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The California Scottish Rite Foundation annually provides up to $200,000 in Scholarships to 100 deserving applicants. The Scholarship Committee reviews and evaluates each application to determine scholarship placement. Tanner was the California Scottish Rite Foundation 2018 Scholarship recipient! With that, he has been able to accomplish many achievements since then. Tanner was also grateful enough to send us a thank you letter. Please give it a read below! "Dear California Scottish Rite Foundation, I was your 2018 scholarship winner. I want to thank you all for the love, encouragement, and financial support that you have given me. I couldn’t have accomplished my dreams without your financial assistance. I want to give you a little life update. When I think about the past four and half years, I am amazed by how fast they flew by. On December 13th, 2022, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I enjoyed my time at California Baptist studying, working, and building new, lifelong friendships. My time was filled with many life-changing opportunities and experiences. My favorite part of the nursing program was being able to experience a variety of different specialties and hospital floors. I was fortunate enough to be able to experience clinicals during Covid and my favorite floor was the emergency department. Each summer, while not in school, I worked alongside my fellow lifeguards to run junior lifeguard programs at the beach. At these multi-week camps, we shared the responsibilities of keeping the general beach safe while also educating groups of children on ocean safety and what it takes to become a lifeguard. Working with children has been extremely rewarding because I know that I am instilling in them the skills that will help keep them safe even when there aren’t any lifeguards on duty watching out for them. In addition to beach lifeguarding, I worked as a River Rescue Lifeguard on the Colorado River providing first responder medical care to the visitors of the Colorado River, and performed rescues as a deckhand on a police boat. Currently, I am studying to take the NCLEX-RN Exam. I am very excited about my future as a nurse to help the sick and weary. My career goal is to become a trauma flight nurse because I love fast-paced emergency medicine. However, when flying becomes too physically taxing at an older age, I would like to transition into hospice nursing because I have seen first-hand the amazing impact it can have on people’s lives. Again, thank you for your support! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of all the volunteers that support your organization." Much Gratitude, Tanner Curnow Tanner is one of many graduates the California Scottish Rite Foundation has helped financially to achieve their goals! To learn more check out our scholarship page at casrf.org/scholarship.

The California Scottish Rite Foundation offers free evaluation, assessment, and therapy to all children who need it. However, if circumstances constrain you from this amazing opportunity, you may need other professionals who will charge for the services. CostHelper reports that the average cost of speech therapy in the United States can range from $100 to $600 per hour, depending on many factors. The costs of speech therapy will likely increase in the near future due to the growing demand for these services. That is a lot of money because your child may need more than 5 sessions to be successful. Then you can turn to your insurance company for help. However, the question remains, Is speech therapy covered by insurance? Is Speech Therapy Covered By Insurance? There is no straight answer to the question of what health insurance covers. However, you must remember that insurance plans can vary in terms of coverage and benefits. This can make it challenging to determine whether your insurance covers speech therapy. Insurance companies have their own unique policies, and the coverage of each family's plan can differ. The amount of your deductible, the benefits you're entitled to, the available options, and the reimbursement protocols may also vary. This article will assist you in determining whether your insurance plan covers speech therapy. Some children may need speech therapy to address communication challenges, both in how they speak and how they understand communication. Perhaps your child is slow in speech and language processing or cannot communicate at all. Speech therapy can help improve a child's communication skills, self-confidence, and quality of life. Early intervention is usually recommended to ensure children can develop the necessary communication skills. When Does Insurance Cover Speech Therapy? Generally, health insurance covers the costs associated with preventive care, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. It may also cover the costs of medical treatments for illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. Many insurance plans provide coverage for speech therapy as part of a rehabilitation process in cases where it is required due to a significant medical event, such as injury or acute illness. This coverage may extend to children born with cleft palates and those recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The benefits and coverage options can vary widely depending on the insurance plan. However, health insurance may cover common medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, medical tests and procedures, prescription drugs, medical equipment, therapy, and counseling. Not all health insurance plans cover every medical expense, and some may have deductibles, copays, or coinsurance requirements that must be met before coverage kicks in. It's essential to review your insurance plan's coverage details and limitations to fully understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn't. But does insurance cover speech therapy only for major medical issues? The answer is not that simple. The availability of coverage for speech therapy varies depending on the insurer and their coverage options. Typically, therapy required due to an unforeseen tragic event is more likely to be covered. However, insurance providers may exclude coverage for speech therapy related to chronic or developmental disorders, such as articulation issues, lisps, or speech delays. These exclusions can make it challenging to determine whether insurance covers speech therapy when it is not linked to a major injury or medical condition. How to Know if Your Insurance Covers Speech Therapy Contact your insurer to determine whether your speech therapy is covered by insurance. This can be as simple as calling the number on the back of your insurance card or contacting your insurance agent. When you call, ask about the specifics of speech therapy coverage, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limits, and the number of covered sessions. If you have already selected a speech therapist, inquire whether they are in your insurer's network. If they are not, ask about reimbursement options for using out-of-network providers. Your speech pathologist can also be a valuable resource in navigating the insurance process. They can develop a treatment plan that can be submitted to your insurer to determine the services and fees that will or will not be covered. Common Reasons Why a Speech Therapy Insurance Claim is Denied We typically associate health insurance companies with useless boring meetings and bureaucracy. How can you avoid issues with your child's coverage for speech therapy? You have to be aware of common reasons why an insurance claim for speech therapy may be denied before submitting your paperwork. Be sure to thoroughly review your healthcare policy and submit the claim with all required supporting documents. If your claim is denied, you can always file an appeal. 1. “Medical Necessity.” Insurance companies may decline coverage for treatments that they do not consider to be "medically necessary." This means that the insurer may reject the claim if there is no known disease, injury, or condition causing the ailment. Health insurance companies use the term "medical necessity" to decide whether a particular medical service or treatment is adequately reasonable for treating specific conditions. Typical standards exist, and these help companies to decline or approve such coverage. A lack of medical necessity refers to when an insurance company refuses coverage for treatment as it believes the treatment is nonessential for diagnosis or treatment. The causes of speech impediments are often difficult to identify and often relate to an unknown neurological origin. The insurance company can deny meritorious claims unless supported by a doctor's or speech therapist's statement that the treatment is necessary. In some instances, the healthcare provider can appeal and dispute insurance denial for medical necessity if the insured believes it's the wrong decision. The provider may need to present additional documentation or other evidence to support their position that treatment is necessary for the patient's care. When Is Speech Therapy Medically Necessary? Speech therapy is commonly considered a medical necessity for individuals with swallowing disorders and communication disabilities. However, for other conditions, the following criteria must be met for speech therapy to be considered medically necessary: A doctor must determine that speech therapy can lead to significant improvement for the patient within a reasonable and predictable timeframe. Licensed and certified providers must provide services. Therapy services must follow the care plan developed by the treating physician and comply with applicable laws and policies. Therapy services must be provided by a licensed SLP or under the supervision of a licensed aide in accordance with state laws. Insurance may cover speech therapy for members aged 18 months or older who have idiopathic speech and language delays and have been diagnosed by a qualified provider as a treatable communication issue. Home-based speech therapy may be covered if the member is homebound, such as after transitioning from hospital care to home health care. Insurance may cover your child’s speech therapy if these criteria are met. When Is Speech Therapy NOT Medically Necessary? Speech therapy may not be covered by insurance in the following scenarios: When the patient can receive the required treatment from another service, such as occupational or physical therapy. When multiple treatments are administered, there is no separate treatment plan for speech therapy, indicating its significant difference from other procedures. Furthermore, insurance contracts usually do not cover maintenance programs that preserve present cognitive function and delay regression. These programs are exercises, techniques, and drills that start after the therapeutic plans have achieved their desired goal. In addition, speech therapy may not be covered when it is used to treat chronic coughs or when the skills of a licensed speech-language pathologist are not required for treatment. These treatments usually involve routine and reinforced procedures that professional or family caregivers can carry out. If insurance does not cover speech therapy in these scenarios, it is important to explore alternative payment options. 2. Developmental Disorder Insurance companies may reject a claim if a speech disorder is classified as a developmental disorder. "Developmental disorder" in health insurance refers to a classification of disorders that typically manifest in childhood and affect a child's development and functioning. Examples of developmental disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability. Insurance companies may use this classification as a reason to deny coverage for speech therapy services, as they may assume that the child will eventually outgrow the language impediment. However, it's important to note that early intervention and treatment for developmental disorders can significantly improve a child's outcomes and quality of life. However, seeking treatment for a child with a developmental disorder is crucial, regardless of insurance coverage. If the speech disorder or delay is labeled as developmental, ask the speech therapist not to use that term or its corresponding medical billing code on any paperwork. 3. Public School Services When seeking coverage for your child's speech therapy, your health insurance company may argue that the therapy provided by the public school system is sufficient and that additional therapy outside of the school setting is unnecessary. However, it's important to remember that speech therapy is not just an educational issue but also a medical one. You can inform your health insurance company that reputable organizations like the Health Insurance Association of America and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations recognize speech therapy as a legitimate healthcare service. Supporting documentation can also be provided to demonstrate why your child requires private speech therapy, such as a long waiting list for school-based therapy or your child's inability to qualify for services in school due to test scores or the nature of their disorder. What to Watch for with Speech Therapy Insurance Coverage Here are some key things to consider when gathering information about speech therapy insurance coverage: Exclusions Exclusions are provisions in your insurance policy that exclude coverage for certain services. It's important to review your policy for any speech therapy exclusions, such as those for developmental issues. If you need clarification, contact your insurance carrier to confirm. Limitations Limitations are restrictions that limit the benefits you can receive. For example, your health insurance agreement may limit reimbursement for speech therapy by capping the number of sessions covered or setting a dollar amount that may or may not reset annually. Benefits Benefits can vary depending on whether you use an in-network or out-of-network provider. In-network providers can typically bill the insurer directly, but some plans require the use of in-network providers. If your plan requires this, make sure your speech therapist is in-network. Out-of-network providers may still be an option, but accessing them may limit your reimbursement to only a portion, if any, of your out-of-pocket costs. Even if out-of-network services are covered, your insurance carrier will likely only cover part of the provider charges. These out-of-network benefits are often only available with preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. If your coverage request is denied, you can appeal the denial. What Is the Best Age to Start Speech Therapy? Although developmental speech delays can be noticed as early as three months, it is still possible that your child will meet their speech milestones on time. Therefore, starting treatment for your child right away may not be necessary, although it's good to talk to a therapist to address your concerns. The therapist may suggest early intervention and monitoring signs at home before recommending treatments. If communication issues persist well into your child's first year, it may be appropriate to consider seeing a specialist. By 12 months, your child should already be using gestures to communicate, which is a sign of their understanding of communication and possession of basic communication skills. Find A Speech Language Pathologist The worst thing that could happen to a family is a false assumption. The best thing to do is to first consult with a professional. All our services at the California Scottish Rite Foundation are free. Hence, you don't have to worry about payment or insurance bureaucracies. You can allow our professional SLPs to assess your child, and they will advise you on how to best file your insurance claim. The first appointment with a speech therapist is typically the initial evaluation, where the therapist evaluates your current communication strengths and weaknesses to determine if speech therapy is necessary. Following the evaluation, the therapist will create a report with this information and send it to your insurance company for review.

