Read the full transcript here

About our guest:

Dr. Leah Beekman Ph.D.,CCC-SLP completed a doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, she holds a role as a clinical assistant professor at Chapman University in Irvine, California and has a small private practice, Unless Therapy. What she loves best about her job is helping a child find their voice, and helping them express who they are. Dr. Beekman was introduced to the Deaf and HOH community at birth since her father has lost a majority of his hearing. When she’s not working as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), you can find Dr. Beekman taking a hike on a beautiful trail within The Golden State! 

This week on the All About Audiology podcast:   

* 8:40 – Kids can start to identify sarcasm at a pretty young age. If a child is not exposed to sarcasm while growing up, a child may find it hard to identify and interpret sarcasm during their future social interactions.  

* 13:00 – Within her doctoral program, Dr. Beekman’s team utilized a play-based research study strategy in which they were able to detect a language disorder within watching a child play for five minutes. 

* 18:40 – Dr. Beekman utilizes play therapy during her sessions. For adults who are skeptical about play-based therapy, she encourages parents or caregivers to sit in on a session or to sift through the data that SLP’s collect.

* 22:30 – Due to Dr. Beekman’s upbringing, her preferred choice of communication is total communication. Though, how a family unit decides to have their deaf or HoH child communicate should be based upon their environment.

* 30:00 – In hopes of maximizing the way a child communicates, it is important to constantly label items in one’s environment and also to regularly read to a child so that a child can develop a rich vocabulary. 

* 40:00 – Collaborating with other professionals is vital to all clients regardless of their age. It is important for everyone on a team to bring their expertise and be part of a united front in helping a client live a meaningful and convenient life.

For more resources and research visit:

All About Audiology Website 

All About Audiology Facebook group  

All About Audiology Instagram

All About Audiology Patreon 

Find and connect with Dr. Beekman:

Dr. Beekman’s email

Dr. Beekman’s company page

Dr. Beekman’s Instagram

Dr. Beekman’s YouTube channel

Related Episodes:

* All About Speech Therapy – Episode 19* Episode 40: All About Teletherapy- Episode 40 – Season 3 wrap-up with Stacy Crouse,