Since the first edition of this text, families across

English-speaking nations have become more diverse and complex, more

early intervention practitioners have begun embracing the imperative for

family-centered early intervention, and increasingly more families and

their young children with hearing loss have been requesting the services

of auditory-verbal practitioners. This second edition, designed to be

more reader-friendly, is a cross-cultural collaboration of expert

family-centered practitioners that focus on how families and their

infants and toddlers with hearing loss might best be served.

Toward

that end, the authors in this book examine the process toward

certification in the field of auditory-verbal practice and the empirical

bases as well as research outcomes pertaining to this global-wide

practice. The development of a systemic and positive perspective,

critical for practitioners who must evolve to serve more than just the

parent-child dyad, is analyzed. Theoretical and practical bases of

family-based models and parent-child interactions are explored. Issues

related to diverse family structures and interactions are considered

across chapters. The family decision-making process and family-centered

strategies that can be effectively implemented by practitioners are

discussed in detail. Implementing and evaluating routines-based

interventions within natural environments as well as ways of engaging

families with current technologies are included in this comprehensive

resource. This book provides early intervention service providers with

thought-provoking insights into the challenges and opportunities that

affect 21st century auditory-verbal practice.