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Hearing is directly related to the development of learning, speech, language and communication skills. If you are concerned about these areas of development, it is possible that your child might have a hearing loss.

There are several types of hearing loss including mixed, unilateral and sensorineural. Today I am focusing on sensorineural hearing loss which takes place when there is damage to hair cells in the cochlea and sound cannot reach the auditory nerve. A cochlear implant, unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, works by directly stimulating auditory nerves inside the cochlea with electrical impulses. The cochlear implant does not result in restored or cured hearing. It does, however, allow for the perception of sound sensation.

Cochlear implants include both external and internal parts. The external parts include a microphone, a speech processor, and a transmitter. The microphone looks like a behind-the-ear hearing aid. It picks up sounds and sends them to the speech processor which may be housed behind the ear or in a small “box” worn in a chest pocket. The speech processor is a computer that analyzes and digitizes the sound signals and sends them to a transmitter worn on the head just behind the ear.

The internal parts include a receiver and electrodes . The receiver takes the electrical signals from the transmitter and delivers them to electrodes that have been surgically inserted in the cochlea. The electrodes stimulate the fibers of the auditory nerve and sound sensations are perceived.

Candidates for cochlear implants include those who have a profound hearing loss in both ears, have no other medical conditions that would make the surgery risky, and are able to, along with their parents, commit to rehabilitation services.

Nearly 3000 people worldwide have cochlear implants, including 1600 children. As of 2006, the world’s youngest recipient of a bilateral implant was just over 5 months old.

Remember, cochlear implants are just one type of hearing device. Ask your doctor or an audiologist about other hearing aid options to see what works best for your child. Early intervention is key.

Michael Savage, a radio talk show host, made a fool of himself on air last week, claiming that autism is a fraud. He stated that in “99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out”. Is this man insane? It has taken me a few days to gather myself and write this article because I was so overwhelmed with anger.

Autism is a neuro-developmental medical condition that effects many. Some characteristics of autistm include language difficulties, self destructive and repetitive behaviors and sensory difficulties. I have been teaching preschool special education for four years now and I have already begun to see the numbers of children who display characteristics of autism increase. I am a strong advocate of early intervention and believe with all of my heart that these children need this program to learn coping strategies, communication and social skills.

Savage also stated that autism is due to a lack of parental discipline. It pains me to even type this. There has never been a moment in my teaching career that I have felt that these children are “brats” who have not been taught how to “act” appropriately. Never once have I felt as if it was the parents fault. Some of the best parents that I have ever met have been those of autistic children. Parenting an autistic child is an extremely challenging job. Many of you have spent sleepless nights researching autism, specialists who can help your child, resources in the area and parenting techniques. Some of you have even sold your house or drastically cut back on daily expenses in order to help your child. I am consistently amazed by your love, patience and determination. You have taught me so much and it is my hope that one day I will be just as an incredible parent as you are.

Many lashed out after Savage’s show aired. In fact, several Mississippi based talk radio shows owned by Telesouth Communications dropped his program. His remarks are being talked about and bashed in blogs, newspaper articles and talk shows. Savage came back to say that “too many people are being misdiagnosed and that the real cases need our sympathy and support”. It is possible that there are cases of misdiagnoses but he cannot take back the blame that he has placed on parents. His remarks were crude and out of line.  All of the children I have taught who have an eligibility of autism are autistic and have greatly benefited from early intervention.

I hope that all of you who have an autistic child feel supported and respected by the community and are benefiting from the available resources. You have made a difference in the autism community and more importantly in your child’s life.

Having a child who is about to enter Kindergarten is a very exciting experience.  Your child is growing up and will be starting one of the most important and memorable years of their life. I am sure that you might also be anxious.  Your child will be going to a new school, will have a different daily routine than previous years, and will be in a classroom with lots of kids. Don’t worry, you are not the only one feeling anxious! Many other parents and children are feeling the same way. Help your child adjust and plan for the upcoming year by creating a Kindergarten social story.

Take your child to their new school and walk around. Play on the playground, walk around the building and down the halls. Show your child the cafeteria, gym and music room. You might also be able to peak in their new classroom. At every juncture, take a picture. Put the pictures in a book, possibly on index cards and write captions on each page. Have your child create the book with you. Read your child the book every night before bed. Most children are visual learners. Providing your child with a picture book about the upcoming year will give them confidence, make them feel excited and help them adjust.

Don’t forget to take pictures of your child on their first day. You will want to remember this forever!

Autism Society of America, Northern Virginia Chapter, ASA-NV

The ASA-NV offers a support group for parents who have children with autism. Topics include the rights of the family, recent research about autism and information about related disorders. ASA-NV also produces a monthly newsletter containing articles, personal experiences and information about upcoming meetings and seminars. Membership is $10.

Address:

98 N Washington St
Falls Church VA 22046
(703) 495-8444

Kymberly DeLoatche, Executive Director

Fax:
(703) 532-3214

E-Mail address:
asanv.ed@gmail.com

Website:
http://www.asanv.org/

hildren who have an articulation delay have difficulty pronouncing age appropriate sounds. Listed below are a few easy and successful suggestions that you can do at home. In class, I have found my students have fun with these activities and do not realize that I am actually working with them on something that is challenging.

1) Buy small plastic trinkets that start with the letter you are trying to address. For example, if you are targeting the letter “B” you should buy items such as a ball, bat, bear, bike, and bee. Often, the dollar store has an array of these items. I would buy 7 or more of these items. Put the items in a bag and have your child reach in and feel around. Have them guess what they are feeling. When they pull the item out, help them identify the object and produce the targeted beginning sound. Your child might have difficulty. Make sure to give gentle reminders and repeat the sound twice per object.

2) Place pictures that start with the targeted sound on the ground. Spread them out and have your child throw a bean bag onto each card. Have them identify each picture and assist them in producing the sound. This is a good language and gross motor activity.

3) Place cards that begin with the targeted sound on blocks. Give your child a ball and have them bowl to knock down each block and produce the sound.