As I listen to our parents talk about what speech therapy has meant to their child/children, I thought I should share some of their thoughts with all of you. This is how you touch our families.
What a wonderful mission this Valley and the Scottish Rite Foundation have undertaken. The Santa Ana Valley has been dedicated to providing the gift of speech and language services for the past 10 years-the gift of the promise of success in school, socially, and professionally.
How fortunate I have been to be a part of this mission!
Childhood language disorders – I call them the “Invisible Disability” because very often one can not know that a child or an adult may be suffering from a speech disorder. This disorder affects more children than all other childhood problems combined. They may be part of a larger constellation of serious conditions such as orthopedic problems, deafness, autism, and other syndromes. But more often the language disorder sneaks up on our children and makes its presence known gradually throughout the early developmental years. If left untreated, little by little, the child is left out, left alone, not understood, and not succeeding in school. Here in Orange County, as many as 85% of the juvenile detention center population have been diagnosed with a speech or language learning disorder! The phrase ―speech and language disorders‖ includes delayed or atypical development in learning to speak or understand or master reading and writing. Early identification and treatment is key. The Scottish Rite understands the importance of mitigating the effects of Speech/language disabilities.
The mother of one of our children has said, “Though I’ve found some words, they still feel inadequate. There is simply no written symbol sufficient to demonstrate the appreciation which our entire family feels for all you have done for Toby. You took our beloved, destined for failure…and pointed him in the direction of happiness and success. Thank you for saving our child’s life.
Please accept my gratitude for all you do!
Gina, Ruth and Fardowsa
