Does my child need speech therapy, and if so, how does it help?
Many of you have heard of speech therapy or know of a child who sees a ‘speech
teacher’ in school, but you may not be aware of the many services that speech therapists
can offer in various settings. Speech-language pathologists are certified and licensed by
the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). For pediatrics, the most
common settings are in a private practice, a school, or in an outpatient hospital facility.
The following is an overview of the areas targeted in speech therapy.
Articulation/Oral Motor Skills: This is for children who have difficulty producing
specific speech sounds that most of their peers can already produce. A speech-language
pathologist may use a variety of oral motor exercises, picture stimulus cards, and
sometimes speech games to target sounds that are difficult to produce. The can be done
in an individual or group setting.
Language: Some children have delayed vocabulary or difficulty with syntax or
grammar, which can have a negative impact on their spontaneous communication and
academic readiness skills. Through lessons, stories, and language games, we work on
increasing overall vocabulary and grammar skills.
Voice: At times a child may have difficulty with prolonged vocal hoarseness and may
need to learn how to use his or her voice without harming the vocal chords. We teach
them strategies and safe ways to use their voice. Prior to voice therapy, an ENT or
otolaryngologist must first diagnose the voice disorder and prescribe speech therapy.
Fluency therapy: Dysfluency occurs when a sound, word, or phrase is repeated or
prolonged while speaking. Fluency therapy provides strategies to help children produce
smoother speech.
Auditory Processing and Comprehension: Sometimes children have difficulty
understanding spoken language, such as following verbal directions, or comprehending
and recalling details. Here we work on listening skills, problem solving skills, and teach
children strategies to help improve overall listening skills.
Pragmatics/Play Skills: Children who exhibit difficulty interacting with peers or
demonstrate inappropriate play skills may benefit from a group setting to help facilitate
social language. Here we target using language to initiate play and/or conversation,
maintaining social interactions, and using language to problem solve and negotiate with
peers.
Perhaps you have concerns regarding your child’s speech and language
development? Here are some general warning signs to look out for:
If your child has a diagnosis of cleft palate, apraxia, hearing loss, developmental delay or
autism, and is currently not receiving any speech therapy services.
If your child has difficulty pronouncing multiple speech sounds and is often very difficult
to understand.
If your child is relying more on nonverbal communication (pointing, grabbing, yelling,
etc.) than using words/phrases to communicate basic wants and needs.
If your child is exhibiting frustration or behaviors because he/she has difficulty
expressing himself/herself verbally.
If your child’s speech and language skills have not improved over the past six months.
If your child’s play skills or social interactions with you or family members seem to be
inappropriate.
If your child is consistently repeating sounds or words (stuttering).
If your child’s voice sounds especially hoarse or breathy, or uses an inappropriate pitch
(refer to an otolaryngologist/ENT prior to speech therapy).
If you have any of these concerns regarding your child’s speech and language
development, you can contact an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. Your
child’s pediatrician can also be of assistance in recommending speech therapy. Any
concerns regarding your child’s hearing should be directed towards an ASHA certified
audiologist.
A speech-language pathologist typically assesses a child’s communication using a
combination of formal and informal measures, including but not limited to:
administering standardized speech and language tests; gathering parent input; observing
the child’s social interactions/conversation and play skills; looking at a child’s oral motor
structures and functioning (muscles of the mouth & speech articulators); and gathering an
informal language sample by engaging the child in communication.
Recommendations for speech therapy vary based on the type and severity of the disorder.
Typically therapy sessions last at least a half hour, and can vary in frequency from once
weekly to multiple times per week. Some types of therapy benefit from being targeted in
a group setting, such as improving social interactions and play skills.
Kerry Alexander is a licensed speech and language pathology specialist working with
children with autism, oral motor of feeding challenges, phonological process
development, apraxia, developmental and language delays, and auditory challenges. To
learn more about specific programs offered at Kids’ Therapy Center or to speak with
Kerry, please call 973-616-8300.