|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
| |||||||
|
Communication Station 
Regional Support
New Jersey
Apraxia Network of Bergen County Newsletters
View information about meetings, minutes and other news from our group, by date. Apraxia Network Meeting Notes 12/6/06 The meeting was held at Temple Sholom, in River Edge,NJ. Jeanne opened up the meeting by making some announcements. The upcoming LDANJ conference in Monmouth County at the Sheraton at Eatontown, will take place on March 30th 2007. It has many wonderful speakers with many interesting subjects for parents, teachers and educators. Please contact ldanj@optonline.net if you'd like a brochure mailed to you. Jeanne introduced Dr Berkowitz from St Joseph's Children's Hospital-Center for Pediatric and Swallowing clinic. Their address is 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503. Phone 973-754-4300, www.feedingcenter.org. She also discussed a new exciting future project. Dr Berkowitz described many children without feeding problems usually don't have problems eating, or have problems with caloric intake. It is usually a prositive social experience for the child and parents. But children with feeding problems might have medical motor, oral-motor and learned behaviors also. Some of the feeding problems might be inadequate caloric intake, food refusal, bottle dependence, failure to advance texture to name a few. Some medical problems could be gastroesophageal reflux,constipation, delayed gastric emptying , food allergies/intolences, respitary problems, and structural anomalies. Common oral motor problems associated with feeding difficulties, immature swalling patters, suckle, sucking, poor tongue movements, tongue retraction. Or, no or minimal tongue lateralization (chewing) poor collection and or transport. He also talked about respiration, posture, or positioning of the child. How learned patterns associated with feed problems can also be a problem. One treatment was discussed called the "Triangle Program". Where the child is introduced to one piece of a different food in a triangle on a place to touch the food and eventually try it. Some child with limited diets have a hard time trying other foods. Among the other treament programs, they medically manage GER, constipation, delayed gastric emptying , manage supplimental feeding, improve gross motor/oral motor. Also mealtime structure and practice appropriate oral motor skills and support to the caregivers. They have an initial evaluation, outpatient services- every hr every 2-4 weeks. Day treatments program, typically 4 meals a day, 5 days, a week for 4 weeks. Allows for more evaluation of multiple interventions and increased opportunities to train caregivers in these interventions. 2-3 months waiting list, 8-4:30pm. Range from 6 mos-16 yrs. Most children are between ages of 2-4 receiving services. Most patients reside in the NY Metro area but may come from around the country. They are now going to be doing a laptop with a e-feed program so they can monitor the children's progress who are not around the area. The meeting ended shortly before 9pm with many questions answered. Jeanne thanked Dr Berkowitz for speaking to the group. Apraxia Network Meeting Notes 11/29/06 Jeanne Buesser, President, introduced Carolyn Haye, an advocate from SPAN, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network. Ms. Hayer canvassed the audience to determine the interests of those present. She bagan the workshop with a distribution of booklets describing the needs that parents of apraxic children should be aware of before entering an IEP interview. She urged the parents to keep an ongoing record of progress reported at each session, looking for positive progress in terms of 2.2, or 5.6 grade levels, as oposed to " your chld is doing just fine". Ms. Hayer reminded the parents to ask questions of teachers and case managers, if there are areas that seem fuzzy. Her power-point presentation covered transition from pre-school to grade school, then grade school to high school. She mentioned the requirement that several experts should be present at all IEP meetings, in order to comply with state regulations that will guarantee that the children will be the best opportunity for growth in the public school system. One parent discussed the success that her child had attained, and was now a senior in high school. They were investigating opportunities in preparation for college entry. Another parent expressed a lack of cooperation in his school district in getting the necessary help for his child. He is currently working with a lawyer about this issue. Maria Docherty a member of the parent-to-parent support group within SPAN, invited the audience to sign up with her group to get help if they are overwhelmed dealing with the difficulties of raising a special child. As the parents gathered around Ms. Hayer after her talk, the key advice seemed to stress: be involed, ask questions, know your rights, be optimistic and follow through. Jeanne closed the meeting with the announcement of the next meeting at Temple Sholom, on December 6th at 7pm, with a talk by Dr. Berkowitz, discussing behavior problems. She also mentioned the upcoming LDANJ Conference on March 30 2007 in the Sheraton at Eatontown. Interested parties please contact ldanj@optonline.net with your contact info My meeting notes- Apraxia Network April 5th 2006 Hi all, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported us, or been a member for these past 6 years,of the Apraxia Network of Bergen County. We