Speech Therapy For Children: What To Consider

Speech therapy can be a huge benefit for many children who have trouble communicating, but often, parents aren’t sure when to start the process. Every child develops at a different rate, hitting various milestones at their own pace, but this chart from LD Online can help parents figure out when, in general, their child should be hitting those milestones. Some toddlers don’t communicate verbally as much as others, but if this goes on past the age of three or is accompanied by other behaviors — such as frustration when trying to speak or an inability to pronounce simple words correctly — it may be time to seek the help of a professional.

There are many different types of speech therapy options available for children of all ages. Start by talking to your pediatrician to get a good idea of where your child should be with her progression, and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion from another doctor. If you feel comfortable with the diagnosis and want to pursue a therapist, set up an appointment to get to know them. It’s important that you feel good about their work and that you’re familiar with their practices before you set up therapy sessions.

The Speech & Language Center explains there are also many things you can do at home with your child to help her learn and grow.

Do some research

It’s important to do some research on the therapist you choose so you can familiarize yourself with their background. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their methods, where they went to school, and what you can expect from a typical session. The more you can find out about what to expect, the more you can put your mind at ease and help reduce stress in your child. Visit The Speech & Language Center website or give us a call to learn more about our services.

Professional Services

If your child requires speech therapy, it's essential to understand your health insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for speech therapy, but the extent of coverage may vary depending on your policy. If you find that your current plan is not sufficient, consider exploring alternative options on the healthcare exchange or through private insurers. While this process may require a bit of research and comparison shopping, a better insurance plan can provide greater access to quality speech therapy services without breaking the bank. Don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider or healthcare professionals for guidance in navigating this process. With the right coverage, you can ensure that your child receives the care they need to thrive.

Utilize music

One of the many benefits of music is that it can help make communication a little easier for children. Speech Buddies points out that an easy way to help your child at home is to have music time every day in which you can play fun or silly songs that use a lot of words.

Rhyming is wonderful, especially for younger kids. Encourage your child to sing along or even write her own silly song with your help, and don’t forget to dance at the same time! Dancing is another form of expression that can help frustrated kids relieve stress, according to the Georgetown Behavorial Health Institute.

Play games

Playing games with your child is a great way to get her to open up and use language, and there are many games that can be done just about anywhere. While you’re grocery shopping, play a rhyming game with your child and encourage her to jump in when she spots something on a shelf that fits in, or utilize board games that will help your child use language to her advantage, such as Guess Who? You can also download games and apps on your smartphone. Turning it into a game can make the process less of a chore for your little one.

Consider the impacts of bilingualism

If your family speaks more than one language, your child may benefit from a different approach to speech therapy, so it’s important to bring this up to her doctor or therapist. While studies have shown that bilingualism doesn’t have a negative effect on children when it comes to speech delays, it may help reduce confusion and allow your child to progress more smoothly if the pathologist can take both languages into account.

Speech therapy can greatly benefit your child, but taking certain things into consideration first will help to ease both your minds and reduce any stress that accompanies this new territory. With a little planning, you and your child can go into this new learning journey with confidence.

Written by contributing author: Elijah Dawson http://lookforjobshere.com/