Book Review: The Parent's Guide to Speech and Language Problems

By Debbie Feit, with Heidi Feldman, M.D., Ph.D.; 256 pages. Subtitle: Real-World Advice on Making Sense of Your Child's Diagnosis; Being Your Child's Best Advocate; Helping Your Child -- and Your Family -- Cope

Pretty much everything you want to know about your child's speech and language problems is in here somewhere. A friendly, comprehensive resource, The Parent's Guide to Speech and Language Problems leads you from suspicions to diagnosis to therapy to school and insurance battles, with plenty of company from other parents along the way.

About the Guide Rating

Full disclosure: The reason I know about this book is because I'm in it. Author Debbie Feit quotes parents throughout the book about what worked for their children, and some of my answers to her questionnaires made the cut. I also wrote a blurb for the cover.

That's how I know about the book, but it's not why I like it. Personally, I'd be just as happy to see the parent-quotes gone, mine included. If there are two camps of readers, those who love parent voices and case studies and those who just want to read what the author has to say, I'm in the latter.

Feit has plenty of her own experiences to share as the parent of two children with speech and language problems, and plenty of lived-in advice as well, both in terms of bearing the emotional burdens and of tackling everyday tasks like finding a therapist, getting the appropriate school services, and fighting for insurance coverage. She knows all the tricks, and she's happy to pass them on. It's her voice and experience that make me a fan of this particular parenting volume.

Though the material is presented in a clear and parent-friendly fashion, it can get a little intimidating. A parent just starting out may not feel up to the task of being at-home therapist and full-time advocate, and parents further on in the process may be struck by all the stuff they didn't do when they should have. You'll be the best judge of whether you want to read this book cover to cover for a big dose of empowerment and responsibility, or pick out the sections you need at any given time for helpful reference.

Or, you know, just scan through those parent quotes for an impromptu support session. That Terri with the two kids in New Jersey seems to be pretty sharp.

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