As a parent, you want the best for your child. It can be challenging when your child has trouble meeting age-appropriate speech and language milestones. However, this is not uncommon; nearly 1 in 12 (7.7%) U.S. children ages 3-17 experiences a voice, speech, language or swallowing disorder each year, research shows. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to give your child the support they need, from enrolling them in a therapeutic preschool to finding specialized therapists.
One way to help your child grow and express themselves is through speech therapy. Speech therapy is a type of expert care that helps people improve their speaking and communication skills. Learning more about what speech therapy is and the types of conditions it can help with may help you get an idea of how it could fit into your child’s overall care plan.
Conditions that a pediatric speech therapist near you might treat
Speech therapists help children with many different challenges related to speaking and language. Here are some common conditions or diagnoses that a speech therapist may address:
- Speech delay — Some children may start speaking later than other kids. Speech delay means that your child might not form words or simple sentences as early as expected. Speech therapy can help by using games and activities that encourage your child to try new words. It builds your child’s confidence so they feel safe to try speaking in new ways. Speech therapists use fun exercises that help build the muscles used in talking.
- Articulation disorders — Articulation disorders make it hard for a child to form sounds correctly. For example, a child might mix up sounds when trying to say words. If your child has an articulation disorder, their speech therapist will work with them to make clearer sounds. They’ll help teach your child the right way to use their tongue, lips and jaw to speak. Through practice, your child can learn to pronounce words correctly, making it easier for others to understand them.
- Stuttering — Stuttering is when someone repeats sounds or words and may have difficulty starting a word. This can make speaking feel frustrating, especially for a child who is just learning to talk. A speech therapist can help your child learn techniques to slow down their speech and avoid stuttering. Therapy may include strategies to manage anxiety about speaking. Over time, your child may gain more control and speak more smoothly.
- Language disorders — Language disorders affect how a child understands or uses language. A child with a language disorder might have trouble finding the right words, following instructions or understanding what is said to them. Speech therapy can help by teaching new words and ways to express ideas. Speech therapists use visual aids and simple instructions to help improve language skills. Therapy sessions are tailored to fit your child’s pace so that learning becomes fun and engaging.
These conditions provide just a few examples of situations where speech therapists can help. Every child is unique, and a speech therapist will create a plan that best fits your child’s needs.
What to expect during speech therapy sessions
Before starting therapy, the speech therapist will meet with you and your child. They’ll ask questions about your child’s speech and language history. The therapist might also observe your child while they play or talk. This helps the therapist understand your child’s strengths and the areas that need work. After the assessment, the therapist will set clear and simple goals. These goals might include saying certain words more clearly, reducing stuttering or understanding simple directions. The goals are made with your child’s needs in mind, and you will be a part of the goal-setting process.
Your child’s speech therapist may also provide an overview of what future sessions will look like. It’s typical to feel curious or even a bit worried about what will happen during speech therapy. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Here is an overview of a typical pediatric speech therapy session:
- Play-based activities — Speech therapy sessions for kids are often designed to be fun. Therapists use games, songs and activities to work on speech and language skills. For example, your child’s speech therapist might utilize role-play scenarios. Acting out small plays or everyday conversations can help your child practice speaking in a real-life context. Many therapists also use flashcards, pictures or computer programs to help illustrate new words and sounds. Visual aids make the learning process more engaging and easier to understand.
- Progress updates — A speech therapist will keep track of your child’s progress. They will review the goals and adjust the activities as needed. This means that if your child is doing well in one area, the therapist might move on to a new goal. If more practice is needed, they’ll focus on that area longer. Progress updates tend to happen frequently, though they may not happen every session.
- Home practice — The speech therapist may give you simple exercises to do at home with your child after each session. Exercises might involve practicing a certain sound or playing a word game. Home practice is important because it helps your child use the skills learned during the session in their everyday life.
Ability KC offers speech therapy in the Kansas City, MO, area and beyond
Speech therapy is one of the many pediatric services we offer at Ability KC. With our help, your child can get the support they need to find their voice and grow.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We also have a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today to schedule an initial appointment or to inquire about our therapeutic preschool. You can also fill out our Build Your Plan questions designed to help our team better understand your needs and assist you in figuring out your next steps with us.