Mark is a recognized expert and teacher in the field of speech-language pathology. His revolutionary new method, The Teaching of Talking, introduces speech-language pathologists, caregivers, and students to expert methods which help people with speaking difficulties learn to talk. Ittleman earned the nickname the speech pathologist who can make a rock talk! because of his outstanding success helping people regain the ability to speak.
His method is conversational, and he starts, in the very first therapy session, talking with his clients. Another unique feature of Mark’s method is that he invites caregivers and/or family members to join their loved one’s speech-language therapy sessions in order to learn the techniques he uses during speech therapy. He shows caregivers and family members how to continue stimulating speech and language at home. Each additional hour spent by caregivers and family members stimulating speech and language at home greatly accelerates their loved one’s success with talking or speaking again. All of these methods are included in The Teaching of Talking. We are sure that you will receive outstanding value from reading and using the techniques in this book.
Dear Barbara,
Thanks for your inquiry. I am currently working with a person who is 35 years old, and has never talked using the Teaching of Talking Method. This young woman, who is like a child, is making good progress. Like the person you describe she has been at the “vocal play” level of language development. That is where persons like to vocalize and enjoy making sounds, but they do not speak.
This young lady is now saying: eat, mmm(good), bye, mama, papa, ba (biscuit), coo/cookie and other sounds and words. We have a great time stimulating speech and we do it at mealtime, because it is there where she is stimulable to speak.
I would strongly suggest you obtain The Teaching of Talking, and focus on the task at hand at stimulating this child to speak. Since she makes sounds, and is at the “vocal play level” approximately 6-9 month level of language development.
It is all in how any challenge is approached. I would give it a shot and I would be happy to help you.
Mark
Mark A. Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP
If a child has been diagnosed as ‘Autistic,’ is 7.5 years old and has never spoken a true word EVER, can your method book help teach such a child (female) to talk ? she babbled as a 7-8 month old and still makes sounds but not actual words. she is not Mute.
thank you, Barbara
Barbara,
I almost forgot. The testing instrument in Teaching of Talking would not be appropriate in the case you describe, but everything about the procedures would be.
In addition there are some special considerations you must know. I need to know if she is stimulable; that is, can she imitate sounds that you make, or more importantly, what happens when YOU IMITATE SOUNDS SHE MAKES?
The more you imitate her sounds the more responsive children usually are. This will be a great book for you, but there are other interventions that will be necessary before words since she has no words yet. Please keep me apprised of what is happening. You can leave a reply here or send to my e mail at markittleman@makerockstalk.com
Best regards,
Mark