May is Better Speech and Hearing Month!

Each May the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association launches Better Speech and Hearing Month. This campaign raises public awareness of communication disorders and spreads the word about services that are available for people with speech, language, or hearing issues to improve their communication and overall quality of life.

Can Your Voice Affect Your Image?

When was the last time you thought about your voice? Almost everyone winces when they hear themselves on an answering machine or video recording, thinking Do I really sound like that? But unless there is an obvious problem, most of us simply push the thought out of our mind and move on. However, new research on how vocal quality affects others’ perceptions may make you think twice.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal discusses a study that shows that the quality of your voice has an even stronger impact on how you are perceived than the content of your message. As listeners provided feedback on speakers, it was found that their vocal

Raising Awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Over the past month, we’ve touched on two different awareness campaigns: April is both Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Month. Today, we’ll discuss another devastating disease being highlighted by a national awareness campaign: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gherig’s Disease. This disease is near and dear to the heart of our founder and president, Jayne Latz. She has lost a total of five aunts and uncles to this devastating disease. Every year her family participates in the ALS Walk which will take place this Saturday, May 4, in New York City. 

April is Autism Awareness Month: Spread the Word!

Did you know that the prevalence of Autism has risen to 1 in 88 children in America? As this disorder continues to grow, the need for awareness, research, and education grow as well. To help raise awareness about autism, each month April is recognized as World Autism Month by organizations around the globe. In support of this awareness campaign, Speech Associates of New York will dedicate this week’s blog to autism and the impact it can have on communication.

Although autism is a disorder that can vary greatly from person to person, difficulty with language and communicating with others is one of the most common problems. Because of this, a speech-language pathologist is typically a critical part of the autism treatment team. What issues can a speech therapist address?

• Language in Autism: Children with autism can have a range of linguistic difficulties, ranging from poor vocabulary and difficulty with self-expression to being completely non-verbal. A speech-language pathologist can help a child with autism develop the areas of language that are most challenging for them, and develop strategies to compensate for weaknesses. In extreme cases, a speech-language pathologist may also help the child learn to use an alternate form of communication, such as a picture exchange system.
• Social Skills: Difficulty with social communication is a classic hallmark of autism. Aspects of communication which come naturally to most, such as reading facial expressions, choosing appropriate conversational topics, or taking turns in conversation can be challenging to a child with autism. Speech therapy can break down these complicated issues, providing the child with techniques to navigate the complicated world of social language.

A speech-language pathologist can make a world of difference to a child with autism and their family. But early intervention is key; if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with autism, contact a speech-language pathologist and learn more about services. For information on our New York based Speech-Language Pathology services, please call Speech Associates of New York today at (212)308-7725 or visit our website at www.speechassociatesofny.com and find out how our team of professionally trained and certified speech-language pathologists can help!

Are you a part of a community recognizing World Autism Awareness Month? What is your group doing to help raise awareness? Share your story in our comments section. For more great ideas on how you can raise awareness, check out the Autism Society’s webpage: http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month: How Can YOU Make a Difference?

Did you know that currently 1 million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s Disease?  Each year, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation declares April Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in an attempt to raise public awareness of this devastating disease. In support of the PDF’s awareness campaign, this week we’ll talk about what Parkinson’s Disease is, how it affects communication, and how you can help raise awareness.

What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder.

Traumatic Brain Injury: How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help? (Part 2)

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can have a significant impact on communication. As an individual heals from a neurological injury, communication deficits can range from a slight difficulty organizing one’s thoughts to the complete loss of spoken language. Last week, we discussed how a TBI can affect the muscles necessary to form speech, as well as the ability to use language effectively in different social situations. Today, we’ll talk some other ways a TBI can impact communication and how a speech-language pathologist can help.

• Language Difficulties: Depending on where the brain damage is concentrated, a person can experience a variety of difficulties with understanding and producing language. A person may have trouble with finding the words they want to use, organizing language, or have difficulty with reading or writing. A decrease in the ability to effectively understand or process spoken language is often seen as well. A speech-language pathologist can identify the areas of language that are affecting communication the most, and provide language therapy targeting these areas.

Recently, one of our speech-language therapists worked with a client of ours on integrating back into his environment. The therapist actually brought the client into the public library and helped him to better understand and access information in the library. Naturally this took time, but the end result was that the client was able to get his own library card and begin to check out books on his own (with guidance)!

• Cognitive Decline: Many cognitive issues often result from traumatic brain injuries, including difficulty with memory, organization, planning, and attention. In addition to speech, language, and swallowing, speech-language pathologists are also able to provide cognitive therapy, and can provide compensatory strategies and exercises to increase cognitive functioning following a traumatic brain injury.

Have you experienced a traumatic brain injury and received therapy? What strategies did you find useful in improving communication? Share your story in the comments section below!

For information on our New York based Speech-Language Pathology services, please call Speech Associates of New York today at (212)308-7725 or visit our website at www.speechassociatesofny.com and find out how our team of professionally trained and certified speech-language pathologists can help you communicate your best!

Traumatic Brain Injury: How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help?

Did you know that each year 1.7 million Americans will sustain a traumatic brain injury? A TBI can leave the victim with a range of deficits, including problems with speech and language. Because a brain injury can impact communication, a speech-language pathologist is often enlisted to help aid in recovery. Here are some of the most common ways a TBI can affect communication, and how a speech-language pathologist can help: