May is Better Hearing & Speech Month

bhsm-logo-2011

The first five years of a child’s life is a critical time for development and discovery of their speech, language, social, sensory and motor development. Identification and timing of early intervention (EI) services is essential for children as soon as they are demonstrating delays or deficits in their development.Although more than five million children in the United States have a speech, language or hearing disorder, parents are often uninformed and unsure about what to do when they suspect their child is delayed. When children struggle in these areas, they can have trouble expressing themselves, understanding directions, playing with other children, and/or have behavioral challenges. Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has celebrated Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) in May to provide parents with information about communication disorders. This is to foster awareness and help identify those in need of treatment. For more information on this program, please visit http://www.asha.org/bhsm/.To determine if your child is meeting their milestones, visit http://www.cwtherapy.com/resources/milestones/ for milestone charts. If you have concerns, a screening is a great way to determine whether or not an assessment is needed.In honor of BHSM, CW will be providing free speech and language screenings* for families who are concerned about their child’s development. For more information on our free screenings*, please call 510-639-2929 or visit www.cwtherapy.com.*Restrictions for screenings apply. Child may not have diagnoses, currently receiving services of any type, or has received services in the past.