Nurturing Language and Learning: Development of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants and Toddlers

by Patricia Elizabeth Spencer, Lynne Sanford Koester

In what ways is development of deaf and hard-of-hearing babies and toddlers like that of those with typical hearing? What specific challenges are likely to be faced by child and parent - and when are they most likely to occur? What modifications in parenting and caregiver interaction can help or avoid these challenges?

A strong, supportive foundation for optimal learning is achieved from early, positive, and responsive experiences. With Nurturing Language and Learning , Patricia Elizabeth Spencer and Lynne Sanford Koester provide the expert information and guidelines needed for professionals and parents in order to build that critical foundation.

424 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2015

Reviews

[Leslie Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former child/adolescent psych RN and mother of a child with apraxia of speech (CAS), I gravitated toward this book for several reasons. But one that stands out is that I have a friend raising a son with mild-moderate hearing loss. Four years ago, they didn't understand why he failed his newborn hearing test. Several years (and hearing aids later), they now have a much greater understanding of hearing loss in infants and children, the slower language acquisition, as well as the benefits of early intervention (EI). Plus, they have an amazing 4 year old who is making strides in social and academic settings; he's not much different than any other preschooler.

Authors and researchers Spencer and Koester have culled the research for you, placing it between two covers and making the world of hearing impaired and deaf infants and toddlers more accessible. NURTURING LANGUAGE & LEARNING: Development of Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Infants & Toddlers is a wealth of information on "typical" infant-toddler development, paired with struggles of the child with hearing impairments. What might be different for a parent and child if hearing, a vital sense is affected? Spencer and Koester will show you through various examples and research.

Reader beware: this is highly dense reading and while you may glean some new knowledge as a parent/caregiver this book may be more intended for a professional audience, including social workers, EI specialists, educators, pediatricians, audiologists, child development experts, and others highly involved in the lives of children with hearing impairments.

NURTURING LANGUAGE & LEARNING: Development of Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Infants & Toddlers (available Jan 21 from Oxford University Press), is well-organized, highly researched, and best suited for those just embarking on the journey with a newborn-age 3 years with hearing impairments.

For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
Thanks to OUP for the review copy of this book.