Language: one of the primary ways that we communicate with those around us. So, what should you do if you notice your child struggling?
Learn about the early signs of a speech or language disorder and the next steps to take if you notice your child exhibiting any of the signs.
Common Signs
Early signs differ based on the specific speech or language disorder. However, these are common signs to look for that may be early signs of a speech or language disorder:
• Limited vocabulary for age.
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people.
• Difficulty understanding what others say or following directions.
• Difficulty verbalizing what they want or need.
• Difficulty putting words together to make a sentence.
• Difficulty with speech fluency (a stutter).
• Delayed developmental milestones.
• Difficulty with reading and/or writing.
• Does not smile or interact with others.
• Hearing loss.
If you notice your child exhibiting one or more of the above signs, talk to your child’s pediatrician sooner rather than later. If they determine that speech therapy is necessary or would be beneficial for your child, they will provide a referral to a speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist.
“Early intervention is so important,” shares Bridget Klein, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech therapist at ProMedica Total Rehab - Fostoria. “It helps the child to learn a skill accurately rather than letting them learn a skill incorrectly and then having to break that habit.”
Diagnosis
After you receive a referral from your child’s pediatrician, the speech therapist will perform an initial evaluation of your child by gathering information from the parent/guardian, observing their speech and actions, and performing a standardized speech test. The therapist will then provide a diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan and goals for your child.
Treatment
Treatment varies for each speech/language disorder. The speech therapist follows evidence-based practices and will consider the specific disorder, the signs the child is exhibiting, the child’s learning style, age and interests when developing their treatment plan.
No matter the treatment plan, it’s important to keep speech and language therapy child-centered. “Kids learn much more through play than they do sitting down with a structured task,” Ms. Klein explains.
“Combining play and speech therapy is a great way to make therapy fun and interesting to them.”
If you have a speech or language concern, Ms. Klein urges to not just wait it out. “Bring it up to your child’s pediatrician. Even if you think it’s silly, it might not be. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she adds.
First Published December 18, 2022, 5:00 a.m.