Speech disorders can be frustrating. Imagine watching your child struggle to speak or communicate with you. There are different reasons why your child may have delayed speech or reach certain milestones later than their peers. One of the reasons may be muscle weakness or what professionals call Dysarthria. Many children may have trouble saying some sounds clearly, and you can find it hard to understand what they say. However, it is easy to misdiagnose the problem. That is why we will critically explain dysarthria and how you can identify it and help a child. What is Dysarthria? As a parent, you take all possible measures to ensure your child's safety. However, despite taking all safety measures, accidents can still occur, and your child may suffer a head injury that could result in one of the many speech disorders in children, like dysarthria. Dysarthria is a type of language disorder categorized as a motor speech disorder. It arises when a child faces difficulties utilizing their oral motor muscles to generate speech. The disorder leads to weakened or improper movements of the muscles in the mouth and face and may also impact the respiratory system. The exact symptoms and severity of dysarthria depend on the extent of damage to the nervous system. We use several muscles in our face, lips, tongue, throat, and respiratory system when we speak. Weakness in these muscles makes speech difficult. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs due to weakened muscles resulting from brain damage. The disorder can range from mild to severe. Dysarthria can co-occur with other speech and language difficulties. Apraxia, characterized by difficulty sending messages from the brain to the muscles to initiate movement, and aphasia, which involves difficulties understanding language and expressing thoughts, are typical examples. Dysarthria results from impaired muscle control due to damage in the brain areas responsible for speech. Non-brain-related issues such as muscular and nerve disorders affecting the mouth and throat can also lead to dysarthria. Typically, dysarthria presents as slurred speech, with variations in speech rhythm and voice quality based on the specific type of dysarthria. Although dysarthria is not a medical emergency, the sudden onset of dysarthria due to a stroke or brain injury warrants urgent medical attention. While dysarthria cannot be cured or fully reversed, specific therapies can help improve communication and speaking abilities. The Difference Between Language Disorders and Speech Disorders Dysarthria is not a genuine language disorder, unlike language disorders such as Aphasia. Instead, it is caused by inadequate motor and sensory processes required for speech production. Dysarthria affects a child's ability to articulate words properly despite having normal cognitive abilities and an understanding of language. The disorder occurs due to impaired movement of the muscles involved in speech. It is common to mistake language and speech disorders as interchangeable, but this is inaccurate. A language disorder refers to the misinterpretation and mismanagement of environmental stimulus signals. It may impact a child's cognitive development, but not always associated with an intellectual disability. The inability to understand, learn, and articulate words are the primary characteristics of language disorders, which can extend to reading and writing abilities. Language disorders are not linked to any muscular or respiratory dysfunction. On the other hand, speech disorders are motor-based and involve the improper management of neuro-muscular signals required for word articulation. Unlike language disorders, speech disorders do not imply cognitive under-development. Speech disorders only affect the control of muscles used for speech production and do not affect intellectual capacity, senses, or the nervous system's functioning. Causes of Dysarthria Disorder in Children Dysarthria, similar to other language or speech disorders in children, can stem from several causes. Dysarthria in children can have pathological causes, such as cerebral tumors or amyotrophic sclerosis, which interfere with cerebral function. It can also be caused by cranial contusions or excessive medication use that affects the cerebral cortex or medulla oblongata. Let us now talk about the specific causes. Some of them are: 1. Brain Damage or Injury If your child falls and hits their head, there may be a case of TBI. The fall can affect the neural pathways that control speech production. These neural pathways connect the brain to the muscles involved in speaking, including the muscles in the face, lips, tongue, throat, and respiratory muscles. When these neural pathways are damaged, the muscles may weaken, move improperly, or become spastic, making it difficult to produce clear speech. The specific symptoms and severity of dysarthria will depend on the location and extent of the brain damage or injury. In some cases, the condition may be mild and only affect certain sounds or words; in others, it may be severe and make speech nearly impossible. 2. Muscular and Nerve Disorders Muscular and nerve disorders can cause dysarthria by affecting the normal functioning of the muscles and nerves involved in speech production. For example, a muscular disorder such as muscular dystrophy can weaken the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face, making it difficult to move these muscles properly to produce clear speech. Similarly, a nerve disorder such as Parkinson's can affect the nerves that control the mouth and throat muscles, leading to speech difficulties. In both cases, the neural pathways responsible for the coordinated movements of the muscles involved in speaking are disrupted, resulting in dysarthria. The specific symptoms of dysarthria will depend on the location and severity of the muscular or nerve disorder. 3. Developmental Delays Developmental delays can cause dysarthria by affecting the normal development of the muscles and nerves involved in speech production. During normal development, children learn to coordinate the movements of their lips, tongue, and other oral muscles to produce clear speech. A child with a developmental delay may have difficulty coordinating these muscles correctly, resulting in dysarthria. For example, a child with a developmental delay may have weaker oral muscles or struggle with motor planning, making it difficult to produce clear speech. A child with a speech and language development delay may not receive good practice using their oral muscles to produce sounds and words, leading to dysarthria. The severity and specific symptoms of dysarthria caused by developmental delays will depend on the underlying cause and the child's individual abilities and needs. Early intervention and therapy can help children with developmental delays improve their speech and language skills, including dysarthria. To get an accurate diagnosis of dysarthria, we recommend you consult a pediatric neurologist or a specialist in child behavior. What Dysarthria Means for Your Child Children with dysarthria may have difficulty controlling the volume, pitch, and quality of their speech. This can cause slurred, slowed, or labored speech and problems with breath control. They may also have trouble articulating multisyllabic words and exhibit nasal or hoarse sounds. Dysarthria can affect saliva control, chewing, and swallowing. Dysarthria can significantly impact a child's ability to communicate effectively. The child may have difficulty pronouncing words and expressing their thoughts clearly, leading to frustration and difficulty in social situations. The child may also have trouble understanding others, which can further impact their ability to communicate. In addition to speech and language difficulties, dysarthria can affect a child's physical health. The child may have difficulty chewing and swallowing, leading to malnutrition and dehydration. They may also be at an increased risk of choking or aspirating food or liquid into their lungs. Dysarthria can also affect a child's self-esteem and emotional well-being. Children with dysarthria may become socially isolated and avoid speaking to others due to frustration, embarrassment, and fear of ridicule. They may develop psychological disorders such as social anxiety over time without proper speech therapy and family support. However, with appropriate treatment and support, children with dysarthria can make progress in their communication abilities and improve their overall quality of life. Symptoms of Dysarthria Disorder in Children The signs of dysarthria may vary from child to child. However, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association highlights the common symptoms or signs of dysarthria in children. It may be a sign of dysarthria if your child exhibits the following: Slurred or mumbled speech that can be hard to understand. The child can or would only speak slowly. The child talks too fast. Speaking too softly. The child cannot move their tongue, lips, and jaw well. The child sounds robotic or choppy. The child sounds hoarse or breathy or like they have a stuffy nose or are talking out of their nose. You must seek medical attention immediately if your child is experiencing difficulty using their muscles, especially to speak. A Speech-Language Pathologist can assess your child’s speech and language to determine whether they have dysarthria or another issue. The SLP will evaluate your child’s ability to move their mouth, lips, tongue, and breathing. The professional will also assess your child’s speech in various contexts, including single words, sentences, and conversations. They will also assess your child’s ability to comprehend and communicate effectively. Treating Dysarthria in Children Treating dysarthria in children is based on rehabilitating the muscles affected by the underlying lesion or pathology. Therapy typically involves breathing exercises, phonetic training, and oral-facial exercises to improve muscle sensitivity and control. Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to the severity of your symptoms. Speech therapy is beneficial for individuals with dysarthric speech to improve their communication skills. Speech-language pathologists can also collaborate with your family and loved ones to help them improve communication with you. In speech therapy sessions, you can learn techniques such as: Exercises to strengthen mouth muscles Techniques to slow down speech Strategies to speak louder, such as using more breath Methods to articulate sounds clearly Movements to chew and swallow safely Various communication techniques, such as gestures or writing In more severe cases, a communication device may be necessary. These devices may include a letterbox, a picture board, or a special computer with a keyboard and message display. Since speech disorders in children can vary greatly, a customized treatment plan is necessary. An SLP will assess the child's symptoms and develop a treatment plan that may include strengthening oral motor muscles, improving muscle movement, improving breath support, correcting the rate of speech, and articulation practice. Focusing on vocalizing consonants can be particularly beneficial for children with ataxic dysarthria. Social anxiety and other psychological disorders may develop over time without appropriate therapy and family support. Living with Dysarthria Disorder in Children The family and a child with dysarthria must work together to enhance communication. Here are some suggestions for both the child (as the speaker) and the parent or caregiver (as the listener). Tips for the child: Begin with a single word or short phrase before moving on to more complete sentences Check with the listener(s) to make sure they understand what you are saying Speak slowly and loudly, and take frequent pauses Keep conversations shorter when you feel tired, as your speech may be harder to understand If you feel frustrated, try using gestures or pointing to help get your message across, or take a break and try again later. Younger children may need extra help remembering to use these strategies. Tips for the listener: Reduce distractions and background noise Pay close attention to the child when they are speaking Watch the child's mouth as they speak Let the child know if you are having trouble understanding them Repeat only the parts of the message you understood so the speaker does not have to repeat the whole message If you still don't understand, ask yes/no questions or have the child write down their message for you Get the Right Care For Your Child At Our RiteCare Centers RiteCare is a program that provides speech and language services to children who have communication disorders such as dysarthria. RiteCare clinics are located throughout the United States and are staffed by licensed speech-language pathologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. RiteCare can help a child with dysarthria by providing speech therapy tailored to their needs. The speech-language pathologist will work with the child to improve their speech clarity, breathing, and oral motor control through exercises and techniques that strengthen the muscles involved in speech production. The RiteCare program can also provide support and education to parents and caregivers, helping them better understand their child's condition and how to support their communication development. Additionally, RiteCare may offer assistive technology and devices to help children with severe dysarthria communicate effectively.

