HPRC Speech Specialists on Concerns of Masking Young Children
Speech specialists on concerns of masking young children
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – To ease parents’ worry when it comes to masking young children, speech and language specialists have encouragement and tips for effective communication.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there is no evidence that the use of face masks prevents or delays speech and language development.
When speaking with, Catherine Stubbs, the Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation at the Human Performance and Rehabilitation Center here in Columbus, she said she has not noticed any negative effects and the average number of patients that they see has not drastically increased.
Both Stubbs and ASHA encourage parents to focus on the time spent at home with children, where children and family members can get the face time that they need, unmasked. The ASHA encourages people to be intentional and dedicate time to converse with their children at home, away from screens.
Continue reading for tips to better communicate with a child while wearing a face mask.