Conference Presentation

Encouraging Early Communication in Fragile X Syndrome

00 h 58 m

Anne Hoffmann and Kristen Vincent present tools that caregivers can use to encourage communication development for children during their early stages of development.

About the Presentation

With Anne Hoffmann and Kristen Vincent
Learn more about the presenters

This presentation from the 19th NFXF International Fragile X Conference by Anne Hoffmann and Kristen Vincent focuses on tools that caregivers can use to encourage communication development for individuals at early stages of development.

Evidence-based caregiver-responsivity techniques that can be implemented within already existing family routines are reviewed. Caregivers learn how to:

  • Recognize communication that is already occurring.
  • Expand on current communication attempts.
  • Encourage additional communication opportunities.
  • Build positive and reciprocal interactions.

The Fragile X phenotype will be considered throughout, along with suggestions on how to capitalize on this population’s strengths.

Anne Hoffman also gave an earlier presentation on this topic at the NFXF 18th Fragile X Conference.

About the Presenters

Anne Hoffmann headshot.

Anne Hoffmann

Rush University Medical Center
Assistant Professor & Speech-Language Pathologist

Anne Hoffmann, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor and speech-language pathologist in the Communication Disorders & Sciences and Pediatrics departments at Rush University. Her research examines language and social communication development in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X syndrome. Her teaching and clinical interests focus on pediatric speech and language disorders. Hoffmann completed her doctoral work at The Ohio State University and then completed her post-doctoral position in pediatrics at Rush University.

Kristin Vincent headshot

Kristen Vincent

Rush University Medical Center
Speech and Language Pathologist

Kristen Vincent, MA, CCC-SLP, has a bachelor’s and master’s in speech-language pathology from the University of Florida. With more than 20 years of experience, she is currently a licensed professional in Illinois. Within Rush University Medical Center, Kristen is part of a medical diagnostic clinic with the Department of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. She provides evaluation, treatment, and patient advocacy for a Rush Neurobehavioral Center (RNBC) caseload. She is an instructional and clinical faculty member in the Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) department at Rush University. She participates in clinical research for many departments.