tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52431551058483240732024-03-13T21:55:26.950-07:00Green Light SpeechServing English speaking expat children in the NetherlandsPaula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-33926884591230543162013-07-22T02:11:00.003-07:002013-07-22T02:20:30.891-07:00Article for Amsterdam Mamas<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px;">
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<i>Paula Vergunst authored the following article for the <a href="http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/" target="_blank">Amsterdam Mamas website</a>. To view this article in its entirety, <a href="http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/featured/language-delay-in-the-bilingual-child" target="_blank">click here</a>.</i></div>
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on the hot topic of bilingualism and how this can affect your child’s language
development. Typically, expat children grow up to be fluent communicators in
both their parent’s native language(s) and the language(s) of the land they
currently live in. Bilingualism/multilingualism can be such a unique asset for
expat kids, as they seem to effortlessly learn what it takes others years of
education to achieve in our increasingly globalized world! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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or diagnosed developmental delays? Let’s first discuss how a general
developmental delay might present itself in a child, and what (expat) parents
can do about it here in the Netherlands. We will then proceed to discuss bilingualism
and language delay more specifically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/featured/language-delay-in-the-bilingual-child" target="_blank">Click here to finish reading this article on the Amsterdam Mamas website!</a></div>
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Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-80174851319958451852013-05-16T08:54:00.001-07:002013-05-16T08:54:44.108-07:00What? I have an accent?So what exactly is this thing we call an "accent"?<br />
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As I struggle to learn Dutch here in the Netherlands, and as I listen to my colleagues and friends speak English as a second or third language, I'm daily confronted with "accents" and their implications. Our speech accents are part of our identity as individuals, families, and cultures, and whether or not we are aware of it, our unique ways of pronouncing words impact our daily lives tremendously.<br />
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In fact, as purely native, first-language speakers of any language, every single one of us speaks with an accent. There is no such thing as "neutral" or "perfect" pronunciation, because speech is relative! We could argue for years whether people in Boston or New York speak the purest form of English...or wait, what about the British with whom it all began?<br />
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Personally, I find accents fascinating. Not only does a person's accented speech implicitly share a bit of a speaker's history and background, it also evokes many emotions and responses in a listener. A few that come to mind are positive feelings of curiosity, humor, connection, acceptance, and attraction.<br />
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With all these positive vibes, why should anyone work at all to get rid of an accent they have (particularly in a second/third language?) The truth is that accents are just as easily associated with negative feelings, such as misunderstanding, prejudice, superiority, and repulsion. Here's where accents start to be considered a problem<i>.</i> But I would argue that the negative feelings listed here are issues of the <i>listener</i>, rather than the <i>speaker</i>. This being said, why do I, as a speech therapist, promote "accent reduction" services? Should I change that to "listener bias reduction" services? I'm curious if any self-referrals would come my way! :)<br />
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To the point though, is there validity in promoting "accent reduction" services at all? I am convinced there is absolutely validity and also strong arguments in support of these services, not the least of which is the essential need to communicate without barriers. It is impossible and certainly unjustified to eliminate an accent (remember we all have one of some sort?). But if a particular accent is roadblocking an individual's effective communication with a group of listeners, who can argue against finding ways to adjust that accent in the interest of the unimpeded exchange of information and ideas? Now there's a lofty goal which just might be the professional ambition of every speech-language pathologist: unhindered, effective communication!<br />
<br />Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-1199908646331203222013-04-06T02:15:00.001-07:002013-04-06T02:15:25.559-07:00New website!Please take a moment to check out my new website for <a href="http://www.englishtherapy.nl/" target="_blank">Green Light Speech</a>!<br />
This has been a fun journey, and it's only just begun :)Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-70472232695305884822013-03-21T03:38:00.000-07:002013-03-22T03:45:57.250-07:00Tribute to Trisomy 21March 21: World Down Syndrome Day<br />
Here's a tribute to all the wonderful individuals who are blessed with a third 21st chromosome!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuMXx1f32yM/UUw2DoiJdfI/AAAAAAAAAW4/xegtKBDAnpY/s1600/7-15-08+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuMXx1f32yM/UUw2DoiJdfI/AAAAAAAAAW4/xegtKBDAnpY/s320/7-15-08+092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Dear brother Johnny, you have inspired me in my career path and encourage me daily with your increasing communication skills :) Where did the time go since you were the little Leap Pad addict in this photo? Keep up your hard work, big guy! I love you!<br />
<br />Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-78718036481448090812013-03-19T13:09:00.000-07:002013-03-19T13:09:28.480-07:00Bilingual Child with Autism?Struggling with the issue of bilingualism/multilingualism for your child with autism? <div>
There are multiple opinions in the general public, and even among professionals regarding how many or which language(s) should be taught to a child with autism who is growing up in a bilingual family. But what does the research tell us? <a href="http://www.lingref.com/isb/4/096ISB4.PDF" target="_blank">Click here</a> for an excellent resource to help guide you in your decisions.</div>
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The take home points:</div>
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<li> Do not change the home language to accommodate your child. To insist on English (or another language) monolingualism for your child with autism is to leave him/her out of family interactions, a situation which will only increase social difficulties that he/she already struggles with.</li>
