| ABSTRACT INFORMATION |
| Presenter Information: |
| Presenter 1: |
Name: Becky Clem
Affiliation: Cook Children's Medical Center
B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Special Education - Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
M.A. in Logopedics (Communication Disorders), Wichita State University, Wichita KS
ASHA Certification in Speech-Language Pathology
Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist from the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language
Current positions:
* Education Coordinator for Rehab Services and Project Coordinator for First Sounds-First Words at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas
* Adjunct Faculty Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
*Presenter for Cochlear Corporation HOPE programs
|
| Presenter 2: |
Name: Sarah Thomas
Affiliation: Hearing School of the Southwest
B.S. and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma
ASHA Certification in Speech-Language Pathology
Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist from the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language
Current positions:
* Director of Auditory-Verbal Services at The Hearing School of the Southwest, Coppell, TX
* Adjunct Faculty for the Department of Communication Disorders, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
|
|
| Author Information: |
| Author 1: |
Name: Becky Clem
Affiliation: Cook Children's Medical Center
|
| Author 2: |
Name: Sarah Thomas
Affiliation: Hearing School of the Southwest
|
|
| Abstract Information: |
| Title: |
Meet the Parents! |
| Primary Track: |
6-Family Issues
|
| Keyword(s): |
parents, auditory-verbal, grief, unbiased counseling |
Abstract: |
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening has changed identification of hearing loss from parents initiating the need for testing to institutional personnel giving news from testing unknown or unexpected to the parents. The process of grief and coping for parents of babies with hearing loss has changed dramatically. With the average age of identification decreasing from 2 years to 6 months within the last 10 years, unsuspecting parents are 'shell-shocked' with news of a failed hearing test when they should be celebrating the birth and homecoming of their new child.
In addition to this frightening news, they have large decisions to make about amplification, communication, possible surgery; all within a short period of time. Their privacy is invaded with numerous professionals, and the general public who have their opinions about what they should do for their child with hearing loss.
The importance of unbiased, evidence-based, and family centered counseling is imperative during these first months. Ultimately, the parents are the ones who care and love their child on a daily and nightly basis, not the professionals. What they choose has to best fit their family - not our skills as professionals.
This presentation will highlight what parents from 2 different programs shared with us about their reactions, feelings and choices related to their child's hearing loss and choosing auditory-verbal therapy. |
| Presentation(s): |
Not Available
|
| Handouts: |
Not Available
|
|
