Speech Therapy Success
By Laura Moreira
Why Speech Therapy?
The ability to communicate is central to children’s development. Self-concept, relationships, learning and reasoning are largely dependent upon language. So when a child isn’t communicating or is struggling to express herself she needs support.
The single most important factor for speech therapy success is early intervention. If you suspect a speech delay, you’re probably right. If a teacher suggests there may be a problem, follow up on it. Don’t wait for your child to grow out of it. Arrange for a speech and language evaluation.
Many people resist that simple step.
Parents often tell me, “But he’s really smart!” I believe it. Most of my clients, even those with severe challenges, have average intelligence. The point of that initial evaluation isn’t to prove something is “wrong” with your child. It’s to give him a jump on overcoming obstacles to communication which may interfere with social connection and academic development. The sooner the better.
To determine whether your child would benefit from a speech and language evaluation check the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
What issues are addressed in speech therapy?
ARTICULATION: Speech clarity. If your two year old isn’t putting two words together, if you can’t understand most of what he’s saying, or are the only one who does, it’s time for a speech evaluation.
LANGUAGE: Comprehension, the development of vocabulary and grammar, being able to recall and say what they know and the ability to tell what happened or explain something. Persistent academic struggles are often the result of language disorder. It is an invisible disorder that, left untreated, has severe, lifelong consequences.
PRAGMATIC FUNCTION: The ability to use language to accomplish goals and interact with others. Children with pragmatic deficits often “miss the point” or take expressions of speech literally. The things that most kids seem to learn through osmosis, the things they just know, are mysteries for children with pragmatic disorders. Pragmatic deficit, untreated, has profound negative impacts on self-concept, relationships, academic success and eventually, professional life.
STUTTERING: The good news about stuttering is that 65% of kids who develop it grow out of it. However those who don’t have a life-long challenge. If you’re concerned don’t wait. Have your child evaluated by a speech therapist. Information and support is available.
What if your child is referred for speech therapy?
This is an opportunity, not a tragedy. Embrace the process, don’t leave it to the professionals.
After early intervention, the most important factor in the success of speech therapy is “intensity”. This doesn’t mean working really hard. It means practicing frequently. Parents who practice with their children are bringing their new skills home and into their lives. Parents who are in on the process know what to do, how to do it and why.
Think of the speech therapist as a guide.
Nobody is better suited than you to improve your child’s communication skills. You don’t have to do speech therapy sessions at home. Look for fun ways to incorporate speech goals in daily life. The bathtub is an ideal place. So is the car. Daily activities, a walk to the park, story time, coloring, all provide great speech and language opportunities. Parents are ingenious at coming up with strategies and fun tricks. Believe me, I steal every good idea parents tell me about and this has improved my practice immeasurably.
Last words:
Put your relationship with your child first. Don’t let it be overwhelmed by developmental and education needs. Whatever the needs, and however much you want for your child, you’re his parent and that’s forever. Nothing’s more important than the bond and love you share.
I’m biased but I think speech therapy is really fun, often hilarious and always inspiring.
Laura Moreira is a Speech Language Pathologist with a thriving practice in New York City. The author of There Once Was A Kid Who… Limericks for Fun, Speech and Reading Fluency, she is passionate about opening up the line of communication with children. This remarkable book addresses articulation as well as childhood issues such as frustration, self regulation, homework and ball hogs with gentle humor. It is especially good for children who hate reading because they struggle with reading fluency. Laura is currently working on a series of stories about kids with special needs. Visit Laura at http://morspeech.com.
16 thoughts on “Speech Therapy Success”
I agree that early intervention is the best strategy but it’s never too late. I have two sons my oldest with a genius IQ, my youngest with an intellectual disability. Son 1 had a lisp, son 2 had all sorts of speech issues.
Both had speech therapy from an early age. The lisp was quickly solved. My second had a good few years of speech therapy until I thought he wasn’t benefiting any more. As a young adult his understanding is greater and he concentrates more so I started again and we’re getting good results. He’s now working on clarity and the pacing of his words.
With a child like him, it’s hard to measure progress but considering others with Fragile X Syndrome have no or very limited speech, I reckon the therapy did and continues to do wonders for him.
My pleasure. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share about this crucial topic.
Excellent article. Thanks for sharing this important information!
Thank you for reading.
3 of our 7 children were unable to speak so others could understand, until they were 7 or 8 or even older. I homeschooled all of my children until our youngest, Nathaniel, was 8. When they offered speech therapy at the school, we were glad to accept, because he already had several counts against him, as far as fitting in with his classmates. He enjoyed speech therapy, and by the following year he was speaking very well.
That is a wonderful success story.
Wow! Such great insight here. A cousin of mine had a speech impediment when we were growing up but he is fine now. Not sure if my aunt arranged some intervention but he may have been on of the lucky ones who grew out of it. Great post, and thank you for the knowledge!
Thank you, I’m always eager for people to become aware of speech language issues. Communication is central in all our lives.
What a great article. I totally agree. After spending 40 years in the classroom, I have seen the misery of some children who’s parents didn’t take up the suggestion pre-school days. If they had done so, the child would not be a victim of bullying, have a greater self-esteem and be generally happier with themselves. Unfortunately, some people tend to go with advice from well-meaning friends and don’t listen to their own hearts as to the correct solution.
A young mother I knew years ago took family advice instead of the school’s recommendation and refused speech therapy. It turned out her child had a severe combination of speech and language disorders. By the time he showed up at my door his language development was extremely delayed. When she had a second child she was so zealous about language enrichment.
Our oldest was speech delayed and we ended up with a therapist for a couple years. Did wonders to bring her around and would definitely recommend it to others.
I’m so glad you made that choice. Isn’t it wonderful to see your child’s ability to express herself develop and blossom? You gave her a real boost that will help her engage with people and facilitate her learning.
I’m a believer in speech therapy. My son has dygraphia and speech problems, diagnosed in 3rd grade. His words would be slurred, rushed, difficult to understand. The speech therapist provided him with strategies for fixing that which he uses to this day (he’s 26). I still notice him automatically articulating words.
She’s a hero to me.
That’s wonderful to hear. His SLP would be thrilled. Some people expect a cure. But it is strategies and techniques that carry us through. Your son clearly recognized that.
I agree. It’s very important that you nurture a strong relationship with your child.
That’s true. Most parents start to notice speech delay when their child is around the age of two. Unfortunately, the advice they get from relatives and pediatricians is all too often, wait and see, he’ll grow out of it. It’s well intended but NOT good advice.