just celebrated another anniversary! Little did I know how fast time would fly, and how wonderful parent/professional support is. My notes may ramble a bit, but alot of information was given. Just a note our Macy's fundraiser will be held at Garden State Plaza, on Wed, May 17th from 9am-10pm. Tickets are $10. Also the late talker book is also available for $15- $13,plus $2 s & h if you like it mailed to you. Our next upcoming speakers will start in the fall 2006. Jeanne introduced Dr Marion Blank, a internationally, renowned psychologist from Columbia University, who specializes in language and reading. She can also be contacted at Columbia at 212-305-4663 or Alight@childpsych.columbia.edu She developed a whole system to help children who are verbal or non verbal learn how to read letters and write them as well as understanding them. The first system is call " The Reading Remedy" six essential skills that turn your child into a reader,publisher Jossey Bass, 2006 $16.95. The book can be gotten at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com. Information at www.doctorblank.com.The second system is Dr. Blanks Phonics Plus Five for children who are not verbal, ie autism www.phonicsplusfive.com, 1-866-dr-blank (866-372-5265), it is for children ages 4-10, 32 worksbooks, 30 full color books, writing pads, a program guide. Dr. Blank also reiterated in her talk that children who communication should also be talking in full sentences not just a yes or no answer. She also talked about children having a past, or present answers or an understanding or them, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, content and non content words. Many examples were shown on video of different children with disorders and how they used the program. One example she showed was having a child with motor issues. While not being able to write by themselves but with help hand over hand did well, copying letters. In her program she also talked about literacy and how to achieve it while also reading. More examples, phonology sounds, (decoding) semantics concepts, syntax grammer, discource text ( comp). Achieving literacy- using all the domains of language. phonology, sounds, semantics, concepts, content words, syntax grammer non content words, discource, text. Non content words, their effect on the selection of contect words, on nouns, a, the, this, that, these, those, some, singular, plural, an x, some x's . On verbs, is, are, ing, can, wants, to- action that can be perceived- is walking, are eating. The talk also covered other information, incluidng empowering parents to help their children read and learn to write better, with having them understand the words and phrases also in longer sentences. In conclusion Dr. Blank developed this system and many schools/teachers & parents would benefit from it. It isn't taught in the schools. Apraxia Network Meeting notes 3/8/06 The meeting started at 7pm after Jeanne made a few announcements, Many questions were raised by the audience, and well past the ending time. The next meeting will be April 5th with Dr. Blank. April 21st-23rd will be the abilities expo down in Edison, NJ. Passes can be gotten online at www.abilitesexpo.com. Our next fundraiser is with Macy's at Garden State Plaza, on May 17th from 9am-10pm.Tickets can be purchased now for $10 each along with having them available at the store from April-May on select dates. Ms Buesser introduced Dr. Campione a neurological chiropractor. He talked about children usually having more than one diagnosis (co-morbidity) ( Diachises) loss of function (plasticity) neurons firing in the brain and change. Examples of this ADD, learning or language disorders,dyslexia, OCD, Tourettes syndrome, Autism/Aspergers etc. Dr. Campione said that the frontal lobe- 1/3 of the brain is responsible for organizing,planning-motor activity. Where as the cerebellum- is for growth and development of the higher brain or neo cortex. - eyes spine throat. The Basel Ganglis - inhibits functions from the frontal lobe. Ex it is supposed to stop certain actions. One section of the brain was shown cut away, so you saw where the neurons were in the ridges. The white area was were the connection to them. The brain is divided into 2 hemispheres right and left. There are 4 lobes on rt/left side. The brain isn't the same size on both sides. Another slide showed the male left part of the brain is bigger than the rt side. The different areas of the brain were also shown and the areas they controlled. le, trunk, and arm is a different area then the speech. Pre-motor speech- cortex. primary motor cortex, hip, trunk,arm, hand,face,mouth. Many children also have conditions like lazy eye- cortex. Did you know that women talk at 25,000 words vs only 8,000 in men? There was also brocus agre- arcuate faciculas, prefrontal cortex. part that process speech. then wernickes area- process hearing, interprets it. Dr. Campione also showed other areas in yellow, green violet. The yellow area was the midline part of the brain eyes, tongue, cerebellum. Another one showed where you have a problem in your cerebellum. Purple are- right side. Green- Lateral. Also he is having an open house on 3/16 at 7pm. He can be reached at his office 201-871-3030. One of his test included a eye inpulse scan which would show any weaknesses of the brain- cerebellum. In closing, he also talked about his 12 week program which is for 3 times a week at 1 hour sessions. He deals with motor areas of the brain, including neurological exam, eye testing, nutritional guidance, analysis, academic