I am in Aural Rehab for Speech-Language Pathology. Each week, we have to write a

I am in Aural Rehab for Speech-Language Pathology. Each week, we have to write a basic 1-2 paragraph discussion post and respond to 2 colleagues. Use 2-3 references (have to be .org, .gov, .edu). Here are the instructions: Guiding Parents Through the EHDI Process
Rationale
In this discussion, you will explain how to guide parents and families through the EHDI process and why it is important.
Directions
Consider the following scenario:
You are a speech-language pathologist working in the Early Intervention arena. A 6-month old infant has just been diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss.
Post a response to the following questions.
What steps should you take to help the parents navigate the EHDI process? Why is this important?
Respond to at least two colleagues’ posts by offering supporting thoughts or alternate positioning, or by asking additional questions.
example of colleagues discussion post: As a speech-language pathologist, my first step would be to educate the family on what this diagnosis means and what this will look like. I will explain how early intervention works and why it is important that we begin doing this as soon as possible with the kiddo. I would ensure families feel as if they have support from the SLP. I would emphasize if they had any questions or concerns to reach out. I would also suggest meeting with other families who have the same diagnosis to find a support group or community.
As an SLP there will need to be a way to monitor the child while they are developing, as well as monitoring the hearing assessment and skills of the kiddo (Reyes & Welling, n.d.). The SLP must implement the program they are working on with the kiddo at home so the family can also use it (Reyes & Welling, n.d.). It is important for the families to understand why you are asking the child to do something. It is equally as important to get feedback from families such as how they understand what you are teaching them. Intervention for children with hearing loss requires a close-knit team that includes the family, the SLP, and the other professionals working with the kiddo (Welling & Ukstins, 2023).
Ultimately a family with this diagnosis will most likely be overwhelmed being there for the child and family is incredibly important. This process can take a lot of time because there are multiple moving parts and professionals. Thus providing an unbiased opinion, giving them all the information, and being supportive of the family should be the main priority.
Reference:
Reyes , K. B., & Welling , D. R. (n.d.). Suggestions for the Speech-Language Pathologist for Working with Individuals with Hearing Loss Focusing on the Oral/Aural Technique Facilitate Speech and Language Development. Jones & Barrett Learning.
Welling, D. R., & Ukstins, C. A. (2019). Fundamentals of audiology for the speech-language pathologist (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
After you write the post, respond to :
1) Cynthia Cabrera
24 hours ago, at 3:14 PM NEW
As the SLP on the EHDI team, I would take my role as the one to make sure things are explained thoroughly and at a pace that does not overwhelm the parents. Making sure they have time to process the information by providing them with material they can review would be helpful.
Once the child has been identified with a hearing loss, the conversation can begin regarding communication. As the SLP on the team, it would be my primary role to discuss the various approaches the families can take to support their child’s language development. I would want to make sure they have adequate information regarding various types of communication approaches that are available to them and their child. Some of these include auditory-verbal, cued speech, and total communication just to name a few (CDC, nd).
The most important part of this process is to make sure that the parents know they are the decision-makers. Knowing that they do not have to stick with only one communication approach for the rest of the child’s life is vital. The approach will change and evolve as their child and family dynamic does. They are the expert when it comes to their child and with our guidance, they should feel empowered to make their own choices (CDC, nd).
References
CDC: National Center on Birth Defects and Development Disabilities: Division of Human Development and Disability. (n.d.). Early intervention: communication and language services for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/freematerials/Communication_Brochure.pdf [PDF]
then respond to
2) Aleena Huynh
11/12/23, 7:05 PM NEW
As a speech-language pathologist, I would first educate and provide information to my clients regarding what exactly Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is and what steps are required throughout the program. I would provide a background by informing them that EDHI is a program in which its purpose is to provide support to children who are deaf or hard of hearing by facilitating early identification of hearing loss through hearing screenings, timely audiologic/medical evaluations, and by providing early intervention and ongoing support to families (Welling & Ukstins, 2023, p. 389). The program seeks to address early identification and early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing in order to minimize the risk of children falling behind their peers due to their limited exposure to language from hearing loss (Welling & Ukstins, 2023, p. 387). I would then guide my clients through the “1-3-6 EHDI Plan” which sets the benchmarks for hearing screenings, audiologic evaluations, and enrollment into an early intervention program (Welling & Ukstins, 2023, p. 389). Throughout this process, my client and their family may be inundated with appointments, speaking with numerous medical professionals, and discussing testing results and implications, so as a speech-language pathologist, I would help them navigate the process by serving as a subject matter expert that provides education, support, and counseling throughout their experience (Welling & Ukstins, 2023, p. 415).

Families with children who present with hearing loss requiring intervention may be incredibly overwhelmed. Not only must they grapple with the knowledge that their child presents with hearing loss and the risks related to their hearing loss, they must also learn how to navigate a challenging system that includes screenings, evaluations, ongoing monitoring, and the development of an individualized family service plan (IFSP), in which time is of the essence (Welling & Ukstins, 2023, p. 402). Therefore, as a speech-language pathologist, it is important to provide family-centered support throughout the EDHI process.

References
Welling, D.R., & Ukstins, C.A. (2023). Fundamentals of Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist(3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning.
example of response:
Karen great post. Trust is a key foundation for relationship building and I liked how you stressed that would be a top priority. I too strongly agree with close communication and a team collaboration approach with the resource team. The most qualitative, time efficient outcomes are driven by expectations, accountability and the need to be involved. I would feel very confident with you as my child’s advocate. Great job.
Let me know if you have any questions.