Organization resources for families of children with deafness or hearing loss

Pediatricians as part of an interdisciplinary team can provide families of children with hearing loss or deafness with information about important res ources to expedite their child's habilitative process. This article describ es the emotional slags that parents/caregivers may experience upon initial diagnosis of hearing loss and the support that pediatricians can offer duri ng this critical time of discovery when families seek guidance. The variety of communication strategies and options available to children and families based on the child's specific needs, diagnostic finding, educational oppor tunities, family culture, and preferences are discussed. A listing of progr ams, agencies, and organizations pertinent to persons with deafness or hear ing loss is provided to facilitate linkages from diagnosis to intervention.