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<li> There is no evidence that multilingualism further harms a child's existent language delays. Therefore, encourage language development in all languages he/she is exposed to! It is likely you may not have a speech therapist available to provide services in your family's native language. However, if a therapist works with your child in English, for example, you may imitate the therapist's activities in your native language as further practice in the home environment.</li>
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Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-65459487295699826062013-03-07T13:17:00.003-08:002013-03-07T13:17:40.758-08:00Stuttering and BilingualismSome excellent questions and answers about stuttering and bilingualism, adapted from Garth Foote in an ASHA Leader article (March 1, 2013). <a href="http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2013/130301/Overheard--Bilingual-and-Disfluent--A-Unique-Treatment-Challenge.htm?utm_source=asha&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_campaign=leaderlive030613" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the full article.<br />
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Q: If a client is bilingual, which language should stuttering be treated in?<br />
A: Ask the client or his/her parents which language causes them to stutter most (often associated with particular social settings). Treat in whichever language the most difficulty is perceived.<br />
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Q: Learning a second language seems to have caused a client to begin stuttering, or has made a mild problem into a severe one. What can be done?<br />
A: Learning a second language can increase existing stuttering problems, although it does not generally cause a persistent stutter to appear. The stutter may have previously been mild enough to be unnoticeable, however. Likely causes for increased stuttering when learning a second language are related to increased social demands of new language settings. As familiarity and usage of the second language increases, stuttering difficulties can diminish to previous levels, especially when treated. Note: noticing increased stuttering is never a reason to deny a child the benefits of bilingualism.<br />
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Q: In a bilingual or multilingual client, how is true stuttering distinguished from normal word finding difficulties when learning a new language?<br />
A: It is always best to address the client directly about what is observed. Replay a recording or recall a point in a conversation where this occurred, tell the client what you observed, and ask him/her what happened there. Did they have trouble finding a word, did they stutter on a word, or were they avoiding a word/sound by prefacing with "How do you say?" or "What's the word?"?<br />
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<br />Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-82993445194165434372013-01-29T20:17:00.003-08:002013-01-29T20:41:45.339-08:00Bilingualism and Brain Development ResearchWow! This article is an inspiring read! Who knew that being bilingual has proven positive effects on brain activity? Check out this <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/01/09/bilinguals-have-faster-more-adaptive-brains-when-they-get-older-study-finds/" target="_blank">ABC News article</a> that nicely summarizes a recent study. According to the study, bilingual people, who had learned a second language in childhood, responded faster to directions that were shifting. In other words, their brains transitioned faster when presented with new stimuli. My favorite quote: "Until very recently, learning a second language in childhood was thought of as dangerous...actually, it’s beneficial.”<br />
So, what does this mean for bilingual kids with speech or language disorders? Actually, a child's communication abilities should make no difference. Yes, children with speech or language disorders will be behind their typically developing peers, and these delays will be apparent in all languages these children learn and speak. However, the benefits of bilingualism are equally as great for these kids! Implications? Encourage rather than discourage bilingualism as your child is learning language in the home, school, and community. There are no known negatives, and the benefits are being consistently proven in research studies like the one posted here.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhWg0YeIMs" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> to an excellent YouTube video interview discussing the research recommendations for bilingualism in children with Down Syndrome, autism, and other special needs.Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-78011259266670285002013-01-21T16:54:00.000-08:002013-01-21T16:54:56.232-08:00What is apraxia?The diagnosis of "Childhood Apraxia of Speech" (CAS) has been gaining publicity recently. So what exactly is it? How can I know if my child has apraxia? What can be done to help children with CAS communicate effectively?<div>
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CAS is a motor speech disorder, meaning it affects the muscles used to talk. However the problem actually originates in the brain. Children with apraxia know exactly what they want to say, but when they attempt to say it, they have trouble planning the small muscular movements necessary for a smooth sequence of sounds, words, and phrases.</div>
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Some characteristics to watch for if you suspect your child has CAS:</div>
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<li>Difficulty with sound combinations; child deletes sounds or makes substitutions</li>
<li>Groping with lips or tongue when speaking</li>
<li>Inconsistency with errors; child produces the same word in multiple ways</li>
<li>Child speaks more clearly on shorter phrases than on longer ones</li>
<li>Speech sounds choppy or child puts stress/emphasis on the wrong syllables and words</li>
<li>Expresses frustration when others do not understand</li>
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Fortunately, there are many resources and treatments available to help children with CAS. Speech therapists also work with families to train parents and siblings how best to respond to and coach their children with apraxia. After diagnosing CAS, a speech therapist will develop a treatment plan that could include one or more of the following concepts, depending on a child's individual needs:</div>
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<li>Teaching specific syllable types (consonant-vowel, vowel-consonant, consonant-vowel-consonant), working on transitions between speech sounds</li>
