​The American Speech-Language -Hearing Association's "Identify the Signs" Campaign Helps Families Get Educational Texts About Communication Development Kids' Health Special Needs

To help connect families with information about their child’s communication development, expected milestones and everyday ways to build key skills in their critical early years, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Identify the Signs campaign and Bright by Text are joining forces on an innovative and effective educational channel.

ASHA’s Identify the Signs campaign educates about typical communication development as well as the early warning signs of speech, language and hearing disorders. The campaign operates with the premise that early detection of, and treatment for, communication disorders contributes to speedier recoveries, shortened treatment periods, and reduced costs for families and society. Through its campaign, ASHA encourages the public to:

• Learn the warning signs.

• Promptly get professional help, if necessary.

• Spread the word about the importance of early intervention with family, friends and social networks.

A free text messaging service, Bright by Text delivers relevant and high-quality information to families to help them foster a child’s healthy growth, based on their exact age and developmental stage. It has approximately 100,000 subscribers and is growing rapidly. ASHA’s Identify the Signs campaign will serve as a content partner for Bright by Text, joining other entities such as PBS, Sesame Street and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first series of ASHA resources will be included in the Bright by Text service within the next three weeks. Topics include:

• Warning signs of speech and language delays/disorders.

• Information on bilingual language development.

• How to find a provider to help with communication disorders.

Parents and caregivers as well as prospective parents can sign up by texting BRIGHT to 274448, or by using the form on the Bright by Text website. Text messages are customized by the child’s age and zip code.

For more information, visit BrightByText.org and IdentifytheSigns.org.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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