The ability to speak is a remarkable inborn skill. Children need ample opportunities to hone this skill. Like any physical skill, children improvise and do their best to articulate themselves clearly. Baby talk can be cute, and you may remember some of them as phonological processes. Babies use these patterns to simplify the speech sounds of adults. Since children cannot coordinate their articulators, such as their lips, tongue, and teeth, for producing "adult-like" speech, they use these processes during their speech and language development. As a result of this developmental stage, children follow predictable routes to simplify words until they acquire the necessary skills to pronounce them clearly. One of the predictable routes is called deaffrication. We will explain everything you need to know about deaffrication in this article. Follow along. What is Deaffrication? First, deaffrication is like a move over affrication. So let's start from there. When we speak, we use different sounds. These sounds have names or classifications. Now, one of the classes of sounds is affricate. An affricate is a type of consonant sound in which there is a brief period of friction (like a consonant produced by forcing air through a narrow channel made by placing two articulators close together) followed by a sudden release of air (like a stop). In other words, it combines the features of both friction and stopping. Examples of affricates in English include "ch" (as in "chair") and "j" (as in "jump"). When pronounced, the speaker creates friction by partially blocking the airflow with the tongue and then releases the airflow suddenly by opening the oral cavity. That is an affricate. Imagine that a baby is trying to produce a sound that is this complex when they have not yet mastered the control of their articulators. They make it simple with deaffrication. So what is deaffrication? Deaffrication refers to a substitution pattern in which an affricate, such as "ch" or "j," is replaced with a fricative or stop, such as "sh" or "d." If you've ever heard a child say "ships" instead of "chips," you've witnessed deaffrication in action. Deaffrication is a phonological process where an affricate sound, such as "ch" or "dj", is transformed into a stop, such as "p", "b", "t", or "d", or a fricative, such as "s", "z", or "sh". For instance, "shop" instead of "chop" or "tear" instead of "chair" are examples of deaffrication. Like other phonological processes, deaffrication is common among young children and typically resolves by the age of 4. However, it may be considered a phonological disorder if it persists beyond this age. The professional can use a "minimal pairs" approach to target deaffrication in speech therapy. This involves having the child repeat pairs of words that differ by only one sound, typically the target sound and the corresponding substituted sound. For example, the word list could focus on "ch" and "sh" minimal pairs, such as "CHIP" and "SHIP." Another effective strategy is auditory discrimination, which involves training children to accurately distinguish sounds. Asking children to identify whether a word includes the "ch" or "j" sound can help promote attentive listening and facilitate correct sound production. Why Understanding Deaffrication is Important Understanding deaffrication is crucial because it can impact a child's communication and social interactions. If a child consistently replaces affricate sounds with fricatives or stops, their speech may be difficult for others to understand. When a child still uses it while all their peers have started speaking normally, it can lead to frustration and social isolation. It can also cause potential academic and career difficulties later in life. If deaffrication persists past the age of 4, it may indicate a phonological disorder that requires professional intervention. By identifying and addressing deaffrication early on, parents and educators can help children develop clear and practical communication skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. How to Identify Deaffrication in Children The signs and symptoms of deaffrication in children can vary depending on the severity and stage of the condition. Here are some common signs and symptoms that parents and caregivers should look out for: Pronouncing "ch" and "j" sounds like "sh" and "zh," respectively, such as saying "ship" instead of "chip" or "measure" instead of "treasure". Difficulty with enunciating certain words or sounds, especially those that contain affricate sounds. Stuttering or struggling with speech, particularly when trying to say certain words or phrases. A slow rate of speech or hesitation when speaking. Difficulty with language comprehension and production, such as difficulty following directions or expressing thoughts coherently. It's important to note that some degree of deaffrication is common in young children as they are still developing their speech and language skills. However, if the symptoms persist or interfere with a child's ability to communicate effectively, it may be a cause for concern and require professional evaluation and treatment. Why Do Children Use Deaffrication? Young children use phonological processes to simplify the language they hear from adults. These processes consist of three components: syllable structure, substitution, and assimilation. If these processes persist beyond the age of four, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a speech pathologist with a speech evaluation. Regardless of the child's age, speech therapy or a literacy program is often recommended. Fronting refers to the substitution of a back-of-the-mouth sound with a fronting sound (e.g., "tee" for "key") and typically resolves by 3.5 years of age. Young children use phonological processes to simplify the language spoken by adults, as they cannot coordinate their lips, tongue, teeth, palate, and jaw to produce clear speech. The child's brain creates rules to simplify speech sounds, making it easier to learn and speak. While some of these processes are typical for all children, some may indicate an abnormality that requires investigation by a speech-language pathologist. Treatment involves retraining the brain to eliminate the rule. The syllable structure is present in both hemispheres of the brain. Fronting refers to the pronunciation of a vowel on the front of the tongue (palatal) in a word, such as the 'i' sound in 'sip.' Consonant harmony occurs when all consonants in a word are pronounced the same way, as in the 'cup' sound made by the front of the tongue on the roof of the mouth. Weak syllable deletion is the removal of a syllable from a word, such as the omission of 'tele' in 'telephone.' Clustering is the grouping of syllables to form one long syllable, as in the 'y' sound produced by the front of the tongue on the roof of the mouth when pronouncing 'try.' Assimilation is the process of combining sounds from one word into another, such as the 'f' sound in 'teffone,' which results from the front tongue on the roof of the mouth. If phonological processes persist beyond the age of four, it is recommended to consult a speech pathologist for a free phone consultation or speech evaluation, and speech therapy may be necessary regardless of the child's age. When to See a Professional If your child is still using deaffrication patterns after the age of four, it is recommended to seek the advice of a licensed speech-language pathologist. Early intervention can be beneficial in addressing the issue and promoting clear speech. A speech-language pathologist can conduct a thorough assessment and provide individualized therapy to target the specific areas of difficulty. Delaying intervention can lead to more persistent speech difficulties and may affect your child's communication and academic success. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help when you have concerns about your child's speech development. Available Treatment for Deaffrication Several treatment options are available for deaffrication in children, depending on the severity of the condition and the child's individual needs. Some of the most common treatment options include: Speech Therapy: This is the most common and effective treatment option for deaffrication in children. A speech therapist will work with the child to identify the specific sounds that are causing the deaffrication and develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and activities to help the child produce the correct sounds. Minimal Pairs Approach: This approach involves using pairs of words that differ by only one sound, such as "chip" and "ship", to help the child hear and produce the correct sounds. Auditory Discrimination Training: This involves helping the child learn to distinguish between different sounds by practicing listening exercises and games. Articulation Therapy: This therapy focuses on helping the child learn how to move their mouth, lips, and tongue to produce the correct sounds. Parental Involvement: Parents can play an important role in helping their child overcome deaffrication by practicing speech exercises at home, providing positive reinforcement, and creating a supportive environment for their child's speech development. It is important to note that the specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the child's deaffrication and the condition's underlying cause. A speech therapist will work with the child and their family to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. Tips for Parents and Caregivers Parents and caregivers can play an essential role in helping their children overcome deaffrication. Here are some ways they can assist: Model correct speech sounds: Children learn from the speech sounds they hear around them. Parents and caregivers can model correct speech sounds by pronouncing words clearly and accurately. Use minimal pairs: As mentioned earlier, a minimal pairs approach can be useful in correcting deaffrication. Parents and caregivers can create word lists with minimal pairs, such as "chip" and "ship" or "jump" and "gum," and practice them with their children. Encourage listening: Listening is a crucial skill in developing correct speech sounds. Parents and caregivers can encourage children to listen carefully to the sounds around them, such as the sounds of different animals, cars, or musical instruments. Practice tongue and mouth exercises: These exercises can help children develop stronger oral muscles and coordination. Parents and caregivers can consult with a speech-language pathologist to learn about exercises to help their child. Be patient and supportive: It is essential to be patient and supportive when helping a child overcome deaffrication. Children may become frustrated or self-conscious about their speech difficulties. Encouragement, positive reinforcement, and a non-judgmental attitude can go a long way in building their confidence and helping them progress. However, it's important to note that while parents and caregivers can help, it's best to seek the guidance of a licensed speech-language pathologist for professional assessment and treatment. Strategies For Promoting Speech Development Here are some strategies that parents and caregivers can use to promote speech development in children: Talk to your child: Engage in regular conversation with your child, even if they are not yet able to speak in full sentences. Speak to them in a clear, slow, and calm manner and use simple language that is appropriate for their age. Read to your child: Reading to your child is a great way to promote speech development. Choose books with simple language and colorful illustrations to which your child can relate. Sing songs and nursery rhymes: Singing songs and nursery rhymes with your child can help them develop their language skills and improve their memory and attention span. Encourage imitation: Encourage your child to imitate the sounds and words they hear around them. Repeat the words and sounds they make and praise them for their efforts. Play games: Play games with your child that involve language skills, such as naming objects or describing actions. This can help them develop their vocabulary and sentence structure. Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can interfere with speech development. Limit your child's screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities that promote language development. Seek professional help: If you are concerned about your child's speech development or if they have difficulty with deaffrication or other speech sounds, seek professional help from a speech-language pathologist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options to help your child overcome their speech difficulties. Typically, young children, particularly those aged 2 and 3, make multiple speech errors within the same sentence, which can pose communication challenges for unfamiliar adults. While this article suggests that you seek assistance when your child is four or five, parents and caregivers should ultimately rely on their knowledge of their child's speech development and feel comfortable discussing any concerns with a speech pathologist. As a general rule, it may be wise to consult with a professional if a child's speech appears less developed or less understandable than that of their peers. If the child seems anxious or frustrated about their speech, or if they are self-conscious or experiencing bullying because of their speech, they may have an issue. Consult a professional if concerns are raised by childcare, preschool, or school teachers. You can also consult a therapist or pathologist if you simply want to ensure there are no underlying issues with your child.

This is a real issue. Some children act awkwardly around people they don’t know well. Have you ever been with a child that gets quiet around certain people? For example, your child would not talk in daycare or with other kids but does with you. Or the child freezes and looks to the ground if someone, even other kids, tries to interact with him. The child will be energetic, silly, and talkative with people they’re comfortable with. That means there is no language or speech development disorder. That child may have selective mutism. This article explains everything you need to know about selective mutism and what it can mean for your child. We will also discuss how you can help a child with this condition. What is Selective Mutism? Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that affects children's ability to speak in certain settings or to certain individuals. School is the most common setting where children with selective mutism struggle. Despite being able to speak comfortably and easily at home, children with SM feel so much anxiety in certain situations that they become unable to speak. Adults may find this disorder confusing, and children may find it painful. Children with SM may not exhibit physical signs of anxiety and may appear frozen or stare back when asked a question or prompted to engage. Parents may not realize that their child has trouble speaking around others because their child does not have difficulty speaking at home. Parents may also mistake their child's anxiety for shyness and underestimate the severity of their child's disorder. Children with selective mutism may whisper when speaking to teachers or peers or be completely unable to speak, going an entire school year without speaking once. They may have difficulty answering questions in class, asking for help, or initiating conversations. Many children with SM may struggle to ask to use the bathroom, leading to them going hours without using it or having accidents. Signs a Child Might Have Selective Mutism How can you identify SM in a child? It is important to understand what selective mutism is. Early detection and intervention in selective mutism are crucial for a child's emotional and social development. The longer the child goes without appropriate support, the more challenging it can be to overcome. Here are common signs of selective mutism: Refusing to speak in specific social situations, such as school, extracurricular activities, or social events, despite being able to speak at home or in other comfortable environments. Limited social interactions or lack of verbal communication with peers or adults in certain settings. Extreme shyness or social anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar situations or with unfamiliar people. Appearing paralyzed with fear or shutting down when unable to speak. Difficulty making eye contact or exhibiting other physical signs of anxiety, such as sweating, trembling, or avoiding social situations altogether. Refusal to participate in classroom activities, answer questions, or speak to teachers, even when they know the correct answers. Speaking freely and being sociable at home, but being entirely or mostly nonverbal at school or around strangers. Limited or nonexistent communication with classmates, teachers, or other adults, even through nonverbal means, such as nodding or gesturing. Fear or avoidance of situations where they may be required to speak, such as public speaking or presentations. Difficulty expressing emotions or needs, leading to frustration, tantrums, or emotional outbursts. It is important to note that some children may exhibit only a few of these signs, and the severity of their symptoms can vary widely. A diagnosis of selective mutism should only be made by a trained mental health professional. This is an anxiety disorder that may have different signs in each child. Some children with SM may be able to talk to peers but unable to talk to their teacher, while others will stay silent around peers. Many children with selective mutism enjoy school and have friends but interact nonverbally during playtime. Some may be able to speak to their classmates in their own homes, but many cannot. Some children with SM may be able to smile and point to things they want, while others will struggle with even these gestures. Children with selective mutism are typically diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 8. In hindsight, professionals often observed that these children displayed signs of severe anxiety and inhibited temperament in social settings as infants and toddlers, but the adults thought they were just being very shy. These children typically have a history of separation anxiety and may be slow to warm up to new people or situations. The signs of selective mutism may not become apparent until the child enters school, when there is a greater expectation to perform, interact, and speak. In such cases, teachers may inform parents that their child is not speaking or engaging with other children. Alternatively, parents may notice early on that their child is only speaking to a select few individuals outside the home. While it may take time for children to adjust to a new classroom environment, being nonverbal for over a month can cause concern. It is essential to note that these signs can vary widely in their severity and presentation. A diagnosis of selective mutism should only be made by a trained mental health professional. Importance of Early Intervention Here are some reasons why early detection and intervention in SM are essential: Improved social and emotional functioning: SM can cause significant distress and impair a child's ability to form relationships, communicate their needs, and participate in social situations. Early intervention can help children develop communication skills and socialization strategies, leading to improved emotional and social functioning. Better academic performance: Children with SM may struggle in academic settings due to their difficulty communicating with teachers and peers. Early intervention can help children overcome their anxiety and communicate more effectively in the classroom, leading to improved academic performance. Preventing comorbid disorders: Untreated SM can increase the risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder or separation anxiety disorder. Early intervention can prevent the development of comorbid disorders. Greater treatment success: The earlier SM is identified and treated, the more likely it is that the child will respond well to treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the disorder from becoming chronic, which can be more challenging. Decreased emotional distress: Children with SM may experience significant emotional distress due to difficulty communicating in certain situations. Early intervention can help reduce this distress and improve the overall quality of life. In conclusion, early detection and intervention of selective mutism are crucial for a child's emotional, social, and academic development. Parents