DeISD Recognizes Better Hearing & Speech Month

DeISD Recognizes Better Hearing & Speech Month
Posted on 05/05/2021
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DeSoto ISD is bringing awareness to communication disorders. Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association provides life-altering treatment.

 

“In DeSoto ISD, we are committed to the health and well-being of the whole child,” said Chastity Jackson, Director of Special Education. “We complete full and individual evaluations to identify communication disorders and other disabilities and provide services that they would need.”  

 

Signs of a speech or language disorder in a young child (age 3 and under) include but are not limited to are:

 

  • Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)

  • Does not babble (4–7 months)

  • Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months)

  • Does not understand what others say (7 months – 2 years)

  • Says only a few words (12–18 months)

  • Says words that are not easily understood by others (18 months – 2 years)

  • Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years)

  • Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

 

Key benefits of early treatment:

 

  • Maximizes a child’s success. Treatment at any age is worthwhile, but earlier is usually most effective. Early treatment can reduce the need for school-based services later.

  • Saves time and money. It can take less time to treat a communication delay or disorder when families act on the early warning signs. Fewer treatment sessions can also mean fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Many early intervention programs offer free or low-cost services to children ages birth to 3 years and their families. They also can link you to other community supports.

  • Prepares a child for kindergarten. What happens between birth and age 3 lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness. Strong speech, language, cognitive, and social skills are necessary for reading, writing, and academic success—as well as all the other demands of school.

  • Sets a child on a course to school, social, and life success. All families want what’s best for their children. Acting early can have positive, long-lasting effects on your child’s communication, social relationships, learning, and daily life activities well into adulthood.

 

Learn more about the benefits of early identification and treatment at www.IdentifytheSigns.org.

DeSoto residents may also contact the DeISD Special Education Department or the local school counselor if you are interested in an evaluation for a child.