evaluation, ( wiatt 11, tova, and brigance test) token reward system, academic materials/tutoring, physical and vestibular rehabiltation, home visual therapy system, brown, add scales, sensory, profile, eng. He works with many professionals at his practice who are specialists in their area. Each child has their own program made just for them. Meeting Notes Jan 11th 2006 The meeting opened up at 7:5pm at Temple Sholom in River Edge. NJ. Jeanne Buesser talked about upcoming events.The next meeting will be March 8th, and theupcoming LDANJ conference is March 17 at the Sheraton in Eatontown. Please remember to send in your registrations before the february deadline. Ms. Buesser also talked about the chat room section on the Apraxia Network digest and introduced the speaker for the evening.Dr Bajakian can be reached at 201-845-5252 and on the web, www.Chiropractic4All.com.All of the information handed out was backed up by research.According the the American Psychiatry Association, ADHD affects almost 5 million americans mostly boys, 1-3% of the school aged population has been diagnosed with full ADHD syndrome, while five to ten percent has a partial ADHD syndrome. Did you also know that there are 14 signsfrom the American Psychiatric Associaion of which 8 most be present in order to be classfied ADD/ADHD? Among the information presented, Dr Bajakian, also talked about high school children who had been on anti depressent drugs and the missed horrible effects that caused some children to committ suicide or take other peoples lives. There is no single test right now to accomplish this taks of reaching a Confirmed Diagnosis.As of the year 2000, the number of prescriptions written for Ritalin has increased by a factor of five since 1991. The production of Adderall and Dexedrivn also used to treat ADHD has risen 2,000 in nine years? Among other facts were the side affects and how many children under the ages of 2-4 were perscribed the drug. 800,000 anti-depressant drugs for children some only 5 years old. What it can do to your brain and what other options are available. Did you know that in a 1994 study, Purdue University found that many children who have ADHD had lower levels of omega 3, DHA , magnesium and zincm and complex B6. Other studies suggested that the environmental toxins, food additive allergies, heavy metal toxicity, mineral imbalances, efa, and phospholiped deficiencies, thyroid disorders just to name a few. Some of the solutions, were taking out colors, or trying to see if the child has any reaction to some foods and to eliminate them from their diet one at a time. Another option was suggested to see if the child's spine is out of alignment. If a vertabrae bone is out of place ie from birth trauma or if your child has ever had a bad fall to check them out. Some times the pressure on certain nerves can affect your child even if they aren't in pain. They chiropractors use a special tool that shows what is in alignment and what isn't and how severe it is. It is shown on a graft ie green, red, blue or or black being very far out. The machine is programed on the normal guidelines of pressure on your spine. Meeting Minutes October 19. 2005 Apraxia Network of Bergen County Please be prompt as our meetings start at 7pm Jeanne Buesser opened the meeting after 7pm at the Temple Sholom, in River Edge, NJ. Anyone wanting a brochure mailed to them for the Learning Disability Association of New Jersey conference please contact Jeanne by email jbmistletoe@optonline.net or call 201-741-4035 and leave your contact information. The conference will be held March 17th, 2006 at the Eatontown, NJ (Sheraton) (monmouth county). The other conference is the Abilities Expo it will be in April 2006 at the Raritan Center in Edison, NJ. Jeanne will be speaking at this one. We also have a Apraxia Network of Bergen County Digest Chat on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30pm -10:00pm. Check under speechville.com ( NJ ) for the website. The next meetings are Jan 11th, 2006, Dr Bajakian will talk about Adhd in a power point presentation. Dr. Campione, a neurological chiropractor will talk about the brain and how it affects our children on March 8th 2006. Ms Joanne Hinchman-Guiffre a certified speech therapist of more than 30 years and PROMPT instructor was then introduced as the speaker of the evening. Everyone in the audience was asked to introduce themselves and tell a bit about why they were present. The talk began with a definition of PROMPT. Ms.Guiffre stressed the importance of maintaining and developing a warm relationship with the client in order to establish trust. It is important that the therapist encourage the desire of the apraxic child to want to learn to communicate verbally. She said that communication is power, and language gives one power. Her goal is a high expectation of success. Ms. Guiffre prefers the phrase" motor speech disorder" to the word " apraxia". She also talked about tactile kinesthetic imput and also how occupational therapists and how they taught the therapists about how intergrate therapy with different children. There are different levels of training to be a certified prompt instructor. She also asked parents to ask the prompt speech therapists how much training in prompt they had, when finding a certified prompt therapist.Ms Guiffre also talked about babies and how the larnyx developes as the children get older and the articulation changes. A volunteer from the audience was used by Ms. Guiffre to demonstrate how apraxic children can