Communication for All: Better Hearing and Speech Month

According to a national poll released earlier this month from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), parents are often unaware of the early warning signs associated with communication disorders in children.

Each May, ASHA celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role audiologists and speech-language pathologists play in providing life-changing services with a focus on early warning signs. The theme for this year – “Communication for All” – aligns perfectly with both educating the public about the importance of communication in everyday activities and encouraging early treatment.  

Communication is imperative to all aspects of life - crucial to getting our needs met, developing relationships, and achieving success.  According to ASHA, with 11% of children ages three to six-years old having a speech, language, voice, or swallowing disorder—and almost 15% of school-age children experiencing some degree of hearing loss—communication disorders are among the most common disabilities in children across the country. This month especially, the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) urges families to learn more about the early signs of these disorders and seek an assessment if they have concerns.

“To be able to assist someone who has had a loss of or never developed communication skills is such a privilege,” Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, director of SLI said.