and teachers need to recognize the signs of SM and seek professional help as early as possible. What Looks Like SM But Isn’t Oppositional Behavior Selective mutism is often confused with oppositional behavior because a child with SM may appear to be refusing to answer questions. However, this is not the case, as children with SM are very anxious and may find it impossible to speak even when they want to. It is important to note that children with SM are not choosing not to speak; they are simply unable to do so. Autism Autism and SM can be challenging to differentiate since both conditions affect socialization. However, children with SM can still understand nonverbal cues and emotional subtleties, while autistic children may struggle with social nuances and the limits of conversation even in familiar surroundings. Trauma While trauma can cause a child to become mute, they will more likely avoid talking about aspects of the trauma rather than becoming completely silent. PTSD has additional symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, nightmares, and the need to recreate the traumatic event during play, differentiating it from SM. Second Language When a child speaks a different language at home, it is essential to consider whether difficulty with the second language could cause their reluctance to speak before diagnosing them with SM. However, bilingual children can still develop SM, which is more common among those who speak multiple languages. Social Anxiety Disorder This can occur alongside SM, as children with a social anxiety disorder may also be anxious about speaking or performing in front of others. A thorough evaluation should be done to determine if a child has a social anxiety disorder. Causes of Selective Mutism Since selective mutism is relatively uncommon, the risk factors associated with this disorder are not well established. However, a few triggers have been identified: Temperamental factors: Children with a history of behavioral inhibition and parents with a tendency towards shyness, social isolation, and social anxiety may be at risk for developing selective mutism. Additionally, some children with selective mutism may also have receptive language difficulties. Environmental factors: Parents who exhibit social inhibition may model this behavior for their children. Furthermore, overly controlling or overprotective behavior from parents can also increase the risk of selective mutism. Genetics: Since selective mutism and social anxiety share similarities, the two disorders may have a shared genetic component. How Selective Mutism Is Treated If a professional has assessed your child and confirmed that the child has selective mutism, you must immediately commence treatment with a psychologist with experience. You can also find RiteCare Clinics to help you. The recommended treatment is specialized behavior therapy involving techniques that encourage speech and reinforce successful speaking experiences with labeled praise and small incentives. The treatment also involves helping children confront the situations that trigger anxiety instead of avoiding them, which helps to reduce anxiety gradually over time. However, children should not be coerced or pressured to speak, and the pace of treatment should be gradual. The objective is to build the child's confidence by accumulating successful speaking experiences. Demanding more than the child can handle may harm the child's progress and self-esteem. Since children with selective mutism are typically young, treatment should involve direct work with parents, caregivers, and other supportive adults to learn how to help the child communicate and engage in conversation. Treatment providers should teach caregivers to avoid answering for the child or relying too heavily on nonverbal communication, as this can reinforce the child's SM. Knowing when and how to encourage participation from a child with selective mutism can be challenging. Therefore, you must understand the child's treatment goals and receive guidance on how to best support and reinforce progress. Collaboration between the child's therapist and teachers is essential for successful treatment, as progress made in the clinician's office must translate into progress at home. Strategies to Help A Child With Selective Mutism To help a child who has struggled with selective mutism, you need to make them feel comfortable. Here are some suggestions: Act like a sportscaster: Give a play-by-play commentary of what the child is doing, such as "You're drawing a flower" or "I see you're pointing to the picture in the book." This demonstrates your interest in the child's activities and can be a useful technique when the child is nonverbal. Allow for a five-second wait time: Giving the child enough time to respond is important when asking questions. Waiting five seconds without repeating the question or prompting someone else to answer can be a good guideline. This helps the child learn to tolerate anxiety and build confidence in their ability to communicate. Use labeled praise: Instead of generic praise like "Great job!" try being specific and saying something like, "Great job telling me you want water!" This lets the child know exactly what they did well and motivates them to continue to use their communication skills. Rephrase questions: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions or questions that the child can answer can answer nonverbally, try giving the child choices or asking open-ended questions that are more likely to prompt a verbal response. For example, "Would you like a puppy sticker or a star sticker?" or "What do you think we should play next?" Practice echoing: Repeat or paraphrase what the child says to show that you understand and have heard them. This can be reinforcing and help the child feel more comfortable participating in larger group settings, especially if they speak quietly. While the behavior of children with selective mutism may appear deliberate, it is rooted in anxiety. Prompt intervention can aid these children in increasing their communication and enhancing their academic and social success.

Charity is widely recognized as valuable by nearly everyone worldwide. Numerous major religions have a basis for showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others. For example, Christianity and Judaism's practice of tithing (giving 10% of one's income), Islam's Zakat (typically donating 2.5% of one's wealth), and Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism's general concept of generosity and charity, known as Dāna. It is good to give to charity. Donating to a good cause is also perfect for many reasons, from emotional health to financial gain. What would anyone gain from donating to the California Scottish Rite Foundation? We will be answering that question in this article. What is the California Scottish Rite Foundation? The CASRF is a charitable organization affiliated with the California Scottish Rite Masonic organization. It was founded in 1950 to provide various types of assistance to children in California who are in need, focusing on supporting children with speech and language disorders. The foundation provides funding for several different programs and services that benefit children, including speech therapy, language disorders research, and public education about speech and language disorders. It also awards scholarships to graduate students pursuing degrees in communication disorders and related fields. The California Scottish Rite Foundation offers speech-language and literacy programs that have the potential to change the lives of children. These programs allow children to improve their communication skills and boost their confidence. Our RiteCare Childhood Language Programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each child and their family, providing them with personalized and top-quality services. Through the generous support of our donors and granting foundations, we are able to equip our Speech-Language Pathologists with the resources they need to help children achieve greater independence, reduce frustration, and succeed academically – all at no cost to the families. Our donors can take pride in knowing that their contributions significantly improve the lives of thousands of children every year. Impact of Programs Run By The California Scottish Rite Foundation The programs run by the California Scottish Rite Foundation significantly impact the lives of children and families across California. First of all, it is noteworthy that the foundation runs all the programs FREE of charge. That means parents and guardians of children who are helped by these programs can rest assured. There are at least four programs: 1. Rite Care Language Centers RITE CARE Language Centers are a network of clinics operated by the California Scottish Rite Masons in the United States that provide speech and language therapy services to children who have difficulty communicating effectively. The program was established in 1954 and has since expanded to more than 170 clinics in the U.S., including several operated by the California Scottish Rite Foundation. At RITE CARE Language Centers, children receive individualized services from licensed speech-language pathologists free of charge. The program addresses various communication challenges, including speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, and hearing loss. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and are provided in a supportive and nurturing environment. RITE CARE Language Centers aims to help children develop the communication skills they need to succeed in life. By providing high-quality speech and language services, the program helps children build self-confidence, improve their academic performance, and form stronger relationships with their peers and family members. The program also supports families by providing education and resources to help them better understand their child's communication challenges and how to support their progress. 2. University Partnerships The California Scottish Rite Foundation partners with several universities to teach more Speech-Language-Pathologists. This aims to expand the foundation’s services range and reach more children in more communities. Speech-Language Pathologists build lasting relationships with families, providing a lifetime of support. They should not be just any random ‘qualified’ practitioner. By partnering with some of California's top universities, CASRF ensures they can help nurture the next generation of practitioners and provide best-in-class services. These collaborations enable graduate students to gain valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of clinical professors, preparing them to make a difference as Speech-Language Pathologists upon graduation. All of this is made possible by generous donations from people like you. 3. Working With Private Establishments The California Scottish Rite Foundation has joined forces with multiple private Speech-Language Pathologists to extend their services to a broader range of children in many more communities. 4. Scholarships The California Scottish Rite Foundation also offers scholarship programs to support students in pursuing higher education. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, community involvement, and financial need. The Foundation provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of California and pursuing a wide range of academic disciplines. The scholarship programs include the Frank M. Mendoza Memorial Scholarship, the John and Joan Mullan Scholarship, the John and Ruth Rhoads Scholarship, and the Walter H. Miller Scholarship. The scholarship programs are to foster the promotion of the field of speech-language pathology in the community. Importance of The Programs The California Scottish Rite foundation's focus on speech-language and literacy programs provides children with the skills they need to communicate effectively and succeed academically, which can have a ripple effect throughout their lives. One of the immediate impacts of the foundation's programs is on children's communication skills. By providing individualized and high-quality speech-language services, the foundation helps children overcome communication challenges and develop the ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. This can lead to improved social interactions, better academic performance, and increased opportunities for success in the future. The foundation's programs also have an impact on children's self-confidence. Children who struggle with speech or language challenges may feel frustrated or isolated, which can negatively affect their self-esteem. The foundation helps children feel more confident in their abilities and connect to their peers by providing supportive and empowering services. In addition to these individual impacts, the foundation's programs have a broader impact on the community. By helping children overcome communication challenges, the foundation contributes to developing a more inclusive and accessible society. Children who receive support from the foundation can better participate in their communities, engage with their peers, and contribute to the world around them. The impact of the California Scottish Rite Foundation programs is profound and far-reaching. By supporting the foundation's work, donors and volunteers are helping to create a brighter future for children and families across California. Benefits of Donating to CASRF Donating to the CASRF can provide a range of potential benefits for the children who receive services from the foundation and the donors themselves. Here are some of the benefits you can get: Supporting a good cause: By donating to the CASRF, you can help improve the lives of children who need speech and language services. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of these children and their families and help them access the support they need to thrive. Tax benefits: The CASRF is a registered non-profit organization, so your donation may be tax-deductible. This means that you can receive a tax deduction for your donation amount, which can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill. Personal fulfillment: Many people find that donating to a charitable cause can be personally fulfilling. It can give you a sense of satisfaction and purpose to know that you are making a positive impact in the world and can help you feel more connected to your community and to others. Networking and social connections: Donating to a charitable organization like the CASRF can also provide opportunities to connect with others who share your values and interests. You may meet other donors or volunteers who are passionate about the same causes you care about, which can help you build social connections and expand your network. The Importance Of Charitable Giving In this section, you will see three key reasons why donating to charity is vital for making the world a better place: 1. Charity Helps People Who Need It There are many issues in the world today. World hunger, the mistreatment of animals, and other social injustices are only a part of them. While these are significant causes to think about, the most critical issue concerns children. Many innocent children cannot speak or understand the language well for different reasons. Some children have genetics that impairs their abilities, while some develop brain injuries or infections. Others may not even have a clear medical reason. Imagine how these children will fare among their peers, lost and emotionally distant because they cannot communicate with others. While many professional speech-language pathologists and therapists can help on a professional level, these families cannot afford them. This is immense suffering for poor children. As comparatively privileged individuals, do we have a responsibility to alleviate the suffering of these less fortunate children and their families? What are the essential components of being a good person or making a positive impact? These questions are not limited to academics but are also important to those of us who strive for an ethical, content, and meaningful existence. You can make a difference with donations to CASRF. 2. Charity Can Improve Your Own Wellbeing Donating to charity can be a simple yet powerful way to experience a sense of personal fulfillment. The warm feeling of helping someone, whether it's a neighbor, friend, family member, or coworker, can be easily replicated through charitable giving. One need not be exceedingly wealthy to participate in philanthropy. Regardless of financial status, anyone can make a significant impact on the lives of others while also enjoying personal benefits. Charitable giving is a prime example of a mutually beneficial situation where everyone involved can experience a sense of positive change. Numerous studies have shown that people who spend more money on others experience increased happiness and overall well-being. This phenomenon has been observed in diverse countries worldwide, indicating that the rewarding feeling of donating to others may be a universal aspect of human nature. Strong evidence suggests donating 10% of your income will not significantly diminish your happiness. You get a whopping 90% of your income to yourself! 3. Charity Can Make The World a Fairer Place We often overlook the value of our ability to speak. However, for children who struggle to express themselves, this can create a sense of disconnection from the world around them. Consider James. James could not string two words together when he was around three years old. Instead, James would mainly communicate by pointing or tugging at a family member to show (instead of speaking) what he wanted. His mother believed he seemed to understand everything but could not express himself verbally! Put yourself in that child’s shoes. Trying to tell someone how hurt you are about something, but you can’t. He would burst into tears when his peers could not understand him. That is not fair. James’ family cannot afford to pay professional therapists to help their child. We helped him at our Rite Care Language Centre. Another case concerns 9-year-old Megan, who could not master the ‘r’ sound. These are only mild cases. Many children with severe issues like aphasia, apraxia, and so on, inhibit them from comprehending language. This leaves the poor children frustrated and disconnected. There are many more children out there. They need help. We need more speech-language pathologists to help these children and their families before it is too late for the children. That you live far away or that you are not related to any child with these issues is an awful excuse to ignore the plight of these children. Think about your grandchildren to your great-great-grandchildren and beyond. Even though you may never get to meet them, you want them to have the same happiness and success that you hope for all of your loved ones. Geography shouldn't dictate whether or not people should suffer. Similarly, we should strive to reduce suffering in places far away from us in time. How to Get Involved in Helping Children to Speak and Communicate Clearly. Donating to the California Scottish Rite Foundation can benefit the children who receive services from the foundation and the donors themselves. Here are a few ways to help and the potential benefits to consider: Individual Giving No gift is too small if you want to help fund any of our programs. If you are concerned about the children at the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers, you can give anything as a gift. Every gift makes a significant difference in the lives of the children the organization serves. Corporate Donations Your donation supports and assists the children in developing to their full potential. You can touch someone’s life and make a difference right now. Your gift today can make a difference and will help change a child’s life! Planned Giving A permanent endowment allows the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a California Scottish Rite Foundation program, to plan confidently for the future. Let us help you plan your giving options. By donating to the CASR Foundation, you can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with speech and language disorders. Although these disorders are common among children, many struggle to receive the necessary support and resources to overcome their challenges. Not only do these disorders present significant obstacles during childhood, but if left untreated, they can persist into adulthood, limiting their ability to achieve their full potential. With your support, we can provide the assistance and resources needed to help these individuals thrive.

