Special Needs

When you or your child have been working forever on a speech sound like "r" or "s" and the progress isn't happening, the results can be disappointing. Luckily, there are new technologies that give users the chance to "see" their tongue moving in real-time, offering proven assistance for improving lingering speech errors. ...

Since speech-language problems can impact social and academic abilities, early detection and intervention are critical. Early intervention can help prevent difficulties with reading, writing and interpersonal communication. Children are evaluated as young as 12-18 months of age, and treatment begins with the abilities your child has and then builds on those. ...

On Aug. 31, Playhouse Square will host its first sensory-friendly Broadway performance of Disney’s "The Lion King." In addition to discounted tickets, the performance features lowered sound volume and stage lights, eliminated strobe lights, and keeping the house lights and stage lights on throughout the show. ...

Sensory integration, or the way in which the mind communicates with the senses, begins developing before birth and shapes the way a person interacts with the environment. Parents can help their kids’ neurological growth, as well as appeal to their sensory inclinations, by exposing them to summer sensory activities. ...

After a healthy pregnancy and birth, Christie and Josh Hersman welcomed Ava, an energetic baby girl with big blue eyes. When a newborn hearing screening indicated Ava might need further testing, the Hersmans took her to get an auditory brain response test, which confirmed Ava had moderate to severe hearing loss. Learn what resources the family used as part of Ava's early intervention program. ...

Join Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, along with many other service providers, this Wednesday as they celebrate the 29th year of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a free Family Resource Fair and Concert at Wade Oval in University Circle. ...

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Joint attention is the ability to shift your attention between an object or event and your communication partner. Many children with autism don’t develop these skills on their own. Here are some easy, fun ways for parents to work on early joint attention skills. ...

Playing with your child is an essential way to improve his or her speech, language and social skills. Find out how playing with five popular toys can encourage language growth and development. Bonus: they're likely toys that you already have at home! ...

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