicate and interact with others through play activities.
• Creating customized strategies that work with your child’s unique personality and needs to help with transitions between settings, between people, and even between life stages.
• Working with the individual and family to find safe ways for the growing young person to travel safely in the community. Developing and adapting daily activities, including work as the child grows, to help each individual enhance their quality of life.

Occupational therapy is a skilled health/rehabilitation/education service that’s covered by private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, early intervention, and school programs. As your child ages, occupational therapy can continue to be covered by private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as by workers’ compensation, vocational programs, behavioral health programs… even Social Security. Involving your child in occupational therapy now can give him or her a lifeline that can last a lifetime.

To find caring pediatric occupational therapists who can help your child reach his or her potential, visit santépediatrics.com.

Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational Therapy Month

Each April we celebrate Occupational Therapy Month, recognizing everyone who works in OT-related fields: occupational therapists, OT assistants, and OT workers in education, research, science, and professional practice.

Occupational Therapy Month provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of OT, what we do, and who we are. It gives us a chance to organize events that tell the world about occupational therapy and how it can help those we love.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Month is an excellent time of year for outreach regarding the special and unique ways OT can improve the lives of kids who have a range of special needs. From children with physical injuries to those living with autism spectrum disorders, occupational therapy can help kids radically improve their outlooks, abilities, and daily lives.

Pediatric occupational therapy can seem like an oxymoron—how can a child without a job have an occupation? But children throw themselves heart and soul into school, sports, and other extracurricular pursuits that help them define who they are as growing people. Occupational therapy can focus on particular tools and techniques specifically designed by a dedicated therapist to help a child improve his or her daily interactions in those pursuits, or to get back on track after an injury or setback.

OT: Focus on the Positive

Pediatric occupational therapy helps kids focus their attention on positive goals and developments in tangible ways. An article published by the Hospital for Special Surgery, for example, cites the example of young, competitive athletes who are injured. For growing children, sports can be an integral part of identity. Kids may want to return to activity as soon as possible.

Parents and coaches want the child to have the practice and performance that makes them happy, but know how important it is that growing bodies have the chance to heal thoroughly.  A pediatric occupational therapist can design an individually customized routine to help a child heal while focusing on building skill and coordination that may help young athletes be even more competitive in their chosen sports than they were prior to the injury.

OT can have a profoundly positive impact, especially in children. Occupational Therapy Month is a time to get the word out to parents and professionals who work with kids, spreading awareness of the unique benefits of occupational therapy.

To find out how you can make a difference by working with children as an occupational therapist, check out these occupational therapy positions with Santé Pediatrics. 

Dallas Autism Awareness

The Dallas Museum of Art is hosting a series of free Family Celebrations designed particularly for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Register ahead of time, and your family can visit the museum’s Center for Creative Connections before the museum is open to the public on those days!

The Dallas Museum of Art invites your family to enjoy a day of art, in an environment artfully designed to include and inspire children on the autism spectrum.

The Dallas Museum’s Dallas Autism Awareness Events Include:

• Gallery experiences and exploration.
• Storytelling performances.
• An art studio of your own, where you and your kids can create masterpieces.
• Discover distinctive textures in the galleries.

Upcoming 2012 Dates

If you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder, you can register for any of these dates:

• April 7
• July 7
• October 6

Each event takes place from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Dallas Museum’s Autism Awareness Events are private morning functions, so you can relax and focus on your children and the shared experience in an environment that’s supportive of autistic concerns. After the events conclude, feel free to stay when the museum opens at 11:00 am, so you can enjoy additional family programming.

Pre-registration for these events is required, since space is limited. To inquire about more information, or to register for the event, just email your name, phone number and the number of family members attending to access@DallasMuseumofArt.org.

Registration for each event begins one month prior to the event. Events like these can raise awareness of Dallas Autism issues, so enjoy a day of art and help raise awareness for the Dallas autism cause—just by having some fun.

Light It Up Blue!

Autism Awareness Day

The fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is April 2. In December of 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared the date as one of only three such disease-specific global Awareness Days. At Santé Pediatrics, where we specialize in pediatric therapy, we understand how important awareness is to early intervention and better outcomes for people with autism.

The motion to create World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity was originally tabled by Qatar. Since the day’s inception, the entire world has responded with increasing mobilization each year on Autism Awareness Day. Social movements orchestrated by everyone from neighborhood groups to multinational corporations have taken up the challenge of spreading awareness of autism spectrum disorders each year on Autism Awareness Day.

“Light It Up Blue”

Santé Pediatrics encourages our friends, colleagues, and supporters to “Light It Up Blue” as part of the worldwide “Light It Up Blue” campaign for autism spectrum awareness. The initiative is lighting everything from major national monuments to family’s front porches around the world.

Every year in April, Autism Awareness Day raises both money and awareness for autism initiatives worldwide. The World Autism Awareness Day “Light It Up Blue” Campaign has lit up some of the world’s most famous monuments in shades of brilliant blue in support of autism—from Niagara Falls and the Washington Monument in the United States to Hungary’s Parliament Building in Budapest.

Each year the initiative grows and grassroots organizers find new and creative ways to “go blue.” This year, Home Depot will be selling blue light bulbs to let families light home exteriors blue—whether you choose to change one front porch bulb or every bulb in and on the house. Look for restaurants selling blue foods and drinks, corporate employees and school groups dressing in blue, and a million other small ideas that add up to big change.

Make a Difference

It doesn’t matter what you do—put on a blue T-shirt, change a light bulb, or raise a few dollars for a local autism fund. But do something to support the growing awareness—and research—surrounding autism and autism spectrum disorders.

At Santé Pediatrics, we know pediatric therapists have a chance to change the future. With awareness campaigns like “Light It Up Blue,” we spread that ability beyond the professional therapists into the hands of families, communities, and individuals. Whether you’re in Texas or in another country, you can make a difference.

Light It Up Blue for a better tomorrow!

Therapy for Autism

Pediatric Therapy for Autism and the DSM-5

When it comes to therapy for autism, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-4), a publication produced by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is out of date. Most therapists in occupational therapy jobs use the term “autism spectrum disorders,” while the DSM-4 uses the obsolete phrase “pervasive developmental disorder. “ A recent article by the AOTA states how some researchers and health care professionals confess that they have not been using the early criteria for years and notes the following reasons for the changes:

A More Accurate Diagnosis

The new DSM-5 criteria are set to be unveiled in 2013. There is concern among pediatric therapists that Asperger’s and autism are becoming a “catch-all,” often creating an inaccurate diagnosis for clumsy and socially uncomfortable teens that does more harm than good.

Concerns Surrounding the DSM-5

But early diagnosis and pediatric therapy have been shown to improve outcomes in autism spectrum disorders—some children have been known to “outgrow” their autism diagnosis with the proper intervention.

Some therapists are concerned that the new criteria will prevent some children with a real need from receiving the necessary services—or cause kids with a current, broad diagnosis to lose their services.

Occupational Therapy Is Not Diagnosis-Based

Many of these concerns won’t touch the arena of occupational therapy. Kids who find their way to occupational therapy do so because of specific problems, none of which must be tied to a specific diagnosis. Pediatric therapy for autism is usually based on specific techniques and behavioral tools designed to help kids integrate input from the outside world and choose appropriate responses.

That won’t change, even if the DSM-5 does.

Therapy for Autism: The Bottom Line

A new set of diagnostic criteria can help tighten up diagnoses to make sure kids are helped, not held back. For example, the DSM-5 is expected to include sensory issues as criteria for diagnosis. Such improvements in DSM criteria will create an even playing field, helping families receive the information they need, without the fear and confusion surrounding incorrect diagnosis.

To learn more about the new DSM criteria for autism, check out AOTA’s article on the New Definition for Autism.

Can A Pediatric Therapist Help Change the Course of a Child’s ASD Diagnosis?

It’s one of the great puzzlements of the autism spectrum community – “why some children will “outgrow” the autism diagnosis and some won’t?” It can feel like a cosmic roll of the dice: Will my child’s symptoms improve with age? Or will my kid have autism for life? Pediatric therapy may make a difference.

A recent study published online in the journal Pediatrics titled “Co-occurring Conditions and Change in Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorders,” explored some of the reasons why an autism diagnosis is lifelong for some, but not for others. Early intervention and the value of therapy for children was suggested as one of the reasons why Autism Spectrum Disorders (or ASDs) seem to recede in some children as they mature.

Co-Occurring Conditions and Change in Diagnosis in Juveniles with ASD

Over the course of the study, parents reported data on more than 1300 children between the ages of 3 and 17 with either a current or previous diagnosis of autism. Around a third of the children in the study had once been diagnosed with autism, but the diagnosis was no longer considered current.

