You’ve probably been to the doctor more than once in the past few months, checking on your toddler’s development for early signs of autism or other developmental delays. But did you know that your speech therapist can also help? Pediatric speech therapy can help toddlers with language delays, and it can work wonders even when the delays aren’t significant enough to warrant a diagnosis. This article highlights some key things you need to know about speech therapy for toddlers and how to find a good therapist for your child.
Pediatric speech disorders and treatment options
Your loved one may require children’s speech therapy if they have problems speaking. Speech therapy may assist children with stuttering, articulation difficulties, and more. Speech therapists use books, flashcards, toys, and other materials to help kids comprehend letters, words, and phrases. The therapist may work with the child’s parents or carers to enhance communicative and social development.
There are various treatment options available, so be sure to talk to your child’s doctor to find the best option for your family. Speech therapists work with children of all ages in individual or group sessions, depending on the child’s needs. A typical pediatric speech therapy session lasts about 30 minutes.
Parents may get more information from their pediatrician, specialist, or therapist. The internet is an excellent resource for locating disorder information, but not all online information is accurate.
When should I start my child in speech therapy?
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, the best thing to do is consult with a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). They will be able to assess your kid’s skills and give you guidance on whether or not therapy would be beneficial. Children can start receiving speech therapy when they are two years old, but it can sometimes happen earlier if there are signs of delayed development. The time frame for therapy depends on how long it takes for a child to reach certain milestones.
How long does it take for my child to recover from a developmental disorder?
Many factors play into how long it will take for your child to recover from a developmental disorder. The severity of the disorder, your child’s age, and how early the intervention begins are all important considerations. In general, the younger your kid is, the easier it is for them to make progress in speech therapy. Discussing the time frames with your child’s pediatrician before beginning any treatment program is best.
Can I do anything about speech disorders at home?
Parents often wonder if they can do anything at home to help their child with a speech disorder. The answer is yes! Here are five things you can do:
- Provide clear instructions and limit the number of steps in each instruction.
- Read books together, and ensure that your child follows along by pointing to pictures or objects when you name them.
- Play games where your child has to listen for directions and follow them correctly, such as Simon Says or Hot Potato.
- Encourage pretend-play, like playing store or house.
- Encourage kids to speak up, so they don’t stay silent because they’re shy or anxious about speaking in front of others.
Tips on Finding the Best Pediatric Speech Therapist
Finding someone qualified and experienced with children is important when looking for a pediatric speech therapist. Here are a few tips on finding the best speech therapist for your child:
- Find out their certification (e.g., Board Certified Specialist in Childhood Communication Disorders).
- Ask about their philosophy of therapy and how long they have been practicing.
- Remember that every child is different and might respond better to certain types of therapies than others.
- Consider trying multiple providers of speech therapy for toddlers before deciding which one is best for your child.
