Auditory Processing Testing

The Swain Center is participating in the collection of normative data for a new auditory processing test for children aged 3.6- 6.11. This is an important test because it will identify at an early age, whether a child has auditory processing problems. Most current auditory processing tests are normed for older children. The test will take an hour or less. If you are interested in having your child participate, please let us know. Testing must be completed before the end of October. Thank you for your support!

Preschool Screenings

We offer free preschool speech and language screenings in the Santa Rosa area. Please call (707) 575-1468 if you are interested in setting one up for your school.

Founder Wins Re-Election

Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain, founder of The Swain Center and The Listening Center, was re-elected to the Legislative Council for the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Congratulations Dr. Swain!

Aphasia Support Group

The Swain Center is pleased to annouce that we have lauched a support group for people with Aphasia, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by strokes, brain injuries, tumors and other neurological causes. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, but does not affect intelligence. People with aphasia may have difficulty understanding both written and spoken language, finding the words they want to say, naming objects, following directions, repeating words, reading, writing and speaking.

The support group will provide functional, everyday communication strategies, counseling, and fun activities geared towards the group's interests. The group will provide social interaction, support, resources, home therapy ideas, and professional and family education.

The Aphasia Support group meets the last Thursday of each month, unless otherwise specified, at The Swain Center in Santa Rosa from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call The Swain Cemter at (707) 575-1468 or email Rachel VonderHaar (Rachel@theswaincenter.com) or Naiomi Evans (Naiomi@theswaincenter.com).

Tomatis Outreach Programs

For many people, getting to a Tomatis center is very difficult. In California, there are only three Tomatis Centers, with the next closest center being located in Seattle. While the demand for therapy is great, opening offices in new markets is extremely expensive.

Tomatis Outreach Programs started as a means of bringing the Tomatis therapy to areas that are far from existing centers. An outreach involves the formation of a temporary clinic in an area where a group of supporters has formed. The temporary Tomatis clinic includes all of the features of a full-time listening center. Facilities that have been utilized in the past include Sunday school rooms, parish halls and large office suites.

The key to starting a Tomatis Outreach program is the area organizer. This volunteer collects names of interested families, coordinates an informational meeting, and assists with logistics as needed. If you have questions or are interested in bringing an outreach to your area, please contact Rich Swain at (707) 575- 1468.

Upcoming Tomatis Outreaches...
Las Vegas, NV. October 15, 2007
San Jose, CA. Coming 2008
San Diego, CA. Coming 2008

Please call if you are interested in participating!