be taught correct pronounciation, using her fingers to shape the child's lips, and using different jaw muscles. There were many questions from the audience. Although the meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm, discussions continued outside in the parking lot for some time therafter. Meeting Notes 3/9/05 Apraxia Network of Bergen County Jeanne introduced Terry Cavanaugh, who is a special educaton teacher and a learning consultant, She is also president of the Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey. The meeting started after 7pm. Ms Cavanaugh talked about the environment and how toxic chemicals impact our childrens development. There was so much information handed out, but here is just a sampling of what was presented. Dr landrigan, MD Msc from the center for childrens’ health and the environment commented, “ we are conducting a vast toxicological experiment which will effect generations to come.” Some of the developmental disabilities, listed were ADHD, Add, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, mental retardation, Rett’s disorder, children Disintegrative disorer, oppositional defiant disorder, and other pervasive developmental disorder, and apraxia? 17% of children under 18 have 1 or more developmental delay. 3%-6% of all children have been diagnosed with ADHD. As many as 2 out of every 1000 children in the US may have autism. Disorders appear to be increasing, The use of Ritalin has roughly doubled every 4-7 years since 1971. Autism in California increased 210% between 1987-1998. The prevelance of learning disabilities increased 191% between 1977 and 1994. Some of the factors are social environment toxicants, genetics affect infants ,while the interacting factors are neuro anatomy, neuro physiology, and neuro development. Neuro developmental toxicants, pesticides, solvents, dioxins, PcBs, metals lead mercury, cadmium, manganese. Fetal mercury exposure may impair learning memory and attention. Solvents in consumer products or drinking water may adversely impact motor and cognitive skills. Dioxins and PcB’s affect brain development and function small exposures to some pesticides at certain times can permanently alter brain activity. One Study on Indian children showed two groups, 1 was a exposed to pesticides, and 1 wasn’t . The differences in their drawings of a person between the groups show motor control issues. According to the EPA estimates 1.16 million of women of child bearing age in the us eat fish contaminated with enough mercury to risk damaging the brain development of children they might bear. Another interesting fact, 80,000 chemicals in commercial use- only 12 fully tested for developmental neurotoxicity . ¾ of high production volume chemicals have little or no toxicity testing.. One drawing of pesticides was that of the mountain on land. The top of it, example 10% is current and proven damage. The next 1/3 was current and partially proven, the next level was yet to be recognized or yet to appear , and the bottom is forever unrecognized. It makes me wonder if all old factories which have been torn down in the past , which might have houses or buildings on it now, if the people there are at risk for their children now and in the future. Jeanne thanked Terry for speaking, and those who attended. I hope to see some of you at the expo in April.15-17th 2005. The next meeting will be held in Wed June 8th where a speaker from university of medical and Dentisty of New Jersey will be talking about genetics. Apraxia Network Meeting Notes Feb 9th 2005 The meeting was held at Temple Sholom, 385 Howland Ave, River Edge, NJ, at 7pm in the Wendy Lesser lounge. Jeanne explained about the Abilites Expo on April 15-17, 2005, in Edison, where she will be speaking at 11:30am. She explained if anyone wanted to get any passes to please let her know by email, jbmistletoe@optonline.net or voicemail, 201-741-4035. The next meeting will be Wed, March 9th,at 7pm , Terry Cavanaugh, a special education consultant, and teacher will talk about the enviornment and our children. Jason Campbell explained what an Occupational Therapist is, and why some professionals are sometimes confused because they don’t know what they do with children, knowing where their space is in approximately to their own bodies parts. He also talked about involuntary muscles too, ones where we have no control over. He also broke down Apraxia into four definitions. Apraxia- impairment, involving planning executing, sequencing motor movements. Motor Apraxia-involves impairment of hand or whole body movements. Verbal Apraxia- involves impairments in the planning executing and sequencing of movements for speech sounds. Oral Apraxia- involves impairment in the planning, executing and sequencing of non-speech movements. Some children have high muscle tone, while others have low muscle tone. Some gross motor muscles , are ie legs, arms, while the smaller muscles also include the mouth. Fine motor muscles include the hand and fingers. Children with fine motor issues usually have a hard time grasping a pencil, or writing properly, what is the coordination of the small muscles.. Some can write well, but also have a hard time tying their shoe laces, or buttoning a shirt. Other muscles issues, maybe the way a child sits on the chair, is he/she sitting on their diaphram, preventing them from being able to take in deep breaths. Mr. Campbell also talked about the role that OT’s take in assessing a problem, why a child walks on his toes, ie is it the sensory issue he has with his