Talking is Hard for
Me! Encouraging Communication
in Children with Speech-Language Difficulties, by Linda M. Reinert, M.S.,
CCC-SLP
A couple months ago, I was graciously offered a copy of the book, Talking is Hard for Me! By Linda
M. Reinert, M.S., CCC-SLP for my review. Then, presenting a poster at the
ASHA conference snuck up on me and I squeezed in another private client, so
this lovely book got put on the back burner. Now seems like the perfect
time though to give you some details about what might be a nice Hanukah or
Christmas gift!
For starters, this isn't your typical book filled with research quotes and
terms that you haven't used since graduate school and need to Google to refresh
your memory. Instead, this book reads more like a story that you could
easily read at bedtime since it's about 13 pages long, not including pictures.
It's written such that a young child could comprehend some meaning with
pictures that are kid-friendly and brightly colored. I immediately felt
like this book would best suit siblings of those with speech and language
delays since it gives some concrete examples and advice for enhancing communication.
I also think Talking is Hard for Me
is a good read for inclusion classrooms to help peers of students with needs
identify ways to open the doors of communication. Each page of the story
includes a "Talk to the Child" note that explains the message of that
page and further probes comprehension with questions.
The story begins with a child who is able to make his or her needs with little
effort, but the prompts on this page ask if this is the best approach. Over the
next couple pages, things begin to change for the child who is nonverbal
because all of the communicative partners begin putting more demands for
communication, rather than continue assuming what the child with needs desires,
by encouraging signing, initial sound vocalizations, and/or picture exchange
before desired items are made available. The next two pages describe the
benefits of signing and various augmentative and alternative communication.
Then, the story shifts to the challenges of imitations and offers
suggestions for how to help make this task easier. The remaining pages
discuss the following important strategies: being patient, taking turns
to talk, giving choices, using shorter sentences, modeling repetitions,
singing, and vocal play during book readings. Finally, the last page
acknowledges how using signs with vocal approximations makes the child with a
speech and language delay feel empowered and proud.
Immediately following the story are suggestions for some tips and techniques on
enhancing communication that include brief descriptions of these strategies:
seeking advice; expecting communication; creating a natural need to talk; using
sign language; offering extra support-AAC; no pressure practice; waiting with
anticipation; taking turns; offering choices; making it attainable; the magic
of music; book time; accepting imperfection; and offering empathy. This
section seems especially helpful for teachers, daycare providers, and extended
family members.
Then, you get even more information from several, wonderful appendices that
include the following:
Appendix A: Glossary of
Speech-Related Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations- alphabetically lists 58
terms commonly used by both medical and educational professionals.
Appendix B: Delay vs.
Disorder- concise definitions of each term and bullet points summarizing
what early intervention services may include.
Appendix C: Speech vs.
Language- There is a Difference- clear definitions of expressive language
delay/ disorder and speech delay/disorder.
Appendix D: Childhood
Apraxia of Speech- very brief explanation of the challenges of imitation
for children with apraxia.
Appendix E: Functional
Communication- bullet point list of specific examples of words a young
child would use to communicate.
Appendix F: List of a Words
Used Frequently by Toddlers
Appendix G: Developmental
Milestones of Typically Developing Children- First 12 Months- expectations
are grouped into three, six, and twelve months of age.
Appendix H: Recommended
Resources
As I stated earlier in this review,
Talking is Hard for Me would make a nice stocking stuffer or Hanukah
gift this season. You can purchase it
through Woodbine House
here for the sale price of $14.21! Definitely money well spent!
Disclosure: Woodbine House provided a copy of: Talking
is Hard for Me by Linda M. Reinert, M.S., CCC-SLP. No
other compensation or sale proceeds were given in exchange for this review.
