TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Autism Speaks has identified the ever growing prevalence as 1 in 68 children currently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As this population is growing, the far-reaching effects of speech and language disorders on children's abilities to communicate, learn and function are amplified. Child development during preschool periods (age < 5 yr) is widely identified as a uniquely sensitive period for the underpinning of cognitive ability and related functioning. Currently language difficulties are found in approximately 2-19% of all preschool aged children and is the #1 reason very young children are referred for Early Intervention.
Intensive change can typically occur during this time across all domains of language, social and motor development. Language, intellectual and other developmental disabilities such as ASD can often co-occur, all of which require early and effective treatment to facilitate overall development.
As the new school year begins approximately 150 health care professionals, early educators and parents from across Ontario will meet on September 23rd at the Delta Toronto Hotel. They will learn different strategies to support children with Autism and late talkers by joining the highly acclaimed "Teach Me to Talk" conference hosted by The Speech Associates, Ontario's leading speech-language pathology clinic.
The Teach Me to Talk method is developed by Laura Mize, M.A.,CCC-SLP, a renowned pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in young children ages birth to three years. With blogs, weekly podcasts and training DVDs, Mize provides educational materials for parents and professionals working with children with language delays, autism and so much more.
Marika Roman, MSc-SLP, President of The Speech Associates, expressed the importance of bringing Teach Me to Talk to Canada. She pointed out that speech and language are the most common areas of development that can be delayed. Many families in Canada miss out on the chance to experience suitable early years of intervention because of the shortage of early identification processes. Enriching children's early development through competent practice of highly skilled and well informed professionals can secure and advance, rather than hinder a child's health and progress.
SAC "Speech-Language & Audiology" advocates in its recent letter stating that "Problems in communication occur earlier than one imagines, actually in the first 3 years. This is a critical time. Early identification and intervention of speech and language is absolutely key for a better chance of improvement or even recovery."
Laura Mize will be taking participants through "Building Verbal Imitation in Toddlers" including the hierarchy of verbal imitation skills she teaches internationally. The straightforward approach and suggestions for carrying out the techniques are easy to understand for parents and professionals to implement in the child's daily life.
For more information and to register for the conference, individuals may visit http://www.teachmetotalk.toronto.speechassociates.ca
The Speech Associates is one of the largest Speech Clinics in Ontario providing in-home Speech-Language Therapy. With more than 40 therapists dedicated to providing effective treatment to individuals as young as 15 months of age, our team of speech-language pathologists and Autism interveners apply practical strategies. These include Teach Me to Talk across a range of disorders that extend beyond late talking toddlers, including ASD, individuals with ADHD, nonverbal learning challenges, as well as those with emotional learning challenges to communication skills.
SOURCE The Speech Associates
Image with caption: "The Speech Associates (CNW Group/The Speech Associates)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160921_C7475_PHOTO_EN_777757.jpg
For media inquiries, please contact Emily Emerson, Patient Care Manager, Speech Inc. at (416 967-7325) or email: [email protected]
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