muscles, or his sensitivity with his feet. Some of the tests they have are the Apraxis test, which is for children from 4 yrs to 8 yrs 11mos. Unfortunately this test is only good with children who can sit for more than 3 hours. Because it takes at least that long to go thru all the sensory intergration questions, it also depends on the diagnosis. Regarding the numbers for an Apraxis test usually used for court cases, or when fighting a school district, he has used is about 6 times a year so far.. There is a suck, breath, swallow synchrony, that OT‘s look at, when assessing a child. Sensory Intergration dysfunction is not a a diagnosis but a sympton of neurodevelopment treatment. OT’s cannot diagnose. Sensory questionaire help determin what issues the child has, also some behaviors are affected too. Another topic was raised what is flared rib cage to do with Apraxia. Jason said that is has to do with the muscle tone on the ribs and how developmentally some muscles are weaker than others, which affects the way they breath. Some other programs that help OT’s is called the Alert Program. It gives appropriate activities in the school and at home to self regulate children who cannot sit still, ie adhd children, and Therapeutic Listening etc. Unfortunately, Jason also said that many OT‘s don‘t know about these, therapeutic listening, or the alert programs. Fewer people are going for the extra training in either or teaching these. In closing in order for the children to benefit the most, they must have a plan that coordinates with the OT, PT, SLP, which includes the therapy tools/activities, such as use of crunchy, chewy food, oral stinulation programs, use of whistles, etc. The meeting was well attended, many parents asked questions.Jeanne thanked Jason, for taking the time out of his busy schedule to speak to the support group. Jason Campbell can be reached at Caldwell Pediatric Therapy Center, 1129 Bloomfield Ave, Ste 101, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, The email is www.caldwelltherapycenter.com, and the phone is 973-575-3321. Apraxia Network Meeting Notes Sept 14th 2004 The meeting started around 7pm at the Paramus Library by Jeanne Buesser, In attendance we had over 30 professionals and parents. She also talked about the upcoming meetings. On Jan 5th, 2005,Jason Campbell an OT will talk about the rib cage regarding children with Apraxia. The meeting will be held at the Temple Sholom, 385 Howland Ave, River Edge, NJ. Please make a note of this since the meetings are not going to be held at the Paramus library anymore, If you need directions please go to the website. Jeanne introduced Janet Krebs as the director of the Communication Therapy Center in Ridgewood. Her first question was, what is your attention span? Most people answered 1/2 hr - 2 hrs, depending on the subject if it was interesting. Janet's answer was 20 seconds. That means we always have refocus on a topic that is being talked about so we don't drift off. She also has classes for children on social issues. You can reach her at 201-670-0707, or email her at their website at www.speechspecialties, it also includes children with special needs. Many parents of a social groups, make play dates only to find out that when the children meet they don't know how to act together, outside the class. The topic was Social Pragmatic Language. What is that? It is using appropriate relationship between language meaning and social interaction. Pragmatism is a practical approach to problems and affairs, vs pragmatics deals with the relationship, between signs, linguistic expressions and their users. It also deals with using the senses, visual cues, facial expression, body language, eye contact. Does a child have a body posture, or space issue, gestures movements. Is it appropriate? How is their speech? Is > it too vocal, or the volume or pitch too high? What about their Linguistics? What is their intention, implication( scarcasm), inference(future,past), consequence of action, divergent-semantic( creative thinking)? Many children with neurological impairments like pdd, including Autism, Aspergers, ADD, Adhd, hearing ,visual, emotional disorders and other developmental disorders have this. What can be done about it? Meeting in a group setting is reccomended, with peer models. Also requests for immediate imitation, observations of others, discussions about" how you know" something. Including discussions on alternative responses, role play and continual carryover. Humor was also discussed among children. Many children don't know how to tell a joke or remembering it. An electronic device for this is called Joke Master Jr. It is available at Toys R Us for around $20, and tells knock knock style jokes to children. Listening programs like Tomatis were also discussed regarding if they made any difference in children with apraxia, or had she seen any children that they had helped. She referred to a book called Do You Listen With Your Eyes? http://www.specialneeds.com/ 800-333-6867 Nita Eberly, author #13305 $20.00. Parents should be a narrator not interragator with their children, Ms Krebs also said. A question was raised that could a communication workshop be also for parents? As parents, dealing with our children's issues we don't always know how to communicate with them ourselves. Wouldn't a workshop make us better parents to our kids? Janet Krebs agreed that would be a good idea. A member replied from the audience "email Jeanne and she will get one started! We have a few here that would be on the list!" So, anyone interested in having a parent social workshop contact me by phone or email. For those who have attended this meeting and are new,please take a moment to consider joining the organization, after hearing the talk by Janet Krebs. > The suggested membership dues are $10.00/year per family. We are asking a> $10.00 one time charge for a PDU certificate. Any professional can get a PDU certificate for any meetings, please call or email Jeanne first. Her email is jbmistletoe@optonline.net.