As a first-time parent, everything is new to you. So, when things pop up like issues with language and speech, it’s difficult to pick them up because this is your first go at parenting. However, it’s imperative that you pick up issues with your child’s speech as early as possible. The sooner they get treatment, the better.
With that in mind, this article will give you some signs that your child might need to see a speech pathologist.
What is speech therapy?
A speech pathologist is a professionally qualified individual who works with children who’ve developed speech and language problems or disorders. Kids start learning to speak or communicate as early as 12 months old or even earlier. While they’re learning, you can pick up on certain social and communicative cues indicating they may need speech therapy.
In speech therapy sessions, a speech pathologist will work with your kid, teaching the the skills for communicating and building the abilities, understanding skills, pronunciation, vocal skills, and social skills.
What does speech therapy treat?
Speech pathologists will usually treat kids who have language or speech disorders that will directly impede their ability to communicate as they grow up. Depending on the issue or disorder, speech pathologists will diagnose and implement a treatment plan that’ll help your child develop in the areas that are lacking. Often, the activities they incorporate in their treatment plans will include methods that will improve your child’s verbal and non-verbal communication.
Early signs that your kid needs Speech Therapy
From when your child is born, they’ll start learning how to communicate. Consider when they’re hungry, they cry, or when they’re uncomfortable, they also cry. As they grow, their communication skills will develop and improve. During this time, keep an eye out for any signs of speech delay or disorder.
A good way to do this is to understand when they should be hitting different milestones in their speech development. For instance, between 12 and 18 months is when they should start learning to talk. If this doesn’t happen, you must take them for speech therapy. That said, you’ll probably pick up speech issues before this.
How do you know if your child has a language or speech disorder?
Generally, your speech pathologist will diagnose what disorder your child has, but understanding whether they have a language disorder or speech disorder can also help you sort out a home treatment plan for your child while they’re seeing a professional. Language disorders refer to issues with communicating their thoughts, emotions and ideas. While speech disorders refer to them not being able to articulate words and sentences. Here’s a closer look:
Signs of a language disorder
As your child ages, there’ll be some pretty obvious signs that they might have a language disorder; here are some of them:
- Not making sounds or babbling
- Not forming sentences by 2 to 3 years old
- Struggling to play and talk with other kids
- Using only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing
- Saying only a few words
- Trouble understanding much between 7 months and 2 years old
- Having trouble understanding words
- Not expressing happiness
- Struggling to interact with others
Signs of speech disorders
Speech disorders concern your child’s ability to articulate words and phrases. So, if you notice that your child is having difficulty articulating basic words and sentences, this might be a sign of a speech disorder. Here are some examples:
- Mispronouncing sounds like p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words at around 1-2 years old
- Saying k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words at the age of 2 to 3 years old
- Constructing confusing sentences over the age of two. Sentences, even if you struggle to understand
Taking your child to a speech pathologist
Catching these disorders early is super important. So, if you see any signs of them, try to get your child to a pathologist ASAP! When it comes to finding a speech pathologist, be sure to do your due diligence. Finding a qualified speech pathologist is easy, but finding the right one for your child is the goal.
FAQs
When should you start speech therapy with your child?
In most cases, the best time to start taking your child to speech therapy is as soon as they’ve shown signs of having a speech or language disorder. As we said earlier, the sooner you can correct any communications they have, the better. That’s why it’s so vital to keep an eye out for any signs of a communication issue while they’re still young; it’ll give you more time to help them develop better communication skills and habits.
What is the best speech therapy for a child?
Speech therapy for kids will revolve around the treatment plan your kid needs. Meeting with a pathologist is the best way to establish a suitable treatment plan for your kid. Be sure to find a therapist that suits your child well, too. Look for one that’ll incorporate things your kids enjoy, like their favourite games or toys.
