The ABCs of Animal Speech: Not so Random After All 

[Source:  Science Daily]

The calls of many animals, from whales to wolves, might contain more language-like structure than previously thought, according to study that raises new questions about the evolutionary origins of human language.

Study Examines Why Kids With ADHD Make Poor Decisions 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among school children. Pupils with ADHD often make poorer decisions than their unaffected classmates. Researchers from the University of Zurich now discovered that different learning and decision-making mechanisms are responsible for these behaviors, and localized the underlying impairments in the brain.

Children with Autism 'Have Too Many Synapses in their Brain'

[Source: Medical News Today] 

Dramatic Increase in Speech Problems in Kids Over Past Decade   

[Source: ASHA] 

A new study published this week in the journal Pediatrics reported a 63% increase in disability associated with speech problems from 2001-02 to 2010-11 among U.S. children, along with a more than 15% increase in disability associated with hearing problems. The data underscore the importance of early intervention for rising numbers of children who are experiencing communication disorders, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  

Young People May be Losing the Ability to Read Emotions    

[Source:  Medical News Today]

Children's social skills may be declining as they have less time for face-to-face interaction due to their increased use of digital media, according to a UCLA psychology study.

UCLA scientists found that sixth-graders who went five days without even glancing at a smartphone, television or other digital screen did substantially better at reading human emotions than sixth-graders from the same school who continued to spend hours each day looking at their electronic devices.

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[Source: Medical News Today]

Those of you who have young infants will be familiar with the babbling sounds they like to make. But how do you respond? A new study from The University of Iowa and Indiana University suggests that how parents react to their infants' prattling may influence their language development.

The research team, including Julie Gros-Louis, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Iowa, recently published their findings in the journal Infancy.

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PediaStaff Therapy Placement of the Week:  OTRs in Los Angeles 

Interview Tip:  Don't Forget the Follow-Up  

It may seem like your interview is over when you shake the employers hand, leave the facility and head home, but it's most definitely not.   How you conduct yourself post-interview, can significantly improve, or ruin the impression you have made so far.
 

Within 24 hours of the initial interview, write a follow-up email AND a handwritten note via "snail mail" to the hiring manager, your personnel contact at the company and any other key decisions makers with whom you have spoken.  Thank them again for their time and make a point to tell them how interested you are in the job.  Remind them about any major points you may have covered in the interview as well as your qualifications.

Job of the Week:  SLPs (CF's Accepted) for Four Corners, NM

SLP Resource of the Week:  Free IJLCD Articles  

Access these Articles Through a Link on our Blog

Activity of the Week:  The Inside of an Apple Craft  

Learn More About this Great Craft Through a Link on our Blog

Pinterest Pin of the Week:  Cursive Monsters  

Pediatric Therapy Find of the Week:  The Incredible Moodbear