> > The fiscal year is from Jan-Dec..Professionals,you can join our professional e-mail list, or be listed on the web for contacts too. Any member will receive information via email or regular mail for those who don't have email. A receipt will be mailed to you after you join.Part of the dues goes to defray costs of the many articles that are distributed at the meetings, postage for mailings or phone calls. Please send the check to Apraxia Network of Bergen County at the PO Box. Thank you for all your support and help.> 201-741-4035> The late talker book is a good resource co-authored by Lisa Geng and Dr Agin.> Minutes of Past Meetings: June 2004 | September 23, 2003 | July 7, 2003 | February 5, 2003 | October 9, 2002 | September 29, 2002 | August 21, 2002 | May 12, 2002 | April 13 , 2002 | March 25,2002 Apraxia Network of Bergen County Resources: Get Involved | Swap Shop| Links| Maps| News| Photo Gallery | Who's Who Apraxia Network Meeting notes June 1st, 2004 The meeting started at 7:15pm, a large number of people attended the meeting. The next meeting is Sept 14th, 2004. Jeanne introduced Michelle Zilberfarb,MA CCC-SLP, who does evaluations of speech impaired children in all 54 bergen county sites and makes reccomendations to the school district on augmentative devices. She works for Bergen County Special Services District for 12 years. She also see pre-schoolers in her home 2 days a week, with a contract with sunny days.Some items discussed were Aphasia, brain injury diagnosing memory loss.There are so many different devices, from high tech, no tech and light tech, ie switches, scanners, software, typing ones also. Who can benefit from AAC? children and adults who are autistic, developmentally delayed, physically involved but cognitively able, langauage delayed or apraxic, behaviorally impaired. Augmentative device - a dedicated device to present commesurates question to a child. Assistive Technology-the software used to communcates two-way with the child. Proceeds early intervention diagnosis, looking for main symptoms, overlooking minor handicaps.- 33% delayed entitled to services, determines evaluation kinds of impairment. Reccomends kind of device and patterns of training. Some augmentative devices were discussed with pro's and con's for each one including cost, Scanners, and software of computers. The amount of what these machines cost is a big factor. Some are limited in what imput you can put into them, while others are in color and have a lot more in lays and links.Some are more cumbersome and easy to program and carry, while others are heavier for the speech impaired person. Machines on display were, Dynamyte,Dynamo, Zygo, Go talk, Tech Talk 4-12 machine, Tech Speak. Making the vocabulary of the child's knowledge-/cons of familiar objects in the household- stimulates auditory ,visual and tactile senses. She distributed blank cards and asked the audience to write down words that a child's vocabulary would neeed for communication ( 2 way). Her words on the board can describe the childs mood, temper, etc. Therapist takes the usual word or image and requires a vocal response from the child to describe the image. She stressed that there is a critical shortage of trained speech therapists evaluators and training. Ms Zilberfarb also demonstrated prompt system on a parent strengthening isolated weak muscles areas. Insurance companies need a diagnosis and therapy must be learned. Who is involved in the process, the client, parents, teachers, assistants, therapists, case manager, ofter director of special services of an assessment. What is looked at after an assessments for an aac? What is looked at during the evaluation?Team members will be contacted by the evaluator.Sett- students environments tasks, tools. What is included in an evaluation report, and follow up meeting? In closing everyone asked alot of questions regarding the process and how do you know which aac is the best for their child, and when. Jeanne thanked Michelle for coming, and taking time out of her busy schedule to speak. February 5, 2003 BERGEN COUNTY MEETIING NOTES-FEB 2003 PART II What is affected by APD? Language development listening skills following dirctions learning(reading,spelling,math,etc) social interaction word retrieval written expression. CAPD imput disorder(doesn't come in correctly) CAPD is a specific dysfunction (auditory system problem results in...) Following auditory directions Remembering auditory information Learning information presented auditorially Understanding speech,especially in the classroom environment Remaining attentive and non-distracted Auditory discrimination,such as localization and pitch decoding, such as blending, sequencing sounds phonological awareness,such as rhyming, manipulating sounds,deleting sounds and segmenting sounds, can have attention issues ADHD Output Disorder(puts inapropriate behaviors) ADHD is multimodal 3 symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity,impulsivity Here are some web site references The next meeting is monday July 7th 2003 at 7pm. Robin Piccini will talk about Sara Johnson Techniques. Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 9, 2002 OUR MEETING INFORMATION “EVERY DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING” Please Be Prompt, RSVP before the meeting so we can plan accordingly. PARAMUS PUBLIC LIBRARY (MEETING ROOM) E 116 CENTUTY ROAD PARAMUS, NJ 07652 MEETINGS START 7:00PM END 8:30PM MEETINGS ARE HELD 4 TIMES A YEAR The membership dues go to pay for the expense of arranging meetings, collecting written materials about apraxia,telephone, and postage.Members also receive correspondance electronically,and from other members.Our fiscal year is from Jan-Dec. Back to Top September 29, 2002 APRAXIA NETWORK OF BERGEN COUNTY MEETING NOTES,FEB 3RD,2003 Part I The meeting started at 7:10pm. Mrs Krebs started to explain what Auditory Processing Disorder was from slides an a overhead projector. What signs to look for. She also talked about different stratgedies of 3 programs audiotory programs and the pro's and cons of each one. The Listening program ,FastForword, Earobics. How does different sounds affect the way you or your child process the lows and highs of different frequencies? Do you sit better and listen? Does high soft high pitch sounds mellow you, or loud low ones? What medical research had uncovered within the last 10 years in the brain with mri scans. The different parts that were affected while listening to sounds. Mrs Krebs also handed out an article from the times magazine and newsweek that also showed this. There was a discussion which followed, The meeting ended at 9pm, Jeanne thanked Janet for speaking. Ms Krebs had also written an article in their newsletter. Their web page is www.speechspecialties.com, her phone number is 201-670-7180. Communication Therapy Center, Inc 391 South Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Back to Top August 21, 2002 MEETING NEWSLETTER 2003/2004 Back to Top July 7th, 2003 (meeting had to be rescheduled for october-due to power outage at library) Robyn Merkel Piccini, CCC-SLP- will talk about sara johnson techniques- part II of her talk from last year. The late talker book will be available at either July meeting or the one in Sept.We are asking for a $20 donation. Please contact Jeanne if you'd like a copy by either email or phone#. Back to Top Tues. Sept 23rd, 2003 Dr Marilyn Agin, NYC Medical director of Early Intervention with talk. Dr Agin is also on the advisory board of the Cherab Foundation. She is co author of "The Late Talker" book with Lisa Geng. She is also a Developmental Pediatrician and Slp.Dr Agin's clients include autistic and apraxic children. Apraxia in Children: The Perspective of a Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician. Back to Top 2004- date to be announced Janet Krebs, m.s.,ccc-slp, director for Communication Therapy Center in Ridgewood, NJ. Ms Krebs has 25 years of experience working with children with speech, language, oro-motor and auditory processing disorders. She is a provider of Fast Forward, Earobics, The listening program and Prompt Therapy. Ms Krebs will talk about about social /pragmatic language skills. Please Join us. Back to Top May 12, 2002 Apraxia Network meeting notes Wednesday May 8th, 2002 The meeting opened at 7:15pm on wednesday , May 8th, 2002 Jeanne Buesser, president, introduced Jeremy Greenberg,Ed.M, BCBA Director of Hineni Program at Sinai Special Needs Institute. The address is 110 South Orange Ave, Livingston, NJ, 07039. His email is jeremygreenberg@go.com, and phone # is 973-597-0770 ext 1121. Mr. Greenberg spoke on Applied Behavior Analysis, (ABA) as it applies to apraxic children. After distributing an outline of his talk, he explained the importance of positive reinforcement of acceptable behavior, as opposed to a child’s negative reaction to punishment, which is self-defeating. Mr. Greenberg stressed the need for simple corrections, with clear concise direction. Prompts are useful, but should be discontinued when no longer needed. A parent or teacher should always be consistent in behavior modification. Praise words, hugs, even a cookie, should be the reward for acceptable behavior. A general discussion followed, with Mr. Greenberg fielding many questions from the audience. Jeanne thanked the speaker and closed the meeting at 8:45pm. Meetings will resume in October, with notification going our to all members either by e-mail or regular mail. Have a good summer! Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 13, 2002 Part III april's notes Ms. Piccini recommended that parents to videotape their children to help in an analysis of the child's condition, and to measure progress. Parents should not hesitate to ask questions and stste their personal goals for the child so that practical results can be paced and understood. Ms. Piccini said she works on a muscle-first examination(poor posture, slack standing, etc.) and then attends to the motor-planning skills.The speaker was against the use of "sippy" cups because the mouthpiece was not therapeutic and did not help the child. She divided oral-motor treatment into three tiers: feeding( sensory, chewing, using straws, expanding the diet, developing muscle tone and sequencing-- moving food in the mouth for proper swallowing.) The second tier of oral-motor exercises included using horns, bubble, airflow, phonation, muscle memory and a transistion to speech production. The third tier was manual facial cueing ( PROMPT method) and Lip Reading (aural rehab). After adjournment of the meeting Ms. Piccini answered individual