To download the AARC/CEEHI/VISIT Winter 2008 Newsletter in PDF, click here.

What is in it:

• Happy Holiday Greetings
• Cochlear Implants
• Choosing Toys and Creating a Play Area for Your Child
• Components of a Good Early Intervention Program with your Child
• Back Page: Winter Closure and Deaf Chat Coffee

The calendar on the wall has been changed to December. The weather has turned to cold and snowy days. Our days are now shorter, so it must be winter! The holidays are upon us, with all the favorite preparations for special times spent with family and friends. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, holiday season!!

Our CEEHI coworker, Bonnie Makinson, will be retiring. Bonnie has worked with so many wonderful families in the state of Alaska and will definitely be missed. Good luck to you, Bonnie!

By Mandi Morgan

Until recently, when research showed the benefit of children receiving cochlear implants, they were implanted only in adults. Now, research shows that the younger a child with a hearing loss receives a cochlear implant or bilateral cochlear implants, the more likely that child will be successful at learning a spoken language. This means that families and professionals must do their part in being dedicated in providing services to promote successful communication skills to these children. Continue Reading

Family Connect

Choosing Toys for Your Child

If you think about it, you may realize that what sighted children are often most interested in is the appearance of a toy. We’ve all seen children smile at a big, cuddly stuffed animal or a funny-looking cartoon character they’ve seen on television. But for a child who’s visually impaired, looks aren’t necessarily the significant factor. For that reason, when you’re looking for toys that will be fun and stimulating for your child, focus on those that have multi-sensory appeal. Multi-sensory refers to using more than one sense, so a toy that makes noise, has different textures to feel, and is visually stimulating, would appeal to three of your baby’s five senses. Toys with bright, high-contrast colors might be appealing if your child has some vision, but also try to find ones that are noisy, have a surface with multiple textures, or provide nooks and crannies for curious little fingers to explore. Continue Reading

By Betsy Kruth

The International Summit on Autism Spectrum Disorders recently determined that ‘intense early intervention’ is recommended for all children on the autism spectrum as soon as an assessment reveals a possible need, even before a formal diagnosis is determined. However, ‘intense early intervention’ is not a specific program or methodology. It doesn’t have to be done in a clinic or a classroom. Person to person interventions can occur anytime and anyplace.

‘Intense early intervention’ is simply defined as 25 to 40 hours a week of active engagement with your child. Many simple play routines involve active engagement. Peek-a-boo, for instance, is a game that requires active engagement and social interaction. Cause and effect toys, such as a Jack-in-the-Box, require that the child or adult turn the music handle, then anticipate the surprise. Joint attention can be encouraged through the surprise when the object pops out of the box. Enjoying simple play games and toys will be beneficial to both the child and the parent. However, many parents of quiet, withdrawn children on the autism spectrum tell us that their child is happiest when left alone. In such a case, the active engagement between child and parent must be established and consistently encouraged as a planned and purposeful intervention program. Continue Reading