Childhood Speech and Language Disorders

Communication is one of life's most fundamental joys, yet one often taken for granted until it is lost or fails to develop. Yet for millions of children each year, the skills that encompass communication stall or do not emerge at all. Even a mild disorder or temporary interruption in development can have long-term effects and results in serious and far-reaching deficits that touch every aspect of a child's life. Each year, millions of children and their families join the ranks of those who are navigating a life they never expected, and frequently feel they are unable to take on.
While it is critical to address the child's deficits with supports and specific interventions, it is equally important to directly address the impact on the family, from the marital relationship to the well-being of siblings. With a warm and compassionate approach, Suzanne Ducharme provides parents with comprehensive information about speech and language development and the intervention process, but also delves deeply into the fears, concerns, and questions that every parent faces when something goes wrong. She provides families with information and resources, but also support and perspective. Using real stories throughout, Ducharme is able to illustrate the range of difficulties, challenges, and triumphs of families who love and support children with speech and language issues.

Suzanne M. Ducharme, MS CCC-SLP is a licensed and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech Language Pathologist with 20 years of experience working with children with a range of complex medical and developmental challenges. Suzanne has specialized experience working with feeding and swallowing, early language development and speech disorders. Suzanne is the owner and master clinician of Lifespan Healing, an innovative clinical practice that combines traditional SLP services with Craniosacral therapy, Reiki and other alternative healing modalities that support children with special needs and their families. Suzanne has extensive experience in educating and coaching parents, helping them to become better communication partners and advocates for their children. Suzanne has done presentations on the local, state and national level covering a range of topics, and she has been active in her professional community, serving as Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA) president from 2007-2010 and on several ASHA committees. Currently, Suzanne sits on the Board of Licensure for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in Massachusetts.

PART ONE
Welcome to the Journey
Alphabet Soup and Seeing Your Child in Context
Communication Development
Assessment of Speech and Language Disorders
An Overview of Speech Sound Disorders
An Overview of Language Disorders
PART TWO
The Parent Experience
Finding the New Normal
Bringing it All Together
Lessons I Have Learned
Appendices
Resources