questions, and planned to return in November.. Back to Top April 13, 2002 Part II april's meeting notes Tonight's speaker, Robyn-Merkel-Piccini, was introduced as a Licensed Speech Pathologist working full time through the Ridgefield Board of Education and also engaged in private oral-motor and myofunctional disorders in children.Ms. Merkel-Piccini spoke tonight as a member of the speakers bureau of Innovative Therapists International (ITI), a group established by Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson, a speech and language pathologist. Ms Rosenfeld-Johnson has perfected her unique method of oral-motor speech therapy that has succeeded with some children where more traditional methods have failed.The ITI markets products like eduacational programs, books, videos and therapy materials for oral-motor therapy, available for parents as well as professional therapists. A catalog can be had by phoning ITI at 1-888-529-2879, or at www.talktoolstm.com.Ms. Piccini's talk was divided into Part I, given this evening, and Part II, a further discussion of oral-motor therapy, to be given next November. She discussed the meaning of speech apraxia ( a neurological disorder causing the inability to make intelligible words) and dysarthria (a neurological sstem disorder affecting mouth-muscle function, causing inability to articulate words, stammering, etc. She also touched on a combination of these conditions, and myofunctional disorders. For parents whose child has been diagnosed as above, it is esssential to know the State codes governing correction of these conditions. Independent evaluations, including a hearing test, must be performed. A speech-language pathologist must make a correct diagnosis and determine the medical and educational impact of the condition on the child.An "advocate" may be needed for inexperienced parents to learn their rights for early intervention to get the special state-paid school services needed to treat the condition. Back to Top April 13, 2002 Bergen County meeting notes of April 10, 2002 Part I The meeting opened with President Jeanne Buesser reminding the 18 persons in attendance of the picnic to be run by the network on Saturday, May 4th, from 11am to 3pm. There will be games, entertainment, crayons and coloring table for the children. Parents and kids find this a valuable time to meet and mingle, relax, have fun and make new friends. This 3rd annual picnic will be in Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ in Area D ( Park in Lot 4). All persons are urged to mail a contribution of $10 per family to cover the cost of pizza, dessert and soda. Send it before April 15th to the Apraxia Network, P.O. Box 1142, Paramus, NJ 07653-1142. The next meeting after the picnic will be May 8th,2002, Mr Greenberg will speak about Applied Bahavior Analysis (ABA) for your child. President Buesser noted that tonight's meeting was the second anniversary of the start of the Apraxia Network of Bergen County. In that short period the Network has become a federal 501(c) (3) non-profit organization accepting tax-deductable contributions, and has a website for continuing education of parents with affected children. The Network is now a Provider of Information for child development professionals and is registered with the Department pf Education, State of New Jersey. Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 25, 2002 Apraxia Network Minutes, March 13, 2002 part 2 Red flags of awareness include: 1. lack of interuterine fetal activity 2. repeated arching in young babies 3. a non-crying baby 4. an unwillingness of youngsters to swallow chunky foods 5. echolalia in the extreme 6. lack of response to their own name 7. no eye contact Dr. Ladak mentioned that not all children with delayed developmental issues are successfully treated. Since some brain defect or damage is often the cause of learning disabilities, it is important to attack the problem early, while brain plasticity will work in the child’s favor. Dr. Ladak ended her presentation with an open floor discussion of topics suggested by the audience, covering the following: 1. possible methods of working with verbal apraxic children 2. the need for good nutrition, but not at the risk of brow-beating the child to eat the desired food 3. the use of firm, but yet gentle, positive discipline 4. the advantage of nursery school to offer a structured environment to aid development 5. sympathy and understanding should be used to help relax a frustrated child who cannot communicate successfully. Her final words implied that parents should keep trying. There is always hope in the future, if you keep working with your child as best as you are able. Back to Top Apraxia Network of Bergen County Resources: Get Involved | Maps | News | Photo Gallery | Who's Who | Links | Swap Shop |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Speechville Express is a resource for families, educators, and medical professionals, offering information about language development in children, helping those who care for toddlers and young children who are late talkers, and connecting you with others who have been down this road. Language disorders and communication impairments included are apraxia, stuttering, pervasive developmental disorder, dysarthria, and aphasia, among others.
About the Site | Copyright Speechville | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement | E-Mail Speechville | Advanced Search | Home | Site Index
Last updated: Friday, Jul 3rd 2009
Copyright © Speechville, LLC. All rights reserved.
