3305 Oaklawn Blvd.
Hopewell, VA 23860
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Children and Youth
The foundation for these skills develops during the critical early years from birth to age three. Unfortunately, hearing loss continues to be one of the most common disorders present at birth in America. It is estimated that 3 infants out of 1,000 born are deaf or hearing impaired.
Since 1999, there has been federal legislation funding newborn infant hearing screening. Nationally, more than 90 percent of infants are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. In California, 78 percent of newborns were screened in 2005 and that rate jumped to 84.4 percent in 2006.
With the OAE test, a small probe containing a microphone and speaker is placed into the infant’s ear. Sounds are generated and responses coming back are recorded. With the ABR test, leads are attached to the baby’s head and connected to a computer. Through an earphone, sounds enter each ear separately and a computer analyzes changes in the brain wave pattern in response to the sounds.Both of these tests are computerized and quite reliable. The baby receives a score of either pass or refer. If your baby does not pass either test, you need to take additional steps. That’s because screening tests are designed just to identify babies who need further attention. Often, the child who is given a score of refer will be rescreened. If there is still not a pass score, the baby should be referred to an audiologist.An audiologist should assess your child prior to age 3 months. If it turns out that your child is diagnosed with a hearing impairment, early intervention services should be in place by the time your child is 6 months old.
When you seek professional help in your local area, look for a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist who has earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. ASHA-certified SLPs have “CCC-SLP” after their names. ASHA-certified audiologists have “CCC-A.”
Additional Resources
He/she will likely seek further evaluation including a hearing test and a developmental assessment. Early intervention programs are often the referral made for children under 3 with speech and language delays. Referrals to your local school districts might also be made for children over 3 exhibiting delays in speech or language. Assessment and treatment recommendations will likely be conducted by a psychologist and/or a speech language pathologist(SLP)
A speech and language assessment should be conducted prior to a diagnosis or entry into therapy or program is made. The assessment is the foundation by which the professionals will base their therapeutic and treatment approach. An assessment is often done by a SLP and will consist of meeting the child, playing with developmentally appropriate toys, and listening to the child’s sound system. Standardized tests can also be used and typically look at at least five domains:
Although early intervention and speech therapy are essential to helping a child with speech delays, there are things parents and caregivers can do to support a child's speech, which include:
- See more at: http://www.abilitypath.org/
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3305 Oaklawn Blvd.
Hopewell, VA 23860
jbyrd