Parents often ask, “When will my child be ready for preschool?” But the answer varies because each child develops at his or her own pace. Some will be ready for preschool earlier than others. Whether or not the child is ready will be based on the development of certain key skills and milestones. While having each skill mastered is not the goal, it would be ideal to have some general guidelines to meet before the kid is dropped off for the first day of school. In this article, we’ve compiled a preschool readiness checklist for the things a preschool teacher will be looking for. 10 Skills to Look For When Determining If a Child is Preschool-Ready Keep in mind that while academic skills can be helpful, readiness skills should be more centered around the child’s personality and temperament. Child development of these skills typically happens between the ages of three to five as the attention span, memory, and language skills are developing. The following 10 skills can help caregivers assess a child’s preschool readiness. 1. The Child Shows Emotional Development The child should be in the process of developing strong emotional skills before starting preschool. This will help the child feel confident enough to take initiative to get their needs met and express how they feel safe. It will also ensure they can ask for help when needed. Here are some signs the child is developing emotional skills: Notices others’ emotions Can express emotions, needs, and requests Is learning to self-regulate Can share toys easily Will take turns Uses their words to solve problems when frustrated or angry Uses words like “please”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” Tries new tasks without being afraid of making a mistake 2. The Child is Developing Reasoning Skills Young children should also start to develop their reasoning skills before entering preschool. Reasoning skills allow children to see different perspectives, which leads to the development of empathy and understanding. Not only will this allow the child to be more creative, but it will also help them make connections, and problem-solving through critical thinking. Here are some common signs a child is developing reasoning skills: Can match identical objects, or match objects by shape and color Understands that objects still exist even if you can’t see or hear them (object permanence) Enjoys taking things apart and putting them back together Remembers short sequences of events that have two to three steps Understands concepts like in, out, front, back, under, over, on, and off Knows parts of the body like head, shoulders, knees, feet, nose, etc. Can draw a picture of himself or herself that includes these body parts Is curious Is persistent Enjoys exploring 3. The Child Can Focus Their Attention To learn, a child must be able to pay attention. As a child grows, he or she can voluntarily focus on things for greater periods through sustained attention. However, this must be done through the development and continued improvement of sustained attention. Experts say that about two to three minutes per year of their age is a reasonable attention span. The average attention span for a two-year-old would be four to six minutes; a four-year-old would spend eight to 12 minutes of focused attention, and a six-year-old would have between a 12-minute and 18-minute attention span. Keep in mind that other factors may be present that will influence the attention span like nearby distractions, hunger or fatigue, and how interested the child is in the activity. Here are some common signs a child can focus attention: Can listen to and obey simple instructions Sits still during story time Carries out instructions with little to no mistakes Asks questions about the story that was read or the instructions that were given Does not seem to notice distractions Is watching the speaker Can maintain a train of thought 4. The Child is Developing Language Skills A grasp of the fundamental building blocks of language is a sure sign that the child is ready for preschool. Language development skills directly support the child’s ability to communicate, express and understand feelings, learn, think, solve problems, and develop and maintain relationships. It is also the first step to learning to read and write. Here are some common signs a child is developing language skills: Uses language to communicate requests, greetings, describe things, and many other purposes Speaks clearly Uses accepted language styles, such as the appropriate volume and tone of voice Tells or retells simple stories Uses words in the correct contexts (or close to the proper context) Uses sentences with two concepts or phrases Talks in complete sentences Follows one or two-step directions given to him or her Uses descriptive language Makes up stories Talks about their everyday experience Ask questions about how things work Expresses clear, understandable ideas Recites the ABCs or recognizes some letters of the alphabet Expresses thoughts and needs verbally 5. The Child Engages in Artistic or Musical Activities Art and music both can play a role in the development of cognition and creative thinking. Art can have a direct impact on the child’s learning pathway to literacy, math, and science. Additionally, music can ignite skills for school readiness, such as intellectual, social, emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. Engaging in musical activities helps the child get familiar with sounds and the meanings of words. Here are some common signs a child is developing artistic and musical abilities: Recognizes some basic shapes Can name six to eight colors Draws with crayons, colored pencils, or other art tools Drawings resemble known objects or people Articulates what he or she is drawing Makes up songs Sings or recites nursery rhymes Has a favorite song Imitates sounds and rhythms Plays by using realistic toys to imitate household routines Acts out simple play scripts with others in the form of dramatic play 6. The Child is Developing an Understanding of Math and Science Math is important for kids to start to get a grasp on early vital life skills. The sooner the child expands their knowledge of mathematics, the more likely he or she will have better academic achievement. Learning math allows children to learn to problem-solve, develop and measure spatial awareness, and how to use shapes and understand them. Science allows children to learn more about how the world works. It is also essential for them to learn about themselves and how the body works. Knowing these things can help the child gain confidence since they’re standing to develop an understanding of the world. Here are some common signs a child is developing an understanding of math and science: Knows the difference between a circle, square, and triangle Can count to five (although may make some mistakes) Can identify 1, 2, or 3 quantities of things Is curious about the numbers Knows the difference between “some” and “all” Uses size words like “many” correctly Uses comparison words like “same as” correctly Is interested in patterns and sequences Can sort objects by colors or size Understands the concepts of “morning” and “night” and knows the order of the day Is curious about objects and events he or she sees in the environment Is curious about how things work, and offers possible explanations Is curious about animals and the sounds they make Knows and uses words like “fast”, “slow”, “hot”, and “cold” 7. The Child is Developing Social Skills and is Capable of Group Interaction The child must be able to get along in a social environment. If the child has already started to develop social skills, this ensures that he or she will be able to flourish in a learning environment with other children. Here are some common signs a child is developing social skills: Is excited to go to school, learn new things, and meet new friends Enjoys playing in a group with others and participating in group activities Does well with routine activities, like taking a nap after lunch Will anticipate routine activities and responds well to them, such as the nap after lunch Is interested in people in their lives like family members and friends Is interested in common jobs like doctors, teachers, and police officers Easily makes friends and has appropriate interactions with them Asks for help when needed Finishes activities Follows rules and respects limits 8. The Child is Developing Fine Motor Skills By the time the child is ready for pre-K, he or she should have developed some gross motor skills. Gross motor skills are the abilities required to control the large muscles in our bodies. These skills help children perform everyday functions like walking, jumping, skipping, and more. They are also important for self-care skills like dressing themselves, getting into a car, and maintaining table posture. In school, kids use these important motor skills to do things like sitting up during classroom instruction, playing on the playground, walking to their classroom, or carrying a heavy backpack. The quicker the child can learn these basic skills, the more physically ready he or she will be for preschool. Here are some common fine motor skills the child should be developing: Can do activities that require strength and balance, like jumping in place, running, kicking, or standing on one foot Displays some gross motor coordination like maneuvering around obstacles Can ride a tricycle Can run and kick a ball Displays some hand-eye coordination when playing with games like building blocks or putting together a simple puzzle Can use fingers instead of a whole fist to grip a pencil or crayons to write or draw Begins to show a preference for either left or right-handedness 9. The Child is Developing Reading and Writing Skills Getting a child started reading early has many psychological benefits including inspiring creativity, curiosity, and imaginative thinking. Children can learn to role-play and develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and a sense of morality. This helps them grow self-confidence. Reading and writing help children improve their communication skills through the expansion of vocabulary and better spelling, grammar, and verbal communication. Here are some common signs a child is developing literacy skills: Can hold a book properly Can turn the pages Realizes the words in a story convey a message Knows the first letter of his or her own name Knows the difference between some uppercase and lowercase letters Is familiar with some letters and letter sounds Is familiar with main characters in some stories Enjoys reading with others Can hold a writing tool with either a finger grasp or fist grasp Uses crayons, pens, pencils, and markers to draw Seems to “write” in a linear way (this could just be scribbles) Attempts to write their name 10. The Child is Developing Independence A child who develops independence and can endure separation from his or her caregiver may be ready for preschool. Children who have this ability can build confidence and develop skills that will enable them to succeed in many areas of preschool learning including socially, emotionally, and academically. If the child is unable to be independent at this time, it could be helpful to wait a bit longer until a better time. Here are some common signs a child is developing independence and is capable of separation: Can be separated from a caregiver for a few hours Enjoys doing things on his or her own at times; this can include things like getting dressed by themselves Likes to work on projects on her or her own for a few minutes Has spent some time being cared for other adults other than the caretakers; he or she did reasonably well Initiates independent play and maintains it Likes to read or do art on his or her own Can be separated for several hours, such as a birthday party at a friend’s house or a sleepover at the grandparent’s house Assess a Child’s Readiness for the Next Important Step Early childhood is one of the most important times in a child’s life. Therefore, knowing which school year is the best time for the child to enter preschool is essential. We hope this preschool readiness checklist can help caregivers, teachers, and family help assess a child’s readiness for the next important step in their lives. If a child fails to develop essential skills during the age-appropriate time, they might need to seek extra help or perhaps even get a diagnosis. Luckily, here at CASRF, we’ve got the programs to help!

