An Open Letter to Parents from Your Speech Pathologist

Let us be your advocate, your guide, and your teacher.

By Stephanie Ramos, M.A. CCC-SLP

Dear parent,

I see you.

I see your child.

I see the reservations you hold for fear of your child being judged.

The first question I ask you and the most important one of all: ‘What is your goal’?

Your answer: ‘I just want them to be able to tell me what they want’.

Got it.

Now we have a target but I am going to need your help.

I only see your child for a short window of time throughout the week. I am going to provide you the education and tools necessary in order for this to carry over into your home.

It may be hard, weird, or even awkward at first, but before too long, you will start to see your child’s communication unfold.

It may not be through vocalizing, but they will communicate one way or another.

They may look at you when you say their name, point to a toy versus grabbing your arm and taking you to it, or even tapping your arm to get your attention versus screaming and dropping to the floor at the grocery. One way or another, your child with begin communicating with you in a new way.

You will start to see your child imitate more at home because you are providing them with the language to model. You will be telling them what they are doing while they are doing it, giving them that auditory feedback that they are oh so seeking.

You will be their voice until they can use their own.

I will be your advocate, your guide, and your teacher.

I will strive to see you and your child succeed.

All I need is for you to meet me half way.

With the best intentions possible,

Your speech language pathologist

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Stephanie Ramos is a Speech Pathologist at Hopebridge in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Following her undergraduate and masters programs at Ball State, she worked with adults in long-term care, eventually becoming a rehab director. She enjoyed it, but felt she had a different calling. After six years, it was time to find her way to her passion of caring for children.

She has been serving children with autism and their families at Hopebridge since 2014.

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