Episode 19: Parent Perspective on DLD with Jodi Oliver
Oct 12, 2019
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Jodi Oliver, a parent and speech language pathologist, shares her perspective on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) as both a mother and a professional. Topics include discovering DLD, advocating for a child with DLD, reflection on therapy and parental responsibility, and personal experiences and childhood books.
Early intervention and support system are crucial for children with DLD.
Balancing therapy time with family time is essential for a child's holistic development.
Deep dives
Discovering DLD and Seeking Resources
Jody Oliver, a parent and speech-language pathologist, shares her experience of discovering her daughter's Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and seeking resources. Jody noticed her daughter's difficulty with pronouncing words, leading her to have her tested for language delays in preschool. Through her professor's guidance and extensive internet research, Jody found the support system she needed to understand and advocate for her daughter's DLD.
Dual Role as a Parent and SLP
As both a parent and an SLP, Jody explains how her training in speech-language pathology informed her parent perspective while raising a child with DLD. Jody created therapy activities in disguise to encourage language development for her daughter. Though she wishes she had balanced therapy time with family time, Jody recognizes the importance of focusing on her child's holistic development outside of the DLD diagnosis.
Advocacy and Long-term Success
Jody discusses her advocacy efforts for DLD, sharing her experiences speaking at ASHA and creating content for the DLD and Me website. She emphasizes the importance of community and support for parents of children with DLD, offering her own experience and knowledge. Jody's daughter now advocates for herself and is thriving in college, demonstrating that DLD does not have to limit a child's achievements.