Charitable giving is a personal and meaningful exercise. It is gratifying to give back to the resources entrusted to your care. Planning your charitable donations in advance can make this process even more empowering. But how do we know where to donate, and what is the best way of giving? This article will explore the basics of charitable donations, from understanding tax deductions to knowing the best places to give. We will also look at how you can make a real difference by donating wisely and with a purpose. By the end of this article, you will better understand the ins and outs of charitable donations and be able to make informed decisions about how to give. What is a Charity Donation? Charitable giving is a way to express your generosity and values throughout your lifetime. It can be enriching to put your resources toward causes that you feel passionate about. Making an intentional plan for your charitable donations can help you maximize the impact of your giving and ensure that your donations align with your values. Charitable giving is a great way to show your support for causes and organizations you care deeply about. It can also be an essential part of your overall estate, tax, and financial planning, allowing you to maximize the impact of your giving and manage your finances more effectively. Giving charitably is donating money, goods, stocks, or time to a charitable organization. It is essential because it helps fund the work of charities and organizations working to improve the lives of people in need. Moreover, charity can also provide tax benefits for individuals and businesses, as well as a way to give back to a cause that is meaningful to them. Additionally, charitable giving can create a sense of community and foster relationships between donors and the organizations they support. Types of Charitable Donations: Exploring the Different Types of Donations Depending on the size of your estate, the amount of money you want to donate, and your desired approach to giving, you may be unsure which type of charitable giving is best for you and your philanthropic goals. There are various ways to give, each with advantages and disadvantages that you should carefully consider before making a decision. 1. Donor-Advised Funds: DAF When you open a donor-advised fund (DAF), you contribute to an account set aside for future charitable donations. This money will remain in the fund until you decide who should receive it, anytime from the next month to years in advance. A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a type of charitable giving where you donate an irrevocable amount, such as cash or securities, to a nonprofit organization of your choice. In 2022, grants from donor-advised funds to charities totaled over $34 billion. One advantage of this type of giving is that you can direct the fund's administrator to make grants to the causes or organizations you are most passionate about. Additionally, you can take advantage of the maximum tax benefit from the IRS for your contribution and set up the fund to continue even after your death. Although donor-advised funds can have a more complex tax structure than other forms of charitable giving, your bank or wealth manager can help you make contributions to a DAF that comply with IRS regulations. The versatility of donor-advised funds is also an attractive feature. Donors can change their minds about which charities to support and make small and large donations to various charities during their lifetime and after their passing. 2. Real Estate If you own a property you no longer need and would incur a hefty tax bill if you sell it, donating it to charity is wise. If you still live in the property, you can arrange for it to become a charitable gift by transferring its deed after your death. This will lower your estate taxes, while in some cases, you may also qualify for a tax deduction equal to the property's fair market value. It is important to note that the IRS requires you to file Form 8283 for non-cash contributions of property valued at more than $500, and donations of real estate must also be appropriately documented. 3. Cash Donations A cash gift is the most straightforward form of charitable giving. Your tax deduction equals the amount of cash you donated minus any goods or services you received in return. This includes memberships to nonprofit organizations, such as a zoo or museums. You cannot transfer titles, certificates, or stocks in a cash donation. The main advantage of a cash gift is its simplicity - there are no complicated tax deductions or benefits to consider. However, you must keep a record of the cash contribution, as the IRS will only allow you to deduct cash contributions, no matter how small, with proof of receipt of the donation. 4. Stocks Donating long-term appreciated securities, like stocks, is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. When you give in this way, you don’t have to worry about capital gains taxes because you’re not selling your stocks. In addition, you can donate any stocks you’ve owned for over a year and are now worth more than the original cost, and you’ll get a tax deduction equal to the stock’s total fair market value. This is an incredibly beneficial way to give, as it can help you save money on taxes while supporting a cause you care about. 5. Charitable Trusts Charitable trusts are a type of legal entities created to donate to charity. Charitable trusts are often established by an individual or a company and can be used to provide tax deductions and other benefits to the donor. Charitable trusts can be used to donate money to any registered charity or non-profit organization and are often used to support specific causes, such as education, health care, poverty relief, or other causes. Charitable trusts are also often used to set up endowments, which are invested and used to support a charity's activities over time. Charitable trusts are a great way to give back to the community and support important causes while also taking advantage of tax deductions. 6. Assets Donating your assets to charity comes with several benefits, such as a charitable income tax deduction and not having to recognize the gifted income as part of your estate. Additionally, leaving tax-deferred accounts in your estate for your beneficiaries can provide them with a nice inheritance that won't be taxed. Moreover, if you donate tangible items such as art and jewelry, you may be eligible for a tax deduction equal to the value of the assets. However, you may receive an even higher deduction if the asset is related to the charity. It is important to remember to document any gifts made to charity, including the type of donation, the name of the organization, the date of the donation, and the amount of the donation. The Benefits of Charitable Donations Charitable donations can be an enriching experience for the donor. They provide the opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in people’s lives. The benefits of donating to charity include tangible and intangible rewards, such as tax deductions and the sense of satisfaction from helping others. Financial Benefits: One of the most obvious financial benefits of charitable donations to the donor is the potential for tax deductions. Donating can be claimed as a deduction on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe. This can be especially advantageous for those who donate large sums of money, as the tax savings can be significant. One of the most common tangible benefits of making a charitable donation is the tax deduction associated with the donation. Depending on the country, donations may be deductible from a donor’s taxable income, which can significantly reduce the donor’s tax burden. Additionally, charitable donations might be eligible for additional tax breaks or credits, such as sales or estate tax deductions. Personal Satisfaction: The most rewarding benefit of donating to charity is the sense of personal satisfaction that comes with it. Donating to a worthy cause can give a donor a feeling of accomplishment and pride in knowing their contribution is positively impacting the world. Charitable donations can also promote greater compassion, understanding, and empathy by helping those who are less fortunate. Connections with Others: Charitable donations also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same values and goals. Donors can join donation campaigns, volunteer opportunities, or other charitable events to meet and engage with people who care about the same causes. This can help build strong social connections and foster meaningful relationships with people in the same community. In conclusion, charitable donations can provide both tangible and intangible benefits to the donor. By donating to charity, donors can receive tax deductions, experience a sense of personal satisfaction, and even connect with other individuals who share their values. Charitable donations are an excellent way for donors to give back to the community and make a real difference in people’s lives. How to Make Charitable Donations If you really want to make a difference, charitable donations are a surefire way to start. There are many different organizations with good causes to choose from. Most non-profit organizations people find worthy of donating to are usually about cases like poverty, world hunger, etc. While these may all be worthy causes, one that requires more attention concerns children with speech disorders, like the California Scottish Rite Foundation. They offer programs to help these special needs children. One such program is The RiteCare Childhood Language Center. The RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California rely solely on private donations to continue their mission of helping children with speech, language, and literacy disorders. They do not receive state or federal funds, and all donations to a Childhood Language Center will be restricted to use at that specific Center and the community it serves. Make a Difference Today – Your gift today can make a difference and help improve a child’s life! By donating, you can genuinely impact and touch a child’s life. Tax Implications of Charitable Donations The tax benefits of making a charitable contribution are determined by the recipient organization (only donations to eligible charities are deductible), the way you structure the gift, and the kind of property you choose to donate. Charitable donations can have significant tax implications for both individuals and businesses. Donations of cash, securities, and other property may be deductible in the year they are made. However, the deductibility of a donation is subject to specific eligibility requirements, such as a minimum donation amount, the organization's level of tax exemption, and the item's fair market value. Individuals can generally deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in the tax year of the donation. On the other hand, businesses can deduct up to 25% of their taxable income in the tax year of the donation. In addition, any excess donations over the annual limits may be carried forward to the following five tax years. Certain restrictions apply to deductible donations. Contributions to individuals, political action committees, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for a deduction. Likewise, donations of inventory, services, and use of property are generally not deductible. Charitable donations may also be subject to certain estate and gift tax exemptions. For example, the federal estate tax exemption for a deceased spouse's estate could be increased if the executor of the estate includes a charitable donation in the estate. Similarly, gifts of $15,000 or less per recipient per year may be exempt from the federal gift tax. Overall, donors should carefully consider the tax implications of their donations and consult a qualified tax advisor to ensure they comply with applicable laws. Ultimately, the most crucial factor in donating is finding an organization that resonates with you and that you would like to support. Any tax benefits you may receive as a result of your donation are simply an added bonus. Therefore, it is vital to research the various donation strategies and vehicles available and consult with a financial planner, tax advisor, or philanthropic advisor to determine the best way to give that suits your situation.

Many people donate to charitable organizations when considering ways to give back to their communities. Donors have many questions about their donations, from where the money will go to the impact it can have on others. This article will answer the most commonly asked donor questions about their donations and the organizations they are giving to. It will help potential donors understand the donation process. From understanding the use of funds to exploring the impact of their donations, readers will learn how important and meaningful a donation can be. Here are some of the most common questions donors ask about their donations to non-profits and fundraising: 1. What are the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California? The RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California are a non-profit organization that provides free or low-cost speech and language services for children with communication disorders. The organization has centers throughout California and serves thousands of children annually. Donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations fund the organization. The RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California are a 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-deductible. 2. What are the Funds of the Scottish Rite Foundation Used For? The Scottish Rite Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that uses its funds to support education and research on the history, philosophy, and practice of Freemasonry. The foundation provides grants to educational institutions and organizations and awards scholarships to students studying Masonic philosophy and history. Fundraising by the foundation has been used for research projects and to support Masonic educational activities such as conferences, lectures, classes, and seminars. In addition, the foundation funds scholarships for college and university studies related to Freemasonry. The foundation also provides support for educational programs and services to encourage Masonic education and research. 3. What is the Difference Between a Donation and a Grant? Many people need clarification on these two terms since they mean different things: What is a grant? A grant is a sum of money given to an individual, organization, or government agency to support a specific project or cause. Grants are typically provided by foundations, corporations, or government sources and are typically awarded based on the merit of the project or cause they are meant to fund. Grants can provide funding for research projects, educational initiatives, and community development projects, among other things. Grants can also be used to provide financial assistance to individuals and organizations in need, such as those affected by natural disasters. What is a donation? A donation is a gift of money or other valuable items given to an individual, organization, or institution. Donations are usually given with no expectation of return and may be made in the form of cash, property, or services. Donations are usually tax-deductible, making them a valuable source of financial support for nonprofits, charities, and other organizations. Donations may also be used to support causes such as environmental conservation, medical research, or disaster relief. Comparing Donations and Grants A donation is when someone gives money or items to a charity, organization, or cause. A grant is when an organization or government agency gives money, scholarships, or other kinds of support to an individual or group. So, the difference between a donation and a grant is who is giving the money or support--either an individual or organization, a group, or a government entity. Grants and donations are both forms of philanthropic giving, but there are some critical differences between them. Grants are typically awarded to organizations or individuals for a specific purpose, such as research, education, or the development of a program. Grants are usually awarded after an application process, and the money is typically used to fund a specific project or program. Donations, on the other hand, are usually given without any specific expectations or conditions attached. Donations are typically unrestricted, meaning the recipients can use the money for whatever purpose they choose. Grants are usually much larger than donations and typically require more oversight and reporting on how they used the money. 4. What Tax Benefits do Donors Receive? Donors can receive a tax deduction for their contributions to a public charity, including a donor-advised fund. The tax deduction is usually limited to 30% of a donor’s adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash donations and 20% of AGI for contributions of long-term capital gain property. Additionally, donor-advised funds may offer other benefits such as tax-free investment growth and estate planning advantages. Tax write-offs: Donations to registered charities and non-profit organizations are eligible for deductions in most countries. Taxpayers can deduct any donation that is made in cash, securities, or property. Depending on the size of the donation, donors receive a percentage of the total donation as a tax write-off. For example, in the United States, donations of up to 50% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income can be deducted. Donations to specific individuals are not eligible for tax write-offs, but donations to organizations that provide assistance to individuals, such as food banks, homeless shelters, and educational institutions, may be eligible. Certain donations, such as donations of cars, boats, and planes, may also be eligible for tax write-offs. Donors need to obtain a tax receipt for any donation to act as proof for the tax deduction. Charitable gifts: Charitable gifts are eligible for tax benefits, depending on the type of gift and the organization they are donated to. Generally, cash donations to a public charity are eligible for a tax deduction of up to 30% of the donor's adjusted gross income (AGI). Contributions of long-term capital gain property to public charities may be eligible for a tax deduction of up to 20% of AGI. Gifts to a donor-advised fund may provide additional tax benefits, such as tax-free investment growth and estate planning advantages. Because the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation, is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit, charitable, tax-exempt organization with 501(c)(3) status, contributions to the Foundation may be considered deductible for income tax purposes in accordance with IRS regulations. The receipt you receive for your contribution will identify any specifics needed to determine the tax treatment of your contribution. The information on this site is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. Please consult an attorney, tax professional, or investment professional for such advice. 5. How can Donors Ensure their Donations Go to the Right Cause? To ensure that donors' donations are going to the right cause, it is vital to do research and due diligence. Donors should look into the organization they are donating to, their mission and goals, their financials, and their track record in terms of results. Donors should also look for transparent organizations and have clear expectations for how the funds will be used. It is also essential to ensure that the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, as donations to non-registered organizations may not be tax-deductible. Finally, donors should look for organizations that are committed to using their donations responsibly and effectively and regularly report back to donors on the impact their donations have had. You can research the California Scottish Rite Foundation on our website. You can see the programs we run for children with special needs and how they use donated funds. To follow up on donations, donors should reach out to the organization they donated to and ask for updates on the use of their funds. The organization should be able to provide information on how their donation was used and its impact. Additionally, donors should make sure to keep records of their donations, including receipts and bank statements. This will help ensure that donors can claim any applicable tax deductions. 