American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

10 Strategies to Train Parents on Using AAC at Home
As a speech-language pathologist in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) since 2001, I’ve experienced working with different disciplines and in many different contexts. Many times, when I visit schools as an AAC consultant, school-based SLPs and other school staff report carryover in AAC from school to home as their biggest challenge in helping a student become a more independent communicator. Why is facilitating carryover such a challenge? I found one important factor to be parent or caregiver training. Often, SLPs and educators include parents in deciding what AAC system to use, but not in trai...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - April 1, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Rebecca Eisenberg Tags: Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology AAC Augmentative Alternative Communication autism Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Intervention Language Disorders Speech Disorders Source Type: blogs

What Was Causing a Toddler ’ s Vocal Problems? Not Any of the Usual Suspects
When a toddler presented with a raspy voice, pediatricians initially suspected respiratory infections, dysphonia and then acid reflux. But, as revealed in a “Mystery Diagnosis” column in the Washington Post, the problem was much more serious. A pediatrician initiated acid reflux treatment and referred the little girl, who had experienced voice problems since birth, to a a pediatric otolaryngologist.  The ENTs investigations revealed a diagnosis that shocked the girls’ parents: She had a rare disease—recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Caused by two strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV)—a sexually tran...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 29, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Carol Polovoy Tags: Health Care News Slider Speech-Language Pathology HPV Voice Disorders Source Type: blogs

Shareable Strategies for Working With Preschool Children With DLD
Preschool children seem to learn best when given routine and consistency. Children with a diagnosis of developmental language delay (DLD) are no exception, and may even need the routine and consistency more than their peers. Collaboration among all adults who interact with any child, but especially a child with DLD, helps create crucial consistency. When collaborating with other professionals and parents, I find it helpful to share the strategies I use with these children. Shareable strategies I created a mnemonic device that parents and teachers can use in any setting. Keeping the strategies short, simple and easy to reme...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 27, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Amy Mentrasti Tags: Health Care Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology developmental language delay Language Disorders Source Type: blogs

Simple Ways To Boost Health Care Access for People With Communication Disorders
The objectives—and perhaps even more interesting, the disparities within the objectives according to sex, educational attainment and disability status—are tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. We can search the CDC’s database by topic area for additional data on health care disparities. While the government works toward the Healthy People initiative, we can help improve health care access for those with communication disorders in our communities. I started by considering people’s social determinants of health in my community and surrounding areas....
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 25, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Shelley D. Hutchins Tags: Audiology Health Care Private Practice Slider Speech-Language Pathology hearing loss Language Disorders Speech Disorders Source Type: blogs

Amy Schumer Reveals How Husband ’s Autism Diagnosis Helps Their Marriage
Several major news outlets covered Amy Schumer’s revelation about and positive outlook on her husband’s recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Her husband is James Beard-award-winning chef Chris Fischer, and the couple wed last year. She talks about his diagnosis in her Netflix special, “Growing,” and several autism organizations have expressed appreciation for how she views her husband’s diagnosis in such a positive light. Schumer also shared in interviews how the tools the couple have received since the diagnosis make their lives and marriage more manageable. The comedian and actress also jokes in her s...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 22, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Shelley D. Hutchins Tags: News Slider Speech-Language Pathology autism Autism Spectrum Disorder Source Type: blogs

Tackle Problematic Tech Habits This Spring-Cleaning Season
Is your tech use “sparking joy”? Spring is here, but perhaps you already got a jump on your spring-cleaning ritual in January, as Marie Kondo fever took over our collective screens and homes. (Marie Kondo is an international tidying expert with her own show on Netflix who helps clients de-clutter their homes and find joy.) If so, why not use this time to consider some tech-use makeovers you can share with your clients and their families—with a focus on what actually sparks joy.  Promoting Healthy Communication in a Tech-Driven World Use Spring Awareness Days as Outreach Opportunities Portable Music Players Lin...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 20, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Francine Pierson Tags: Audiology Events Health Care Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology screen time Technology Source Type: blogs

Helping Cambodia Hear
Chyrisse Heine knows Cambodia’s rural provinces well. She travels there regularly—and has for years—in her work for Cambodia Vision, which provides health care to Cambodian residents. In oppressive humidity and with limited resources, Heine works with a group of volunteers to provide hearing care and treatment for the organization. Last year, her team helped more than 700 people—46 of whom experienced the ability to hear for the first time. An associate professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, Heine is an audiologist and speech-language pathologist. In addition to teaching and leading her annual vo...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 19, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Shelley D. Hutchins Tags: Academia & Research Audiology Health Care Private Practice Slider Speech-Language Pathology Source Type: blogs

