Interview with Author and Psychologist, Dana Hall
Beyond Words
“Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say” Dana Hall (Beyond Words)
Beyond Words written by Dana Hall and illustrated by Shruti Prabhu is a beautifully illustrated story that will take the reader on a journey that emphasizes the power of friendship, connection and imagination. How do we get to know someone when they don’t have verbal speech or limited verbal speech? This beautiful book about apraxia of speech can teach both children and adults that we can go “beyond words” to connect with children with complex communication needs.
I loved this book for so many reasons. As a speech language pathologist that works with children that have complex communication needs, I felt very connected with the story. My students have so much to communicate and it can be expressed in so many ways. The term “total communication” is what I refer to when we use all modalities to communicate (body language, facial expression, sign language, gestures, AAC device, etc.) For any parent that has a child diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech or any other speech disorder that affects verbal speech, this book can be a powerful tool for both the home and school environment.
Author Dana Hall provides a valuable resource for children to understand the inner world of children that have complex communication needs. This book can be used as a teaching tool in classrooms and libraries. It’s also a valuable book to have in your own home library. To learn more about the book, click here.
Looking for additional resources? Check out this resource here!
Do you want to learn more about Apraxia Kids? Check out their website here.
Beyond Words: A Child’s Journey Through Apraxia
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Author and Psychologist Dana Hall
Dana Hall received her BA in psychology, summa cum laude, and graduated degree in community agency counseling from Saint Xavier University, Chicago Il. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor for over 15 years in the state of Illinois.
Dana has nearly two decades of clinical, research, and leadership experience in the field of psychology. As a private practice therapist, she specializes in chronic illness management, trauma, and relational issues. She successfully leverages her clinical work with social justice advocacy as an author, public speaker, and activist for inclusion and trauma-informed practices in education and counseling.
She is an accomplished author with two new books which debuted this year: Beyond Words: A Child’s Journey Through Apraxia and We All Belong: Musings on Inclusion, Acceptance and Kindness. She has been featured in Chicago Parent Magazine, and written articles for Deep Soulful Love and A Chronic Voice.
She founded the #BeyondWords Movement on social media to create awareness for neurodiverse children and adults. She is married and has three young children who keep her grounded, thankful, and hopeful for a brighter future.
To learn more about Dana, her private practice and plethora of resources and publications, visit her website here.
