Pediatric Speech Therapy
Every parent wants their child to have the best possible start in life. Unfortunately, some children face obstacles that can make it difficult for them to reach their full potential. One of the most common problems is speech delay, which can impact a child's ability to communicate effectively.
Speech therapy is a type of intervention that can help children with speech delays improve their communication skills. We specifically work with children on:
- Articulation
- Auditory processing
- Mechanical feeding
- Speech / voice
- Comprehension
- Expression
- Social / pragmatics
With regular sessions, speech therapy can make a big difference in a child's life, improving their communication skills, and helping them reach their full potential.
How Do You Know if Your Child Needs Speech Therapy?
You may be wondering how to know if your child needs speech therapy. Here are five signs that may indicate your child would benefit from seeing a speech therapist:
- Your child has difficulty saying certain sounds – If your little one is having trouble making specific sounds, such as "s" or "r", this could be a sign that they need speech therapy.
- Your child started talking late – Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child is significantly behind their peers in terms of language development, it may be time to seek out speech therapy services.
- Your child uses nonspecific words – If your toddler points to a dog and says, "that thing" instead of "dog", this could be an indication that they need help with language development.
- Your child has trouble following directions – If your child has difficulty understanding and carrying out simple instructions, they may need speech therapy.
- Your child seems frustrated or withdrawn – If your child is exhibiting signs of frustration due to their difficulty communicating, or if they seem to be withdrawing from social situations, speech therapy could help them learn the skills they need to communicate effectively and feel more confident in social settings.
What to Expect
Children enrolled in speech therapy can expect to participate in a variety of activities designed to improve their communication skills. These may include practicing sounds and words, learning to follow directions, and participating in conversations. The therapist will also work on developing the child's ability to understand and use nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions.
Throughout the sessions, the therapist will provide feedback and encouragement to help the child make progress. By working on these skills, children can learn to communicate more effectively and confidently.
Different Types of Speech Disorders That Children Have
Speech disorders can be broadly divided into two categories: problems with articulation and problems with fluency.
Articulation disorders involve difficulty making certain sounds, while fluency disorders involve issues with the flow of speech, such as stuttering.
Children can also have a voice disorder, which is characterized by an abnormal pitch, volume, or quality of the voice. Although speech disorders are relatively common, there is a wide range in severity.
We would be happy to discuss your child's individual needs and goals and answer any questions you may have. Come to H2 Health: Where every child deserves a chance to shine. Contact us at (800) 699-9395. Find our nearest location to get the services you need.
