Hey there, speech language pathologists! I'm thrilled to share my journey of presenting at the International Association for the Study of Child Language (IASCL) conference in the breathtaking city of Prague in July 2024.
My Story
As a passionate speech pathologist deeply invested in the realm of language assessment, intervention, and cutting-edge research in the field of speech pathology, the opportunity to present at IASCL 2024 was nothing short of a dream come true.
The lively streets of Prague set the perfect backdrop for an exchange of innovative ideas and the latest breakthroughs in the world of child language. Unfortunately, I had gotten ill on the plane trip over to Europe and by the time I arrived in Prague, I was getting progressively worse! I had given myself a day's buffer for travel mishaps and sightseeing (as well as last minute presentation preparation!), so I kept hoping I would wake up and be better - you know how that can happen, so magically?
However, that DIDN'T happen... so I asked pharmacists and hotel staff about where to see a doctor. I knew I probably just needed antibiotics, because the over-the-counter cold and flu medication was not having any impact, and I was negative for flu and COVID-19, but seeking healthcare in a foreign country is just as hard as you might have heard.
I had a very demoralising experience at the local hospital (which is where I had been directed by several people, despite me saying "Well, it's not an emergency...") where I struggled to get directions, or even find anyone willing to make eye contact or stop and speak to me. I was turned away by the nurse I eventually found, who said "This is not an emergency" - I agreed with her! - but I couldn't get any direction from her about where to go instead.
Luckily, I remembered I had a friend back in Sydney who is actually from Czechia, so I messaged her my predicament. Within minutes, she had found me a local "polyclinic" with a website in English, which indicated that they had experience dealing with tourists. Unfortunately, they didn't have any appointments for a few days - and on the morning of my presentation, I was the worst level of ill I'd been so far! I finally found the details for an "international doctor" with VERY mixed reviews on Google, but I couldn't contact them for an appointment.
So, prepared for the worst (but hoping for the best), I put on my conference outfit and trekked over to the address of the doctor. 1.5 hours, and roughly $800 later (!), I had the medication I needed (as well as a whole shopping bag worth of other medication, plus Manuka honey, prescribed by this doctor) and I was on my way to the conference venue.
The Experience of Presenting at IASCL 2024
The atmosphere at IASCL was electric, bustling with enthusiastic researchers from around the globe eager to delve into discussions on child language development. The variety of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions provided a rich tapestry of insights, pushing boundaries and redefining best practices in speech pathology. I loved learning about the wonderful research happening across the globe.
I had the privilege of presenting the preliminary findings from my systematic review on language assessment and analysis methods for children's personal narratives, as part of a symposium related to the Global TALES research. The audience included some very famous faces from our field, as did the panel I was part of!
Key Highlights from IASCL 2024
One of the standout moments was connecting with like-minded researchers who shared a deep commitment to improving the lives of children through effective speech therapy services. The exchange of ideas was invigorating, igniting a spark of inspiration that will undoubtedly fuel my future projects in the field of speech pathology, both research and clinical.
Looking Ahead
As I bid farewell to the cobblestone streets of Prague and the vibrant conversations that filled the conference rooms, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. The connections made, knowledge gained, and the unforgettable experience of presenting at IASCL 2024 have further inspired my passion for making a difference in the lives of children through the power of language and telling our stories (aka personal narratives - like this one!).
To my fellow speech pathologists, let's continue our journey of exploration, innovation, and dedication to empowering children through the gift of communication. Our work matters, and together, we can create a world where every child's voice is heard loud and clear - in whatever modality they choose to use.
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