The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) podcast focuses educating parents of children who are involved in youth sports on the dangers of head injuries. The podcast features Melissa C. Duff, PhD, CCC-SLP, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications Disorders at the University of Iowa, and an active ASHA member. 

Dr. Duff covers several points and protective advice that parents can pass on to their children prior to playing any sport. Although there is no fixed set of guidelines to handle the aftermath of a concussion, in the podcast Dr. Duff explains the different variables that need to be considered such as the severity of the concussion, the age and gender of the injured child, and the number of concussions suffered in one season of play. Several other circumstances are also addressed by Dr. Day. 

In the podcast, Dr. Day also highlights the benefits of neuropsychological testing prior to the start of the season, which could serve as a benchmark for comparison testing after a concussion occurs. Parents can also learn about how children that suffer a concussion can be helped by speech-language pathologists. Parents are advised to listen to the podcast and read the transcript. Parents can use ProSearch to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in their area. 

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for over 135,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in hearing and balance disorders and provide audiologic treatment which includes hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists help in identifying, assessing, and treating speech and language problems and swallowing disorders.

One thing that they learn is a form of mental strength they can never learn any other way. You can never be taught that kind of mental fortitude from reading a book. The child soon learns that not every day is going to be great. They will have both good days and bad days. Players learn that be on top of the mountain one minute and in the lowest valley the next.

Another great lesson they discover is that they are becoming much more physically fit. Instead of becoming a couch potato, drinking pop and eating chips while watching sports on TV, they get to experience the joy of the sport and also reap the benefits of stronger muscles and increased energy.

The social benefits are huge. Today a lot of kids like to keep to themselves, becoming distant and bashful. By playing on a soccer team, children learn to relate with others better. They learn what it means to play a part of the big picture which will become a great foundation for them as they mature, later graduating from school and start their career. The word team does not contain the letter "I" and the sooner that lesson is learned the better.

Many times kids learn that they can divert the blame for the mistakes they make to others, and a lot of times it may work for them. Not the best lesson in the world to learn, but none-the-less it's one that they do learn. However, through practical experience playing soccer children learn the truth about accountability. They are held accountable for their own actions, if they are the goalie and miss a block, nobody else is responsible for that error. Here is another invaluable lesson that is better to learn at a very young age. They also learn a huge part of accountability comes in the form of dependability. To gain the trust of your team mates you have to prove your reliability playing your position by being dependable.

Last but not least, the child will learn that it's not all about them, they can see that working together with others they are a part of a larger plan. This most important lesson will prepare them for life by helping them to overcome self-centeredness which is common in young children.

Children quickly learn that all the hard work that they put forth to improve is rewarded by success on the field. It gives an awesome boost in their self-esteem when they hear their coach and team mates praising their efforts by saying, "Great Job!". Many coaches choose to bestow personalized soccer awards for special accomplishments on the field, such as MVP, most goals, most improved player, etc. A child learns that developing their skills and hard work pays off. Coaches usually have a dinner at the end of the season. At this time awards may be given to player honoring their achievements. Kids learn to be appreciative of the abilities of others as well as their own. Soccer gifts are given by many coaches at this time to every member of the team as a keepsake and also to insure that nobody feels left out.

Soccer is a great sports that can teach of host of valuable lessons that will last a life-time, instilling good moral character and a strong sense or right and wrong