<li>Using visual and auditory feedback (mirror and recorder) to teach child to monitor his/her own speech</li>
<li>Developing a home program to practice outside of therapy</li>
<li>Teaching alternative communication modes to decrease frustration (signing, computer devices)</li>
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Additionally, there are outside resources available to the public that can provide support for children with CAS and their families:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxia/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for an in-depth explanation of the CAS diagnosis and treatment options, compiled by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.700249/k.6901/ApraxiaKIDS_a_program_of_The_Childhood_Apraxia_of_Speech_Association/apps/lk/content3.aspx" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a large support network for families of children with CAS in North America, full of useful information, support forums, and CAS-awareness products for sale.</li>
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Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-47513670066944609382012-12-24T06:33:00.000-08:002012-12-24T06:33:11.832-08:00Helpful LinksSometimes an extensive internet search can be so time consuming! Let me do the work for you, and post links to useful websites, as I run across them:<br />
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<a href="http://southholland.angloinfo.com/information/family/schooling-education/special-needs-education/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a summary of special education services in NL, written specifically for expat families.</div>
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<a href="http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Bilingualism-in-Young-Children--Separating-Fact-fr.aspx" target="_blank">Click here</a> for research-based info on bilingualism and young children, published by a reputable North American research and practice institution, the Hanen Centre.<br />
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<a href="http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);" target="_blank">Click here</a><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> for a perfect resource for mommies of children with suspected or diagnosed speech-language needs. An SLP mom shares her insights and hundreds of resources in a user-friendly, fun way.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0AjVaZg1xJJdidC1jTk9oc0dUX1dnLTRVQTlSaWxxTmc" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a constantly updated Google doc of categorized available apps found to be useful for kids in speech therapy. For reviews of the apps, visit the website listed on the top of the document.</span><br />
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<a href="http://expatsincebirth.com/2012/11/17/what-to-say-to-parents-of-a-child-with-a-disability/#comment-553" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a great article written by an expat mother in NL: "What to say to parents of a child with disabilities".<br />
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More to come! Please share helpful resources you've stumbled upon in the comments section or via email.<br />
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<br />Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-75896378483947464172012-12-19T08:34:00.002-08:002012-12-19T08:34:58.636-08:00Bilingualism and Language DelayExpat children frequently grow up in a bilingual or multilingual environement. This can pose a dilemma for families of children with suspected or diagnosed speech or language delay (autism, Down Syndrome, developmental delay, apraxia, etc.). <br />
The following questions and answers may prove helpful to families of expat children with language delay:<br />
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Q: Which language should our family speak at home? Should we limit ourselves to a single language at home/school/daycare?<br />
A: Carry on as before with language use in the home and school. The literature indicates little to no value in eliminating second languages from home and school environments. The benefits of multilingualism are the same for children with language delay as for typically developing children, although symptoms of language delay will be equally as apparent in all languages a particular child learns.<br />
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Q: What should I do if my child continues to switch between languages? Will he/she continue to be confused and never learn one language fluently?</div>
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A: Allow children with language delay to communicate in whichever language they are most comfortable with. Do not force them to choose one language or another. It will be natural for them to switch between languages (code-switch) in one sentence. Celebrate code-switching as a demonstration of language learning! All of us as second language learners have at some point done this very thing. It is a natural stage of language development, and may last longer in a child with language delays, but is nothing to be alarmed about.</div>
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Q: Which language should my child receive therapy in?<br />
A: Speech therapy will achieve the best results if conducted in the language a child is most familiar with/hears most. Also, skills taught in therapy in one language have been proven to transfer to second and third languages. It should be noted that specific vocabulary skills do not transfer, but word combination skills, speech sound skills, and social language skills transfer well without further training in the second language.<br />
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Do you have another specific question or topic you are curious about? Please comment on this post or send me a private email.<br />
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<br />Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243155105848324073.post-3098359346046052552012-12-17T05:42:00.000-08:002012-12-17T05:42:11.130-08:00Welcome!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm excited to present my new business, Green Light Speech! I chose this international "go" symbol as a reflection of my vision to provide children and their families with the "green light" to begin and make successful progress on their journey toward effective and age-appropriate communication. I hope to update this blog regularly to share useful information and communicate with expat families. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and inspirations in the comments section. And don't forget to subscribe for email updates and link to your favorite social networking sites via the links provided.</span>Paula Vergunst, MA, CCC-SLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917293959714821019noreply@blogger.com0