Center for Childhood Communication Patient Stories

Nick was a typical teen who didn’t want to be different than his friends, despite his hearing loss. Ten years later, as a CHOP audiologist, he counsels kids to avoid the mistakes he made.

Bewildering symptoms, both physical and behavioral, brought Kayla to CHOP and led to a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis, a rare disease when a person’s immune system attacks their brain.

Lamont didn’t despair when he lost the little hearing he had in one ear. With a cochlear implant, he’s hearing better than ever and sharing his pride with other kids

CHOP audiologists help Justin find the augmentative and alternative communication system that’s right for him, right now.

Leigh syndrome took away Dino’s speech, but not his voice. With CHOP’s help, he found the perfect AAC device and now “speaks” easily with family, professors and friends.

Braylen Clayton was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2. Today, he is a 7-year-old who loves reading and playing with friends, thanks to intensive teamwork between his parents and experts at CHOP's Center for Childhood Communication and Autism Integrated Care program.

A cochlear implant allowed Jake to hear sounds he had never heard before, like the flutes in the orchestra, high notes on a piano, and even birds.

Camryn found all the help she needed in the CHOP Care Network to overcome a variety of health issues so she can now enjoy preschool like any other 3-year-old.

Liam didn't start talking until he was 3 years old, and when he finally did, he stuttered.