It’s hard enough explaining communication disorders to a parent in your native language when their child is diagnosed with an impairment, let alone when they speak another language.  Questions about how to communicate this delicate information with Spanish-speaking parents come to us often.

“How do I tell my Spanish-speaking Parents that their Child has an Impairment?”

Here are two really good ways to ease the concerns of parents and explain what to expect.  Bookmark this page to share with your Spanish-speaking parents.

1) Printable Handout:  Speech and Language Disorders for Spanish-Speaking Parents

The Center for Parent Information and Resources has a simple 2-page explanation in Spanish that has  A LOT of updated resources.

Trastornos del Habla o Lenguaje (Speech and Language Disorders)

Here are the current information published in English and Spanish web pages.  If you do not speak Spanish, you can open the Spanish page in Google Chrome and choose to translate it.

2)  Video: Answers to Questions for the Most Common Concerns of Spanish-Speaking Parents

Sometimes things get buried on the internet that are really really good but no one knows about them anymore.   A little while back the ASHA Hispanic Caucus created this video to show to Spanish-speaking parents when they are concerned about the communication development of their child.  It answers the most commonly asked questions a parent might have in Spanish.

These resources are great ways to support your conversation with families.  They aren’t substitutes for your interactions with the families, but they will certainly help families to explore more details so they can better understand their child’s diagnosis.

Is Bilingualism detrimental for Children with Autism?

We are often asked whether a language-impaired child should learn two languages. Dr Susanne Döpke frames the same question regarding Autism. It is good read.

Is Bilingualism detrimental for Children With Autism?

Here is an excerpt: “There is no research evidence to suggest that hearing more than one language makes the symptoms of autism worse or that the English-only advice improves the abilities of children with autism – language-wise, conceptual or social.”