Melissa McCarthy, Teacher of the Deaf

07/03/2025

Many parents are reluctant to access early intervention services through telepractice.

And it's totally understandable.

Parents worry about the negative effects of too much screen time on their child's development - especially their vision, their behaviour and their learning.

But, the truth is, children don't need to look at the screen at all!

When therapists use Family-Centred Telepractice, children will spend more time paying attention to you and less time paying attention to the screen.

08/11/2024

Such an important message for families!
Thanks Aussie Deaf Kids for the valuable reminder about the difference between communication and language.

Communication can happen no matter what language a baby learns first – as long as the language is clear, meaningful, and used by many people in the baby’s environment.

Please visit the below informative links:

Making choices about communication
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/making-choices-about-communication/

So many decisions
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/learn/making-informed-decisions-a-course-for-parents/session-4-informed-choice/decision-aids/

A quick guide to communication
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/a-quick-guide-to-communication/

14/09/2023

Today is R U OK? Day in Australia.

I ask this important question at the beginning of every early intervention session.

Because, when parents aren't okay, that has to be the number one priority for our session. That's what family-centred practice is all about.

When parents feel supported they will be in a better position to support their child's needs.

04/09/2023

Have you heard of 1-3-6?

It's an international set of recommendations for managing early childhood hearing loss:
1 - all babies have their hearing screened by 1 month of age
3 - hearing loss evaluation completed by 3 months of age
6 - hearing aids fitted and family enrolled in early intervention by 6 months of age

Where is your family on the 1-3-6 journey?

28/08/2023

One of the unique benefits of telepractice is that you can invite anyone to join the call from any location, including dad in his office, mom on a work trip, or grandparents in another state. And, with telepractice you can record the sessions to share later with family members who weren't able to attend. Would that be useful for your family?

27/06/2023

20/06/2023

Dads play such an important role in early development!

When dads are actively involved in the early years, children achieve better outcomes, socially, emotionally, and academically throughout their childhood.

Learn about fatherhood and the unique and powerful role fathers play in the development of their children.

12/06/2023

Did you know that babies exposed to sign language learn to babble with their hands the same way that babies exposed to spoken language learn to babble with their voice?

08/06/2023

Do you understand the genetics of your child's hearing loss?

Here is a great opportunity to learn more about genetic testing and some of the most common genetic causes of childhood hearing loss.

Genetics of deafness update: Information for parents.

Join us for this live webinar to learn about the genetics of deafness, particularly Connexin 26, and how to organise genetic testing.

TUESDAY 20TH JUNE, 2023 | 12:30PM

This webinar provides parents with information on the genetics of deafness, with a particular focus on connexin 26, the most common genetic cause of deafness. It covers topics such as how deafness can be inherited, common genes involved, and how parents can organise genetic testing for their child with hearing loss.

About the presenter
Dr Karen Liddle is a Senior Staff Specialist Paediatrician at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and PhD candidate with the University of Queensland with the Integrating Genomics into Medicine Group. She has been clinically and developmentally assessing children with permanent hearing loss in the Childhood Hearing Clinic for thirteen years. Her current research engages national and international collaborators to evaluate the utility of genetic testing and imaging in informing diagnoses and improving outcomes in childhood hearing loss. She is a member of the Childhood Hearing Australasia Medical Professionals (CHAMP) network and the Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee.

To register please click on the below link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/genetics-of-deafness-update-information-for-parents-tickets-638518575247

05/06/2023

Young babies often respond to new sounds with subtle responses. They might stop moving, blink, stop sucking, widen their eyes, smile (or cry!), or start moving their eyes to search for the sound. If your baby is learning to listen, look closely for her response to sounds. They may be very subtle and brief!

20/01/2023

Looking for some playtime inspiration?

Here are some fun ideas you can use this weekend with your baby or toddler.

BONUS: All of these games include plenty of opportunities for building your child's language skills.

Using everyday objects for pretend play - like holding a cup or banana up to a toddler's ear to talk on the "phone" - makes playtime simple and fun. No need for expensive toys! For more ideas, see our "Brain-Building Through Play" handouts for caregivers. Developed with support from The LEGO Foundation, these resources feature fun activities to engage in with babies and kids. (Psst: The games also support brain development!) https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/brainbuildingthroughplay/

16/01/2023

Informed Decision Making is an ongoing process.
The start of a new year is a great time to review your current plans.
Are you still satisfied with the choices you made last year?
Or do you want to make some changes for the year ahead?

Download your copy - https://melissamccarthy.com.au/factsheet/