Does My Child Need Speech Therapy
In the early years of their lives, children undergo remarkable development, mastering skills like crawling, sitting, walking, and exploring new foods and toys. Alongside these physical milestones, they also embark on a journey of communication development. This includes acquiring speech sounds, understanding language (receptive language), and using language (expressive language), all of which occur at varying ages and are termed as ‘Communication Milestones’. If parents notice their child encountering difficulties in reaching these milestones, seeking guidance from a speech pathologist is recommended.
Many devoted parents find themselves pondering the question, “Does my child need speech therapy?” This question may arise when a child enters preschool, daycare, or their initial school year. These milestones often lead families to contemplate the most effective ways to support their children in educational environments.
Yet, as a parent, distinguishing between typical development and potential areas of concern can be challenging. Let’s explore the common signs that indicate it may be beneficial to seek guidance and assistance from a Speech Pathologist.
1. Your child’s speech and language skills are regressing:
Language regression in toddlers and children occurs when they appear to ‘lose’ previously acquired skills. For instance, a child who was babbling may become notably quiet, or one who was using several words may revert to using only a few. While temporary regression is common during busy periods, such as moving house or mastering new skills like walking, persistent regression lasting more than three months warrants consultation with a speech pathologist for guidance.
2. Your child’s speech is difficult to understand:
Children develop their speech sounds at varying stages, spanning from toddlerhood through ages 7 to 8. During the early years, they often simplify their speech while learning to communicate. However, if a child struggles with clarity and is challenging to understand, seeking assistance from a speech pathologist can aid them in acquiring speech sounds appropriate for their age.
3. Your child struggles to follow instructions:
Navigating instructions in childhood can be quite intricate! When you ask your child to perform a task, it entails several steps: listening to the instruction, comprehending the language, retaining it in memory, grasping the required action, and being motivated to execute it. If you observe challenges in your child’s ability to follow directions, whether at home or in school, it could signal struggles with language comprehension, memory, or attention. Consulting a speech pathologist can be beneficial as they can evaluate your child’s receptive language (their understanding of language) to identify any underlying issues causing these difficulties.
4. Your child is struggling with fluency (stuttering) when talking:
Around 18-24 months of age, many toddlers undergo what’s termed as ‘natural dysfluencies’ as their language skills begin to blossom. However, if these dysfluencies persist beyond a few weeks, it could signal the onset of stuttering, prompting a visit to a speech pathologist. Research suggests that initiating stuttering intervention early yields better outcomes for children.
5. Your child has difficulty interacting with others:
Children naturally develop their social communication skills at varying paces, and some may inherently be more sociable than others. Nevertheless, there are discernible indicators that suggest challenges in social development. You might observe that your child predominantly prefers solitary play over interacting with peers. Additionally, during interactions, they may struggle with turn-taking or sharing toys. Your child might also exhibit rigidity in play preferences, accompanied by strong reactions if routines are disrupted. Consulting a speech pathologist can assist in identifying potential concerns in this area and collaboratively working towards overcoming challenges associated with social communication.
6. Your child is not achieving their developmental communication milestones:
While children may differ in their speech and language acquisition, there are available guidelines to gauge if your child’s communication skills align with their age. If you’re questioning whether your child might require speech therapy or support, we’ve got you covered! Visit our resources page for downloadable materials to assist in determining whether consulting a speech pathologist is necessary. We understand that deciding whether your child would benefit from seeing a Speech Pathologist can be perplexing and uncertain for devoted parents. The A Growing Understanding team is here to provide support as you navigate these decisions.