On Friday, November 15, Zahava Merlis, seasoned speech-language pathologist and owner of Firefly Friends Speech Therapy, PLLC, presented to AJA parents on “Salient Speech and Language Challenges,” the latest in a series of parent education events at AJA. Zahava currently works with several AJA and ECP students, as well as many students around Greater Austin.

She provided important context on language, then walked parents through a range of important topics that impact how students learn: articulation challenges, expressive-receptive language disorders, audible processing disorders, dyslexia and dysgraphia, ADD, selective mutism, hearing deficits, and more. She also stressed the importance of making sure that students are first ready to learn. Before she can begin her work, she clarified, she will often refer students to occupational therapists to help students learn self-regulation.

One parent, impressed with the range of topics covered, shared, “There is a lot to look at when you are talking about your own child… a lot of factors to consider for the success of your child.” Another drew the following takeaway: “Trust your parent gut. Early intervention in speech is important. Get your kids checked out!”

The workshop was held in the Multipurpose Room (MPR) after Kabbalat Shabbat and was the latest parent education event to help them set their children up for success.