First Words: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide to Helping a Child with Speech and Language Delays

by Barbara Levine Offenbacher

First A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide to Helping a Child with Speech and Language Delays gives parents the information they need to allow them to stimulate their child’s speech and language. Parents are given actual samples of how children with autism and other language delays respond differently to questions and how their responses can be redirected in order to start building connections. Offenbacher explains terms such as speech and language, typical language delay, PDD-Pervasive Developmental Delay, ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and ABA-Applied Behavioral Analysis. The book outlines the typical developmental steps of speech and language acquisition, and where parents should begin when starting to help their child. It suggests the types of toys, and experiences that stimulate language, as well as a floor plan to arrange a “work area” and learning center in their home. It provides check lists for them to evaluate their child every step of the way and set meaningful and attainable goals.
This book is not meant to replace professional intervention. But it guides parents in becoming a para-speech partner in maximizing the stimulation their child receives so they develop skills for communicating.

242 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Victoria Vivente · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book transforms complex speech and language development into clear, actionable strategies. It’s an invaluable, compassionate toolkit for navigating delays and fostering meaningful communication.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

15/10/16 No longer five stars. Far too much focus on specific nouns and not enough on "core words" - see the "Language Stealers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vib2_...
Still glad I found this initially, and I haven't yet found anything better to recommend.

18/1/15 I'm very glad I found this book 2 years ago as it has some excellent advice, in particular a vivid recommendation to explain to your child where they are going / what's going to happen using pictures, rather than simply shoving them in the car and expecting them to guess what's going on. Now that I've delved far more deeply into the research on autism spectrum disorder I realise that the author is quite prescriptive in her therapy methods, rather than following the child's lead at least to begin with, as is recommended in newer therapies such as DIR Floortime. Still five stars and highly recommended to parents.

15/8/13 Excellent. The first book for parents I've read which dares to assume we have enough intelligence to comprehend what it is speech therapists actually do, and therefore let us know what we can be working on whilst our child is on the waiting list.

I disagree with Offenbacher on some points - she has a bee in her bonnet about only reading non-fiction books to children on the autism spectrum because fiction is too confusing - but this is a very useful book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest 2013 edition is a plain black cover. This is an excellent book for a parent to refer to when considering the delayed speech of their eighteen month old and older. The suggestions and examples to follow are easy enough. The "create" a child friendly play area is essential to learning.