6. What types of Donations can I Make? Donors can make various donations, including cash donations, in-kind donations (such as goods or services), and donations of appreciated securities or property. Additionally, donors can make donations through a donor-advised fund or private foundation or set up a Charitable Remainder Trust. All of these types of donations are incredibly important to many organizations' success and are greatly appreciated. The Scottish Rite Foundation accepts cash gifts with a credit card, marketable securities, and other appreciated assets. Planned gifts, such as life insurance, annuities, trusts, and bequests, are also ways to contribute significantly to the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation. 7. What is an Endowment? An endowment is a type of donation in which the donor makes a contribution to a charitable organization, and the funds are invested for the long term, with the principal of the donation remaining intact. The purpose of the endowment is to provide a perpetual source of income to the organization, which is usually used to fund programs or scholarships. Endowments may also provide tax benefits to the donor, depending on the type of donation and the organization it is donated to. A financial endowment is a transfer of money or property donated to an institution, usually with the stipulation that it be invested and the principal remains intact in perpetuity or for a defined period. This allows the donation to have a much greater impact over a long period of time than if it were spent all at once. A permanent endowment allows the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a California Scottish Rite Foundation program to plan confidently for the future. An Endowment seeds new programs not typically funded through donations provide support for new ventures in established programs and makes it possible to attract and retain the best and brightest employees. 8. Why Should I Trust Your Online Donation Form? Donors can trust the Scottish Rite Foundation online donation form because it is secure and encrypted. The form is encrypted and meets all of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, so donors can rest assured that their personal and financial information is safe. A third-party secure payment processor processes all donations, and the Scottish Rite Foundation never stores or sees donors’ payment information. Donors will receive an email confirmation of their donation and a receipt for tax reporting purposes. Additionally, the online donation form is designed to be easy to use and understand, so donors can be sure that their donations are being processed correctly and efficiently. 9. Why Should I Give Monthly (And How Can I Do it Easily)? Donating to the Scottish Rite Foundation is a great way to help support valuable programs that benefit children with language-based learning disabilities. Not only does your donation help support these programs, but it also has a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across the country. Recurring donations are an easy way to ensure your support continues throughout the year and are a great way to make a significant difference. To make a recurring monthly donation, donors simply need to select “Recurring” and change the tab at the Scottish Rite Foundation website when making the donation. Donors then enter their payment information, the amount of their donation, and their desired payment frequency. Donations will continue until donors decide to cancel or suspend their donation. By choosing the recurring donation, donors are ensuring that the Scottish Rite Foundation can continue to provide vital support to children and families. It also makes giving more convenient since donors don’t have to worry about making a donation every time – they can simply set it and forget it. Donating to the Scottish Rite Foundation is a great way to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Donors can make recurring weekly or monthly donations easily and conveniently, ensuring their support continues throughout the year. In conclusion, the Scottish Rite Foundation is committed to assisting donors in any way they can. From financial to charitable donations, they are dedicated to providing the necessary resources to help improve our communities. With a thorough explanation of the frequently asked questions by donors, we know that the Foundation is here to help us all. With their dedication to the community and hard work, the Scottish Rite Foundation will continue to positively impact our society.

In 1962, Cody became the first patient at the Scottish Rite Institute for Childhood Aphasia at Stanford University under the supervision of the late Drs. Jon Eisenson and Robert H. Gottsleben. Cody got the proper care he needed, which started his inspiring journey. Cody was born in 1953, in the small town of Salinas, California, to parents Betty and Paul Williams. As a toddler, Cody struggled with communication and speech progression, leading to discouragement and frustration. He was wrongly assessed as having epileptic seizures, but his parents refused this diagnosis. Cody was correctly diagnosed as hearing impaired and aphasic by the California Scottish Rite Foundation. Cody Paul Williams peacefully passed away from natural causes on January 11th in Southern California at age 64. As the very 1st speech-language therapy student of the California Scottish Rite Foundation, Cody Williams's story became a turning point for those who had similar struggles. During Cody's time in therapy, his mother, Betty, started advocating for suitable public education for the physically impaired and neurologically diverse so that children like her son could access appropriate learning resources. Betty knew her family wasn't alone in the community, so she contacted and organized with other parents with similar experiences. News about Cody's story began to spread, which was shared through news clippings throughout the town and neighboring communities. This caught the attention of the local March of Dimes; by age 8, he became the face of their organization. A big part of Cody's success with the California Scottish Rite Foundation was that the intensive therapy enabled him to integrate into mainstream schooling, which was the goal for children like him to experience public school like every other kid. Cody's journey inspired his small-town school district to establish a special classroom for students needing extra assistance. This was the start of a movement that changed how public schools started implementing assisted learning classes and programs. Through his high school years, Cody made lots of lifelong friends. Being able to experience high school like every other kid made him feel seen. After graduating from Salinas High School in 1978, Cody began his studies in Alabama at Birmingham Bible School for the Deaf. He returned home to California, then enrolled at Ohlone College to take deaf studies and studio art. Cody also spent time in Iowa to work with Deaf Missions, where the first American Sign Language version of the Christian Bible was created and published. His studies were possible because the California Scottish Rite Foundation gave him access to the world of learning and communication. In short, Cody was "seen" as a person by someone other than his parents, and that made all the difference. Cody Williams' story opened the door for so many who were in his same shoes. Cody had an extensive support system after his time in the California Scottish Rite Foundation Programs. This group of amazing people consisted of his niece and nephews, caring neighbors, loving family, and trusted friends who all appreciated Cody's generosity by returning the favor. Cody was immensely impactful on so many people in his life. The love was and is still very much felt.

Not being able to communicate with your young child may be devastating. If they are unable to understand you or are unable to express themselves, it can even feel like a barrier between you. If this is the case, you will need to understand the various language disorders aka language impairments. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of language disorders and their causes. We will also suggest some treatments that can help raise the communication barriers between you and your child. How a Developmental Delay Can Affect Your Child Every child develops differently. Some may reach developmental milestones quicker than others, while some may be left far behind. Being slow to hit a milestone in early childhood may not be a reason to panic. But if these delays happen continually or multiple times, it could be a sign your child has a developmental delay. Check out our checklist of normal developmental milestones. Having a developmental delay occurs when a child is slow to hit milestones around language, thinking, social, or motor skills. As a result, the child may have trouble following instructions and learning how to read and spell. This can develop into learning disabilities for some children, which can cause them to suffer from related problems in adult life. Children with learning disabilities have difficulty reading, spelling, and writing. They may also struggle with math and may lack social skills. These children are likely to experience things like performance anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, loss of motivation, or chronic fatigue. They may even act out in various ways to distract from their schooling challenges. That is why it is very important to pay attention to developmental delays in your child. Difference Between Speech and Language Delays: Keep in mind that speech problems are not the same as language disorders and will be diagnosed and treated differently. Speech delays occur when a child isn’t saying as many words as other kids their age. For example, stuttering (a speech disorder) and phonological disorders (speech sound disorders) affect the way one’s speech comes across. Treating these issues will involve the child practicing sounds. A language delay, on the other hand, occurs when the child has issues understanding others or expressing their thoughts. Their problems are fundamentally language-based, encompassing the areas of speaking, gesturing, signing, and writing. If you can see any of these issues ahead of time, you may be able to find early intervention methods to cope with these challenges more quickly. In this article, we will focus on language delays and how they could indicate a possible language disorder. The most common language disorders in children are receptive and expressive. It is also possible for a child to suffer from both disorders. Between 3-5% of young children have one or both of these disorders. Receptive Language Disorder When a child cannot understand what they hear or read, they may have a receptive language disorder, aka language comprehension deficit. This disorder typically develops before the child is three years old. Receptive language disorder can be either developmental or acquired. S Symptoms: Each child’s symptoms will vary. However, the most common symptoms of a receptive language disorder in children are: Giving the impression they aren’t listening when you speak to them Seem uninterested when books are read to them Trouble understanding the meaning of words Trouble understanding gestures Trouble understanding complicated sentences Has a hard time learning new words Difficulty answering questions Trouble identifying objects Difficulty understanding concepts and ideas Difficulty following long or complicated verbal instructions Causes: Sometimes the cause of receptive language disorder is not known. Or it can come from one or a combination of factors: There is a family history of receptive language disorder The child has little practice hearing language spoken in their daily life Aphasia: This is an acquired language disorder that happened due to brain injury, infection, tumors, or a degenerative brain disorder. Those with aphasia will have difficulty with language formulation. There are many types of aphasia and will have different issues depending on what part of the brain was affected. Developmental and cognitive disorders such as autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome Hearing impairment or hearing loss Vision impairment Attention disorders If the child has a language disorder that does not seem to be caused by a physical disability, intellectual disability, or environmental factors, this may be considered a developmental language disorder (DLD). This term is used interchangeably with specific language impairment (SLI), language delay, expressive-receptive language disorder, or developmental dysphasia. DLD will typically run in the family and commonly occurs with other diagnoses like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning disorders. Treatment Options: To help your child overcome receptive language disorder, consider treatment options like: Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy can be done on a one-on-one basis or in a group format, depending on what your child needs. For speech therapy, especially to aid in articulation, it can be more effective to get sessions with a language therapist on an individual basis. Home exercises: There are exercises that caregivers can do at home to encourage language growth in your child. Practice naming items together, explain new concepts in different ways, play Simon says, or put together an obstacle course. You can also play the feely bag game with an emphasis on guessing the item, describing its characteristics, and answering questions about it. Look at picture books with your child, ask them questions about the pictures, and help them guess what might happen next. Language intervention programs: These are typically school-based programs that can focus on auditory skills as well as other language issues. Special education classes: In the US, if a child has a confirmed diagnosis of a speech and language disorder, they are eligible for special education classes. This is provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Teacher’s aide support: Those with severe impairment can benefit from the support of a teacher’s aide. Psychologist: If the child exhibits behavioral problems, it can be beneficial to schedule an appointment with a licensed child psychologist to help resolve these issues. How well your child progresses depends on a variety of factors; no child is the same after all. Keep in mind that some setbacks like brain injuries can be particularly debilitating. A person affected by them may never get back to what is considered normal functioning. Expressive Language Disorder When a child has trouble speaking, writing, and expressing their thoughts and feelings, they may have an expressive language disorder. The child may have no issue comprehending language but are still unable to express themselves at the level of others their age. This includes problems with vocabulary, expressing complex sentences, and word recall, and they could have some articulation issues. But keep in mind that expressive language disorder isn’t a speech disorder, though it may be confused as one. Expressive language disorder can be either developmental or acquired. Symptoms: As we’ve mentioned above, a child with a receptive language disorder may also have an expressive language disorder. Or they may only suffer from one or the other. The symptoms of expressive language disorder are as follows: Difficulty finding the right word or using the wrong words Grammar mistakes Using short, simple sentences Mixing up past, present, and future tenses Struggling to add new vocabulary words Have trouble being clear with what they want to say Have trouble conveying a story or relaying information Difficulty starting or holding conversations Difficulty using gestures Have trouble asking questions Difficulty singing songs Causes: As previously mentioned with receptive language disorders, expressive language disorders may not have an apparent cause. But it may also be caused by either one or more of the following: Autism Down syndrome Hearing issues Developmental issues beginning from birth Aphasia Medical issues Family history If the child has a language disorder that does not seem to be caused by a physical disability, intellectual disability, or environmental factors, this may be considered a developmental language disorder (DLD). This term is used interchangeably with specific language impairment (SLI), language delay, expressive-receptive language disorder, or developmental dysphasia. DLD will typically run in the family and commonly occurs with other diagnoses like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning disorders. Treatment options: The type of treatment that is best for your child depends on how serious their condition is. Some options include: Speech pathologist sessions: These can be either group or individual therapy sessions. In a session, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can use playful methods to relax your child and enable them to open up and communicate. These methods could include toys, books, objects, or pictures that can help with language skills and language development. They may also have activities to do or can practice asking and answering questions with your child. Language intervention programs: These are typically school-based programs that can focus on auditory skills as well as other language issues. Special education classes: In the US, if a child has a confirmed diagnosis of a speech and language disorder, they are eligible for special education classes. This is provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Teacher’s aide support: Those with severe impairment can benefit from the support of a teacher’s aide. Home exercises: You too can make a difference in treating your child’s expressive language difficulties. Set aside time every time to read with your child. Reading a book with little to no text is a great way to get a child talking. Ask your child to tell a story about each picture. If this feels difficult for him or her, prompt him by asking questions or making observations about the pictures. Then ask what will happen next, and elaborate on what he or she comes up with. Help your child expand their communication skills by encouraging various ways of saying things. For example, you could come up with wacky or nonsensical ways to say things to get your child’s brain patterns going in different directions. This will encourage a different response from them, and hopefully more forms of expression. Get a Proper Diagnosis Although this article may be a good resource for learning about language disorders, it is imperative to get your child a proper diagnosis. If you notice any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned for receptive or expressive language disorders, talk with your child’s pediatrician or school staff. Communication disorders can be very complicated, so getting an informed opinion from your healthcare provider is the best way to go. He or she will look at your child’s health history, and ask about your child’s language habits. There may even be a physical exam or hearing test. Besides a diagnosis, your child’s healthcare provider will have information on helpful resources and can give you a referral to professionals specializing in speech-language pathology. Make sure your speech-language pathologist (SLP) is ASHA certified. The American speech-language-hearing association grants the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) to those candidates who meet the specific requirements. These certified professionals must adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics, which holds the highest integrity standards and ethical principles in the industry. An SLP is an expert in language disorders in children. They work in private practices, doctors’ offices, hospitals, schools, colleges, and rehab centers. We also have certified SLPs available with free therapy services through our foundation. Check for locations near you. Making a Difference Receptive language disorder occurs when a child cannot understand what they hear or read. Expressive language disorder occurs when a child has trouble speaking, writing, and expressing their thoughts and feelings. It is also possible for your child to suffer from both disorders. The causes of these disorders vary and sometimes are completely unknown. Regardless of the cause, some treatments can help lessen the effects of this disorder. Here at RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, we hope to make a difference in your child’s language disorder.

