November 17, 2007...11:19 am
Live from Boston …
I’m writing today from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention in Boston. Thousands upon thousands of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), professors and students have all descended on the Boston Convention Center for this annual event.Issues with speech and language are universal among individuals with CdLS, regardless if they are mildly or severely affected. As part of the Foundation’s outreach to these professionals, I’ve set up a booth here, loaded with information about CdLS.
The response has been pretty amazing. I’ve met many SLPs who, after looking at our materials and display, are convinced that they are working with a child with the syndrome, but without a diagnosis. That’s what it’s all about - educating people who work on the front lines so that they can help find the thousands of individuals who are undiagnosed.
I’ve also met SLPs who have recently begun working with a child with the syndrome. They are grateful for the information and assistance the Foundation can provide them and the families.
Of course, there were plenty of folks who have never heard of CdLS until they came by the booth, stopped in their tracks by the larger than life photos of two children with CdLS looking out at them from the display. They can now file this newfound awareness in their brains, and when that little boy or girl with the long eyelashes and upturned nose walks into their clinic or school, they’ll remember CdLS. -MM
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