Monthly Archives: May 2016

Grandparents Want to Know…

Category : Blog

BHSM, Day 17, 2016

Each week, friends of mine who are now grandparents ask me, “What should I do, I don’t think, [insert grandchild’s name] is talking enough? or What should I do I can’t understand anything my [insert grandchild’s name] says? And then, the real question, “How can I approach this with my son/daughter and their spouses without upsetting them?” In this scenario, I am often the FACILITATOR.

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To be sure, grandparents, teachers and yes, even physicians are often in this same situation. How to broach a sensitive topic without upsetting or offending the child’s parents? Clearly, it is important to approach the situation in such a way that the parental views and family or professional boundaries are respected and appreciated.

For me, the best route begins by learning more about the concerns and then tailoring a packet of educational links related to the communication concerns, developmental milestones, educational expectations, and appropriate public resources such as The American Speech-Hearing-Language Association (ASHA). My goals are to help the grandparents share information with the parents, to be available to speak with and help the parents understand speech-language and communication development, and ensure the best plan for each child and family.

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As an SLP who has been working in pediatrics for more than 35 years, I am a firm believer in early identification and intervention, the value of educating others about the ins and outs of being an SLP, and the potential benefits SLP services for each child’s needs. I always share that the SLP Evaluation is based on “play-typed activities” for the younger child, is not painful (no shots here), and worth the time to have an expert in the field of SLP be the one to determine if all is on track, or if SLP services may be beneficial. I invite each child to bring a snack, a drink and a favorite book, toy or game. As my training at Emory University taught me, I should be able to evaluate a child based on the “tools” I have at hand. Yes, formal testing is valuable and necessary, but not the sole tool for understanding the needs of a child who comes to see me. It may take several “visits” but with family input and a well conducted first appointment, I am able to help guide the family through the suggested plan.

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Photo: LSG 2003

I believe parents hesitate for many reasons, but with the right conversation would prefer to seek help, sleep better, stop wondering, and be proactive. I spend many hours assisting parents in maneuvering through the maze of options often restricted by insurance, school choices, family calendars, and life in general. At this Center, I know that while every child can not be seen by me, every child can be seen by an experienced, licensed and ASHA-certified SLP.

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In my eyes, grandparents deserve a huge “Thank you!” for helping to initiate SLP services, scheduling and providing transportation to SLP sessions, for financially assisting, for participating in the SLP program, and most of all for their genuine love for their grandchild/ren and family.

The Importance of Family...a Common Thread Photo: LSG 2015

Photo: LSG 2015

To learn more be sure to read this article, “How to Raise Concerns about a Child’s Speech and Language Development: Dos and Don’ts” shared by ASHA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which provides excellent suggestions on this topic.

Another powerful day in the life of this SLP,

Lori Savage Grayson


I AM A MOTIVATOR

Category : Blog

Better Hearing & Speech Month, May 15, 2016

Challenge: Many of my friends arrive frustrated, anxious, unhappy, and aware (yes, even the two year olds) of their communication challenges.

Solution: Together, we will share respect, build trust and celebrate each small achievement, learning to be patient, accepting there will be steps backwards, and always moving forward.

Parent’s Question: How will you get my child to “work”?

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My Short Answer: An SLP must wear many hats, one is that of MOTIVATOR. So we will be working through “play” using age appropriate activities with the communication goals and objectives embedded in each one.

The long answer: An SLP must wear many hats, one is that of MOTIVATOR. Working through each friend’s strengths and interests, I address their speech, language, learning, oral motor and overall communication needs. I do not shy away from themes which hold a child’s interest, instead, I begin there and expand receptive and expressive vocabulary & concepts, speech sounds, social communication and more. I provide the “motivation” through “tools” appropriate for each friend. Over time, there will be a natural transition where each friend develops self-motivation as they experience the “power” of effective & efficient communication and success. Keep in mind that your daily life, successfully communicating in all situations, is the LONG term goal, right now, we are starting at step 1 and moving forward. Share in each success, no matter how small it is the building block for the next step forward… NOTE: I would share that the role of MOTIVATOR extends to my relationship with the family, teachers and others involved with each friend.

Child’s Question: What am I going to do here?! Wow, you have  a lot of games and toys.

My Answer: Together, we are going to work hard, learn, play and have fun. Ready?!

We will make animal sounds...

We will learn to make animal sounds…

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We will learn to sequence…

We will build...

We will learn to build…

Cookie Hunt.

We will learn how to take turns, follow rules and ask questions…

We will learn about the flexibility in language...

We will learn about the flexibility in language…

We will learn to tell stories through play, art and writing...

We will learn to tell stories through play, art, and writing…

We will learn to travel through our imaginations...

We will learn to travel through our imaginations…

We will learn to plan a party & share a meal...

We will learn to plan a party & share a meal…

We will learn to be curious...

We will learn to be curious…

We will learn to read, follow directions, and imagine...

We will learn to read, follow directions, and imagine…

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We will learn to be amazed… (and of course that messes are fun and clean up is easy)

We will learn about friendship...

We will learn about friendship…

We will learn to "relax" even in challenging situations...

We will learn to “relax” even in challenging situations…

Contact us for more information!

Speak to you soon,

Lori Savage Grayson

 


Autism Awareness Month: A Look Back

Thank you to Kirsten Malenke who interviewed me about the Children’s Communication Center’s participation with Autism Awareness Month! Below is an excerpt from her Advance Healthcare Network article. (2016)

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complicated disorders of brain development, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. According to the CDC, one in 68 children is classified as being on the autism spectrum.

In 1965, the Autism Society of America was established by Bernard Rimland, PhD, and Ruth Sullivan, PhD, along with parents of children with autism. The mission of the Autism Society is to improve the lives of those living with autism by increasing public awareness about the everyday issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for services, and providing information regarding treatment, education, and research. The Autism Society is a not-for-profit organization composed of a network of 100 affiliates that spans the nation.

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Lori Savage Grayson, MMSc, CCC-SLP, FSL, is the founder and director of the Children’s Communication Center Inc. in Tallahassee, Fla. With almost 40 years of experience, Grayson has seen many changes in the field of autism research as well as the challenges those with autism face as they mature over the years. Grayson’s passion for helping those affected by autism is evident in the many ways she and the center participated in their community last month.

The center celebrated Autism Awareness Month from day one, starting with the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue Event. Each day they posted articles relating to autism and advertised local events and services on their social media sites. They helped sponsor the Autism Speaks U Club 5K at Florida State University, as well as a community art project called Together and Able that was featured in a local art festival. The center shared the Autism Navigator, an online collection of web-based tools for parents and healthcare professionals created by the Florida State University Autism Institute. It also promoted a local sensory friendly skating night and The Chocolate Spectrum, a Florida-based artisan chocolate company created by a speech-language pathologist for her son and other individuals with developmental disabilities who are hired, trained and employed.

Grayson said, “Each of us deserves the best opportunity to communicate, play, tell stories, share emotions, learn, gain an education, achieve, succeed and be happy with family and friends. While each person with autism has different strengths and areas of need, they share common challenges with social, communication, and language skills. I am a speech-language pathologist and that’s why I think autism awareness is important. Autism affects one in every 68 children and at the same time it affects all of us. Together, we are making a difference.

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READ MORE  Update: 2018, this link does not appear to be active at this time.