There’s a lot to celebrate in May. Starting with May Day, ending with Memorial Day and in between Star wars, Cinco de Mayo, mothers, teachers, and more. As a mom AND speech therapist, I look forward to May to also celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of communication and the challenges faced by individuals with speech, language and hearing disorders.
How can we increase our awareness to challenges in this area? Here are just 5 ways to increase your awareness, then share with others!
- Read a book about an area of speech and language. I’m nearly finished with “In a Different Key”, the Story of Autism by John Donvan and Caren Zucker. It’s been quite an insightful history read about autism.
- Learn how to communicate better with adults with speech and/or language difficulties: https://www.asha.org/about/press-room/articles/tips-for-communicating-with-adults-who-have-a-speech-or-language-disorder/
- Listen to the voices of people with difficulties. Many autistic adults share their views/experiences on social media.
- Support advocates and individuals by shopping their small businesses. Play-Spark, PeachieSpeechie, Emily B Speech, Connor Tomlinson and Abbey Romeo (from U.S. Love on the Spectrum) create my favorite tees and hats.
- May is also Apraxia Awareness Month. Check out Jordan LeVan’s instagram account @fightingformyvoice to learn more and how to advocate for Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Which one would you do? Any other ideas, please share!
Prietto Speech Therapy 
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