Recommended Reading
These are my favorite books related to speech and language by category:
Books on Language Development
Language Development: How Babies Talk: The Magic and Mystery of Language in the First Three Years of Life
Did you know your baby can recognize changes in syllables and familiar songs while still in utero? Or that he can recognize his own name as early as 4 months? Find out why “baby talk” is so beneficial for your child. You will truly be amazed as you read about all that your little one can understand and do! This research based book gives a wonderful overview of how your child’s language develops and tips to help him along his journey
Books on Mouth Development
Mouth and Feeding Development Nobody Ever Told Me (or my Mother) That!: Everything from Bottles and Breathing to Healthy Speech Development by Diane Bahr, MS. CCC-SLP
The title of this book is perfect! It truly is full of information you most likely have never heard. For example, did you know you baby’s jaw grows the most in the first of life? Or that babies can be taught to drink from a straw as early as six months. This book is a wealth of useful information and easy to read charts. Seriously, this book is a fantastic resource with easy to activities to try with your developing baby or toddler!
Books on Autism
Autism: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
Dr. Prizant is the developer of the SCERTS model and an expert in the area of autism. His knowledge and experience provides wonderful insight on autism. Dr Prizant teaches us not how to “get rid” rid of autism, but to understand its unique characteristics in relation to social skills, communication skills, and development. This book highlights just how wonderful and “uniquely human” we all are and is a refreshing perspective on autism.
Books on Eating
Eating: Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater: A Parent’s Handbook: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating
Did you know it’s normal for toddlers two years old to go through a period of “neophobia,” where they are afraid to try new things. This includes trying new foods and explains why almost every parent of a toddler I meet describes their child as “picky” to some degree. What is unique about this book is that it is written by a Pediatric Speech Pathologist/Feeding Specialist in conjunction with a pediatrician. This book is full of suggestions that families can easily implement to encourage a happy and healthy eater!
Books on Child Development
Child Development: Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
Did you know flashcards are not the best way for your child to learn? Children actually learn better through play. “Einstein New Used Flashcards” is such an important reminder of why our children need to play. The book is divided into areas of development and shows us how play helps children develop in every area. The book contains wonderful research on how play helps children become successful in school and in life.
Brooke is the owner of The Speech Dynamic, where she provides play based and family centered speech and feeding therapy. She is the co-creator of “Wiggle time,” an interdisciplinary curriculum for pediatric therapy. She has presented at The North Carolina Exceptional Children’s Conference regarding embedding language into routines. She has also shared her expertise on a panel for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke has a passion for helping families understand the importance of play for speech and language development.