The factor that seemed to set the two groups apart was whether or not a child had co-occurring disorders – either psychiatric or developmental – in addition to autism. Children who retained an autism diagnosis as they approached adulthood were more likely to have two or more co-occurring conditions, according to the researchers. These conditions included learning disabilities, seizures, anxiety, speech disorders, and various developmental delays.

It’s unclear why certain kids lose their diagnosis as they age. It’s possible these kids were misdiagnosed, or it may be that early intervention successfully minimizes long-term symptoms. Pediatric therapy, as an active early intervention, may play an integral role in reducing a child’s symptoms over time as development continues.

A Case of Mixed Identities?

ASDs can seem quite similar to some “commonly diagnosed co-occurring conditions,” the researchers wrote in their article. But as children age, the symptoms may resolve into clearer presentations that suggest either a continued ASD diagnosis or another, more accurate diagnosis. Some kids are also diagnosed with another condition early on and then placed on the autism spectrum after continued monitoring by medical professionals.

In any case, the key to achieving the best possible future for children with ASD diagnoses seems to be early diagnosis, pediatric therapy, and continued monitoring by medical professionals. The mix of early recognition, intervention, and continued evaluation will help find the customized care that fits your child’s specific needs.

Do you have a child that seems to be ‘outgrowing’ autism? D o you have a child that hasn’t? Join the conversation with Santé Pediatrics – follow us on Twitter, join our Talent Community on Facebook, or visit santepediatrics.com. 

People with Autism Are Self-Advocating in All-New Ways

People with autism are not passively accepting their condition. Each day, individuals with autism work through the difficult tasks of therapy for people with autism; address their daily challenges head-on; and find time to advocate for autism awareness locally, nationally, and internationally. Families of kids with autism support their children every day, finding pediatric therapy resources, learning all they can, and raising children with autism to become functioning and self-advocating adults with autism.

World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, tabled by the State of Qatar, declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. It’s one of only three such disease-specific World Awareness Days.

Each year, Autism Awareness Day raises awareness and funds for autism causes around the world. The World Autism Awareness Day “Light It Up Blue” campaign has turned some of the world’s most famous monuments a glorious blue in support of autism, from Niagara Falls to the Washington Monument to Hungary’s Parliament Building in Budapest.

The Art of Autism Gains International Acclaim

Most recently, the United Nations is releasing Autism Awareness stamps for 2012, designed by artists with autism. The stamps will be released on April 2, 2012, which is this year’s World Autism Day.

Four of the eight works of art selected for 2012 stamps were designed by people with autism who were participants in the soon-to-be-released book The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions. Those four artists are:

• Seth Chwast of Ohio, who refers to himself as “Never Give Up” and took his first art class at the age of 20 and has now had international art openings in the Galapagos Islands ant at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, as well as the Museum of Modern Art of the Ukraine.
• Trent Altman of Kentucky, who exhibits nationally in fine-art galleries, working mostly in acrylics and multimedia collages, and who also works at a retail store when he’s not creating as an artist.
• J.A. Tan, whose parents moved from the Philippines to Vancouver, Canada, in search of opportunities for their son, and who recently graduated from Emily Carr University.
• Ryan Smoluk, also of Canada, who had his first solo art exhibit at the age of eleven, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the University of Manitoba.

A recent Examiner.com article by Debra Hosseini offers compelling portraits in print of each of the four Art of Autism artists who have reached international fame with the selection of the 2012 stamp series. All four artists are blessed with very supportive families who are dedicated to nurturing the unique gifts of their children on the ASD spectrum. Mothers Marie Tan, Marina Smoluk, Debra Chwast and Jackie Marquette have been “unintentional heroines” for the cause of autism, trail blazers who helped build metaphorical roads to success for their boys.

The four artists whose stamp designs were selected for the remaining United Nations stamps are Hannah Kandel, Alex Masket, and Michael Augello of the United States, as well as Colm Isherwood from the Republic of Ireland. You can purchase the stamps at http://unstamps.un.org.

Do you have autism or love someone who does? How do you advocate for autism awareness in your daily life? Join the conversation with Santé Pediatrics – follow us on Twitter, join our Talent Community on Facebook, or visit santepediatrics.com.