Hi everyone,
See this link to an interesting New York Times article. Gina
HEALTH | April 05, 2012
Scientists Link Gene Mutation to Autism Risk
By BENEDICT CAREY
Scientists have for the first time identified several gene mutations that they say sharply increase the chances of autism, and have found that the risk increases with the age of the parents, particularly the father.
We are planning to add an additional afternoon by the end of May. Our referrals have been increasing and we are happy to provide more services to more children in need of speech and language therapy.
The Thief In The House
file:///Users/ginanimmo/Desktop/August’11%20Newsletter.doc-2.docx
Arts & Crafts Day at the CLCOC
Language Center News There are many APPS (applications) coming into bloom these days as a means of giving a “voice” to children who are “non-verbal” which can be used on gaming devices, IPhones, and the like. One of the simplest to learn and use is TapToTalk. TapToTalk is a good example of the direction being taken by manufacturers of augmentative and assistive communication devices (AAC).
I first became acquainted with AAC devices through my work as a Speech Language Pathologist in the schools while working with children who were nonverbal. AAC can be as simple as having a few pictures a person could point to or pick up to show the listener, or a “story board” with few or many pictures which could be used by someone able to select and sequence pictures/symbols to “tell” a story or converse. Through the years they increased in sophistication and generally were based on a computer with voice which could be managed through laborious spelling/picture and symbol pointing, and even breath control and eye blinks. Although AAC devices gave children and adults a “voice” and the gift of communication, they had limitations - often size and/or cost.
Recently, great strides have been made in the field of AAC devices as well as for the common use of cell phones, IPods, games, etc. The following is taken from the TapToTalk blog and is an example of many Apps which have been developed for children who are non-verbal/ severely
limited in speaking. We use such devices to give a non- verbal child an alternative means of communication and also as a training aid for the child/adult who is acquiring/regaining speech.
No so long ago, an AAC system could cost as much as $10,000, give or take a few thousand. Today, the cost is much less - perhaps $200 and an extra portable system available for about $100. Families, schools, and agencies are more able to provide children with AAC devices than ever before. Here at the CLC we have been using an older device (about 6 years), the Lingraphica. Medicare provided it for my husband for rehab after his stroke left him speechless. Now, he uses the app for Lingraphica on his IPod, sometimes! So let’s give all our kids the voice they deserve!
Gina Nimmo, MA, CCC, SLP & Clinic Director Ruth Honer, SLPA Fardowsa Mohamed, SLPA
http://www.taptotalk.com/demo.aspx http://www.taptotalk.com/pictureinfo.aspx red Pict
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Jay Luo, one of our fathers, the Center is now wireless. This is such a great advantage for providing computer based therapy activites in any therapy room with just a laptop! Mr. Luo the staff and I greatly appreciate your time and efforts to make this a reality for the Center!!!!! Regina Nimmo, MA, CCC Executive Director Childhood Language Center of Orange County A Non-Profit Organization 801 North French Street Santa Ana. CA 92702 Phone 714-972-2646 Fax 714-543-9754 Cell 714-717-2387 gnimmo@socal.rr.com I GoodSearch & GoodShop for the Childhood Language Center of Orange County. Raise money for us just by searching the internet using GoodSearch.com, and shopping online with GoodShop.com
THE CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY - an outreach program of the Santa Ana Scottish Rite PRESENTS…
MONDAY - AUGUST 16TH, 2010
BENEFITING the CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY
Aliso Viejo Country Club, Aliso Viejo
GOLF (fun events - helicopter ball drop)
FOOD (snacks, lunch, dinner, drinks)
PRIZES – (gift bags and give-aways)
FUN 18 Holes of Golf –Contests – Vendors – Gifts for all Participants Lunch–Dinner–Snacks and Drinks on the Course-Silent Auction and Live Auction – Opportunity Gifts - Awards and Prizes 1st thru 7th We need local sponsors, supporters/players, volunteers, there are many ways to help.
Contact Terry Ake 949-525-0702 or take43@cox.net