Children learn a language when they are in their mother’s wombs. They can easily pick up the language or languages used by their family and environment. However, learning to speak a language takes time, and each child develops at their own pace. While most children typically reach language and speech milestones, some may struggle with certain sounds, words, and sentences. Nonetheless, by age 5, most children can easily use language. Children may sometimes show signs of normal language and speech development but fail to produce certain phonemes. This can result in difficulty with pronunciation and articulation. This article highlights and explores the common examples of articulation disorders in children. When is it an Articulation Disorder? Mispronunciations and errors in speech are common among young children as they learn to talk. Adults may find these mistakes cute and mistake them for baby talk. As children grow older, their articulation skills improve, and their speech usually becomes much clearer. Most children outgrow this ‘baby-talk’ phase naturally, but if a child is having difficulty producing sounds and communicating, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. It is normal for children to take some time to develop their speech properly, and there can be minor delays in developing some speech abilities. However, a prolonged delay may be caused by a speech disorder in certain Apraxia of Speeches. If you suspect your child is affected by a speech disorder, your doctor may refer you to a pediatric neurologist or a speech therapist. Common speech disorders in children include articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and stuttering. An articulation disorder is diagnosed when a child has difficulty producing certain sounds correctly. This can happen when a child has difficulty forming the sound correctly or cannot say the sound at all. Articulation disorders are typically diagnosed when a child has difficulty producing age-appropriate sounds or when their speech is so unclear that it is difficult to understand. If a child is having difficulty producing certain sounds, they may need speech therapy to help them learn how to produce the sound correctly. Common Articulation Disorders in Children Certain children may experience difficulty understanding and speaking and may require extra help. If a child does not reach language milestones at the same rate as other children, it may be a sign of a language or speech delay or disorder. Here are the most common examples of articulation disorders in children. 1. Apraxia of Speech Apraxia of speech is when a child has difficulty with speech production or the physical act of producing speech sounds. This can make it difficult for children to talk with their peers or to express their needs to their parents. It can also make it difficult for children to learn to read and write. Apraxia of speech can affect individuals at any age, but it is more common in children. It is also more common in children with other speech or language disabilities, such as articulation disorders or verbal apraxia. Childhood apraxia of speech is a neurological speech sound disorder in which the precision and consistency of movements involved in speech are impaired. Apraxia of Speech affects a child's ability to accurately, fluently, and consistently produce sounds and syllables. Children with Apraxia of Speech have difficulty saying even simple words, and their speech may sound challenging to understand or even unintelligible. They may also have difficulty coordinating the muscles used for speech, which can lead to various speech patterns, including slow, choppy, and monotone speech. Apraxia of Speech is usually present from birth but may not be diagnosed until a child is older. It is not always easy to diagnose because children's speech and language development can vary. Some signs of Apraxia of Speech include difficulty saying sounds, stringing words together, and following directions. Children with Apraxia of Speech may also have difficulty controlling the pitch, loudness, and speed of their speech. To diagnose Apraxia of Speech, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will complete an assessment of the child's communication skills. This may include an examination of the child's speech, language, cognitive abilities, and oral motor skills. The SLP may also use standardized tests and observe the child's speech in different contexts. Treatment for Apraxia of Speech typically involves speech therapy. Speech therapy aims to help the child learn to use their muscles correctly to produce speech. This may involve imitation, repetition, practice, and strategies to help the child learn how to use their muscles correctly. The SLP may also offer parent training to help the child practice their speech at home. 2. Stuttering Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the fluency of speech. People who stutter may repeat words or parts of words, have difficulty starting a word or sentence, prolong certain sounds, or exhibit other behaviors that disrupt their speech. Children who stutter may feel embarrassed or anxious about their speech, leading to social, emotional, and educational challenges. Everyone stumbles through their words now and then. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that 3 million Americans stutter. Of the 10% of children who stutter, up to three-quarters will outgrow it. It is important to note that stuttering is different from cluttering. Stuttering typically begins between the ages of 2 and 5 and is more common in boys than girls. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for stuttering, but speech therapy and other interventions can help reduce stuttering and improve communication skills. Therapy typically focuses on helping the child gain control over their speech and reducing the physical tension associated with stuttering. Techniques such as slowing down speech rate, using regular pauses, and emphasizing certain syllables can help make speech easier and more fluent. In addition, speech therapy may include other strategies to help the child cope with their stuttering, such as relaxation techniques and building self-confidence. 3. Dysarthria Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by damage to the muscles and nerves that control speech. It affects how a person speaks, making their speech slurred and slow. Children with dysarthria may have difficulty forming words and may have a limited range of sounds or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. They may also have difficulty controlling the volume and pitch of their voice. Treatment for dysarthria typically involves speech-language therapy. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will evaluate the child's speech and language skills and design an individualized treatment plan. Therapy aims to improve the child's clarity, rate, and volume. This may involve exercises to improve the child's speech muscles, coordination, and strategies to help them learn to use their voice more effectively. In addition to speech-language therapy, the SLP may recommend augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to help the child communicate more effectively. These devices can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated computer-based ones. An SLP can help the child and their family choose an AAC device that best meets their needs. 4. Lisping Lisping is a common and easily recognizable speech disorder in which the speaker makes a “th” sound when trying to make an “s'' sound. This type of lisping, an interdental or dentalized lisp, is caused by the tongue reaching past or touching the front teeth. Other types of lisps include palatal, velar, lateral, and alveolar. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can provide extra expertise when diagnosing and treating lisping disorders. They can help distinguish between different types of lisps and ensure that a lisp is not confused with another type of disorder, such as apraxia, aphasia, impaired development of expressive language, or a speech impediment caused by hearing loss. Treatment may include pronunciation and annunciation coaching, re-teaching how a sound or word should be pronounced, practicing in front of a mirror, and speech-muscle strengthening exercises such as drinking out of a straw. Experts recommend seeking professional SLP intervention for any type of lisp as soon as possible. For an interdental or dentalized lisp, this should occur if a child has reached the age of four and still has a lisp. 5. Sound Omission Sound omission is a speech disorder where a child omits certain sounds or syllables when speaking. This can result in the child leaving out part of a word or omitting entire words when speaking. Sound omissions are most common in children who are still learning to speak and are often a result of the child not yet having the motor skills necessary to pronounce words properly. The child may completely omit some sounds in words and sentences. For example, the child may say “at” when they mean to say “hat,” or “oo” to mean “shoe,” and so on. Speech-language pathologists can help children with sound omissions work on their motor skills and develop their speech. They may use speech drills, articulation therapy, and other techniques to help the child improve their speech and develop their language skills. Early Intervention Early intervention refers to interventions aimed at preventing or addressing a problem as soon as it is identified. It is most commonly used in early childhood development and is usually initiated when a child is identified as having a developmental delay or disability. Early intervention typically involves providing specialized services, such as therapy, educational support, and family services, to help the child reach their developmental milestones. Early intervention can promote the child's overall development and help them avoid more serious developmental issues later. Children with language difficulties may require additional assistance and tailored instruction. Speech-language pathologists can work directly with children, their parents, guardians, and teachers. Early intervention services are available to children up to three years old who show evidence of a language or speech delay or disorder. Certain organizations, like the Scottish Rite Foundation, provide special education services for children aged three and older. Many childcare programs undertake language or speech assessments to determine whether a child requires intervention. A healthcare professional should evaluate if there are any other worries regarding the child's hearing, behavior, or emotions. All involved parties—parents, healthcare providers, and schools—should collaborate to get the proper referrals and treatment. Benefits of Early Intervention Early intervention can be immensely beneficial for a variety of reasons. Early intervention can help identify any possible developmental delays and allow children to catch up with their peers. Early intervention can also help reduce the risk of long-term developmental issues by providing children with the necessary resources to help them succeed. Early intervention can aid in children's social and emotional development, as they can engage in activities designed to help them build relationships and form lasting friendships. Working with a Speech-Language Pathologist Working with a speech-language pathologist can be a beneficial and rewarding experience. Speech-language pathologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists are highly trained professionals who understand the complexities of communication and the many different ways it can be affected. They use various tools, including observation, assessment, and therapeutic intervention, to create tailored treatment plans for each patient. These plans can include activities, exercises, and modifications to the environment or the patient’s lifestyle to help improve communication. In addition to working with individuals, speech-language pathologists can also work with families and caregivers to teach them how to support their loved one’s communication goals effectively. They can create a supportive and nurturing environment to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Speech-language pathologists can provide a wide range of services, from therapy to advocacy. They are an integral part of any team of healthcare professionals and can provide valuable insight into a patient’s communication needs. With specialized knowledge, experience, and compassion, a speech-language pathologist can help individuals with communication difficulties live a more fulfilling life. Helping All Children Overcome Articulation Disorders Common articulation disorders are a serious yet treatable issue in children. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to remediate the problem, allowing children to express themselves more effectively. Speech-language pathologists can work with children to develop strategies to improve articulation and pronunciation and minimize the effects of the disorder. With the right care, children with articulation disorders can lead normal, healthy lives and maximize their potential. Here at the California Scottish Rite Foundation, we understand the importance of language in a child's future success. We are committed to helping these children acquire the skills they need to build a brighter future. Your generous donation will enable us to continue our work and make a real difference in the lives of these children. Please consider donating today so that we can make a positive impact on the lives of these children. Thank you for your support!