Spotlight on Special Interest Group 8, Audiology and Public Health
Looking for a group that explores the relationship between audiological services and public health issues? Let Amy Boudin-George explain why this SIG is for you. When did you join your SIG—and what made you want to join? I joined after I began working in the Department of Defense (DoD), where hearing loss and prevention are seen as being in the public health domain, in addition to being a medical issue. SIG 8 hits that exact mark and goes beyond, showing how hearing loss and tinnitus are public health issues on a global scale. How has your involvement with the SIG helped you in your career? ...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 15, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Amy Boudin-George Tags: Academia & Research Audiology Health Care Private Practice Slider audiologist educational audiologist Hearing Aids Hearing Assistive Technology hearing loss hearing protection public health Source Type: blogs

How to Choose the Best EHR for Your Private Practice
The day has finally arrived. You realize you need electronic health records (EHR) technology for your private practice but aren’t sure how to find the right system. How can audiologists and speech-language pathologists determine which EHR software best fits their practice? Before you can choose EHR software, learn what features and benefits each system offers. In general, EHRs provide a HIPAA-compliant, web-based location to store documents, take care of billing and communicate with patients. They track billing information—including claims, explanation of benefits forms (EOBs) and electronic remittance advice f...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 13, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Jill Shook Tags: Audiology Private Practice Slider Speech-Language Pathology patient communication patient-centered care Technology Source Type: blogs

How to Approach Difficult Conversations With Patients and Family Members
Recently, after what was to be a “routine” speech-language evaluation for a 3-year-old, I had no choice but to bring the word “autism” into the conversation with the parents. The toddler’s pediatrician had never raised concerns, even though the child said just a few words, avoided eye contact, demonstrated clear echolalia, and repeatedly throughout the day hit his head and threw his body against walls, along with other stimming behaviors. Concerned about their child’s obvious delays compared to his peers, the parents sought a speech-language evaluation on their own. So while these parents knew something...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 11, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Jody Vaynshtok Tags: Audiology Health Care Private Practice Slider Speech-Language Pathology Source Type: blogs

Free Hearing Test App Launched for World Hearing Day
The World Health organization (WHO) is offering a free app that allows users to check their hearing with a mobile device. Launched to coincide with World Hearing Day, the app—called “hearWHO”— is available for free on Apple and Google Play. The app aims to help more people detect hearing loss earlier and obtain effective treatment, which can potentially prevent further damage and preserve existing hearing. By making it easy to check hearing regularly, the app also aims to make users aware of high-risk listening habits, such as loud headphone volume or frequenting noisy places without wearing ear protection. WHO...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 8, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Shelley D. Hutchins Tags: Audiology Health Care News Private Practice Schools Slider Hearing Assistive Technology hearing loss Source Type: blogs

Champion the 21-Day Challenge to Read Aloud
We all know the tremendous importance of daily reading with a child. This practice promotes speech/language development, along with numerous other benefits—building vocabulary, providing consistent opportunities for bonding with parents and caregivers, promoting empathy and compassion, and establishing a life-long love of books, reading, and learning—among them. That’s why this March, ASHA is teaming up with the organization Read Aloud 15 MINUTES to promote the 21-Day Read Aloud-ASHA Challenge. The challenge hopes to help parents and caregivers form a habit of reading aloud once they commit to the challenge of readin...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 6, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Diane Paul Tags: News Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology literacy reading Source Type: blogs

Ways to Grow Your Private Practice Client Base
Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series. Look for part one, “Finding the Right Market for Your Private Practice.” Private practice is a consistently growing area for communication sciences and disorders (CSD) professionals. Whether making the transition from employee to employer, or trying to expand an established business, private practitioners want to grow their client base. If you’re looking for places to reach potential clients, try some of these approaches to marketing, collaboration and outreach. Get on social media Use social media—such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter—to share news and inf...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 4, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Yvette McCoy Tags: Audiology Private Practice Slider Speech-Language Pathology business management Source Type: blogs

Hearing Loss and the Increased Risk of Falls
One of our roles as audiologists is to help our patients better connect and communicate with the world around them. We care deeply about our patients and treating their auditory system so they can lead better lives. Our responsibility includes educating patients about the benefits of treatment, as well as the risks of leaving them untreated. For the elderly in particular, one such risk involves the increased chance of falls due to hearing loss. Facts on falling People 65 or older commonly fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four older adults falls each yea...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - March 1, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Zhanneta Shapiro Tags: Academia & Research Audiology Health Care Private Practice Slider audiologist balance Hearing Aids hearing loss Source Type: blogs

Looking Back, Looking Ahead to Transition from Clinic to Academia
There are four infamous words that parents, including me, say to children: “Back in my day … (fill in the blank).” What follows this phrase is usually something like, “I used to walk to school uphill, both ways, barefoot, in the snow.” No matter the context, “Back in my day” serves as a bridge linking the past to the present. In the summer of 2018—just a little more than 16 years since I had received my undergraduate degree from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore—I started a new job as a clinical assistant professor several miles north of my alma mater at Towson University. Prior to this appointme...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - February 27, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: David Alexander Tags: Academia & Research Audiology Health Care Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology educational audiologist Source Type: blogs