What is Speech Therapy and How Can it Help My Child?
When a child has delayed speech or is difficult to understand parents often mention speech therapy. However, there is a wide variation in what parents say speech therapy involves. Most will use flashcards. The truth is there is a variety of activities that can be used.
This guide will explain what speech therapy involves, when you might want to consider speech therapy and what to expect.
What Speech Therapy Involves
Speech therapy does not mean what you think. Speech and Language therapists will support your child with understanding, using, clarity of speech and conversing. They will also look at how your child uses their mouth.
Therefor children can have a variety of issues and go to the same clinic. This could include a 2 year old with no words, a 6 year old with a stutter, a child with autism who uses mostly gestures and a toddler who gags on lumpy foods.
Speech, Language and Communication:
As these terms are often used as one word but they are actually three separate things.
- Speech is how your child speaks. This includes clarity, prosody and articulation.
- Language is understanding and expressing meaning. Understanding what is being said and putting your thoughts into words and sentences.
- Communication is the overall skills. This includes eye contact, gestures, turn taking and understanding when someone is losing interest.
Your child may have difficulty with one area, whilst the others are okay. Knowing what area your child struggles with will help to decide what type of therapy they will need.
When would my child benefit from speech therapy?
Most children develop at different rates. However, if they have missed a milestone it is worth getting them assessed. Generally if they:
- Have limited vocabulary/lost words
- Are difficult to understand
- Appear not to understand simple instructions
- Have a stutter or are blocking
- Difficulties with eating or swallowing
- Difficulties with conversation or making friends.
Having one of these issues occasionally is normal. However, if they have several issues or have stopped making progress it is worth getting them looked at.
What happens at the assessment?
The initial appointment will be an assessment. Firstly we will ask questions to gain an insight into your child. The answers steer our next steps. Have they had any early ear infections? This can affect their ability to hear clearly. What languages do they hear?
We will then observe your child. We will look at how they understand language, use language, play and turn take. We will also look at their listening skills and oral motor skills (lips, tongue and jaw). We will also look at any motor, sensory, emotional and cognitive issues where relevant. Communication issues rarely occur on their own.
We will provide you with feedback in simple terms and let you know what we are unsure of. We will not begin anything until we have agreed what the goals are.
What will therapy involve?
With younger children therapy will look like play. We can use role play to teach new vocabulary, turn taking and listening within 10 minutes. They will just think they are playing shops!
Depending on the assessment the child will receive different types of therapy. At Catalyst we have trained therapists using PROMPT and OPT (feeding and speech), sensory based play therapy, relationship based, developmental and behavioural based. We also use PECS and Avaz for children with limited or no speech. We do not use all of these. Most children will require one or two types of therapy. As they progress the therapy will vary.
Common parental concerns:
“Maybe he’ll grow out of it.”
Whilst some children will catch up many will not. The early years are the easiest time for children to learn to speak. An assessment will give you a clearer idea of what is happening.
‘We speak two languages at home.’
Having two languages (Malayalam and English) will not cause a speech delay. We will tailor the therapy to what languages they are hearing.
“Picture cards will stop her talking.”
Often parents are worried about using PECS or Avaz. Usually we see less frustration and increased attempts to communicate, including verbal.
Parental involvement:
A therapist sees your child for just a few hours each week. Most of the work happens at home with family, whether that be during meal times, bath times or the school run. You will leave with small activities to try. Usually a few minutes a day will make more difference than a long session. You are always welcome to stay in the room and ask why we are doing what we are.
Speech Therapy at Catalyst Kottayam
Our centre (Adichira) specialises in complex speech and language needs. We also offer occupational therapy and special education. This means all the therapists working with your child will be sharing notes. We will not have to repeat the same story. If you struggle to come weekly we can offer tele therapy. We also have families from Kochi, Ernakulam and beyond.
Whilst we cannot guarantee your child will speak by a certain date (no one can!), we can offer you a clear assessment, honest updates and flexible plan.
FAQ:
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. Many families come in with a concern.
How young can my child be?
There is no minimum age. If you are concerned about your toddler please come in for an assessment.
How long will therapy take?
It varies from child to child, and it hinges on the goals we set together. We will give you a realistic timeframe.
Book an assessment
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech it is worth coming in. Please call/email us at Catalyst Centre for Speech Therapy and we can book you in.