Speech Therapy 101
What Parents Need to Know
If you’ve recently noticed that your child is struggling with speech or language skills, you may be wondering if speech therapy is the right solution. It’s natural to have questions about what speech therapy involves, how it works, and how you can support your child during this process. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of speech therapy, what to expect, and how it can help your child develop important communication skills.
What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is a specialized service designed to help children (and adults) improve their speech, language, and communication skills. A speech-language pathologist (SLP), sometimes called a speech therapist, works with children to address a wide range of challenges related to speaking, listening, understanding language, and social communication.
Speech therapy is not just about helping a child speak more clearly—it’s about improving their ability to express themselves, understand others, and communicate effectively in all areas of life. Whether your child is struggling with articulation (pronouncing words clearly), understanding complex instructions, or socializing with peers, speech therapy can provide the support they need.
When Should You Consider Speech Therapy?
Every child develops language skills at their own pace, but there are certain milestones and red flags that may signal the need for additional support. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be a good idea to consult a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation:
Delayed speech: Your child is significantly behind in speaking or understanding language compared to peers.
Difficulty pronouncing words: At an age where other children have mastered basic sounds, your child’s speech is still unclear or difficult to understand.
Challenges with social communication: Struggling to engage in conversations, make eye contact, or understand social cues (e.g., taking turns, understanding emotions).
Limited vocabulary: Your child has a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age or has trouble recalling words.
Frequent stuttering: Difficulty with fluency (repeating sounds, words, or phrases) that doesn’t seem to resolve on its own.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development, early intervention is key. The earlier speech therapy begins, the better the outcomes tend to be for children facing communication challenges.
What Happens During Speech Therapy?
If you decide to move forward with speech therapy, here's what you can expect:
1. Assessment and Evaluation
The first step in speech therapy is an assessment. This may involve:
Standardized tests to measure speech and language skills.
Observations of how your child communicates in different settings.
Parent questionnaires or interviews to gather information about your child’s speech history, developmental milestones, and family concerns.
This evaluation helps the speech-language pathologist (SLP) understand the specific areas where your child needs help. Based on the assessment, they will develop a personalized therapy plan tailored to your child’s needs.
2. Personalized Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions are typically one-on-one between your child and the speech therapist, although in some cases, group therapy may be recommended. Each session will focus on specific goals—whether that’s improving articulation, expanding vocabulary, or enhancing social communication skills.
For younger children, therapy often feels more like play than formal instruction. The SLP may use toys, books, games, and music to engage your child and make learning fun. For older children, the therapist may incorporate more structured activities, such as role-playing or using worksheets to target specific language skills.
3. Setting Goals and Tracking Progress
Speech therapy is goal-oriented. The SLP will work with you and your child to set clear, measurable goals based on the assessment. Progress is tracked over time, and the therapist will adjust the plan as needed to ensure that your child is making steady improvements.
Common speech therapy goals might include:
Articulation Goals: "By the end of the term, the child will be able to produce the 'r' sound correctly in words with 80% accuracy."
Language Goals: "The child will be able to follow multi-step instructions and answer questions about a story with 90% accuracy."
Social Communication Goals: "The child will initiate and maintain a conversation with a peer for at least 3 exchanges in 4 out of 5 trials."
How Can Parents Support Speech Therapy at Home?
You play a critical role in supporting your child’s speech therapy progress. While your child’s therapist will be doing the heavy lifting in terms of direct intervention, there are many things you can do at home to reinforce skills and encourage progress.
Here are some simple ways to get involved:
1. Practice Speech Goals Regularly
Ask your child’s therapist for specific activities or exercises you can do together at home. Even just a few minutes a day of practicing sounds, vocabulary, or social conversations can make a big difference.
2. Create a Language-Rich Environment
Surround your child with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations. Reading together, narrating your activities, or asking open-ended questions can help build vocabulary and comprehension. Encourage your child to express themselves, even if they struggle with the words—they’ll appreciate the encouragement.
3. Use Visual Supports
Many children benefit from visual aids, such as picture charts or flashcards, to help them understand new words or concepts. You can create these at home or ask your child’s SLP for resources to support learning.
4. Be Patient and Positive
Speech development can take time, and progress may not always be linear. Celebrate small victories, and try not to get discouraged by setbacks. Your positive reinforcement will boost your child’s confidence and motivation to continue working on their skills.
5. Incorporate Therapy into Daily Routines
Children often learn best when they can practice skills in real-life settings. Use everyday situations—like meal times, shopping, or playing with siblings—as opportunities to work on speech goals. For example, you can practice asking for things politely, describing items, or telling stories.
What Should You Expect in Terms of Duration and Frequency?
The frequency and duration of speech therapy depend on your child’s specific needs. Some children may only need therapy for a few months, while others may benefit from ongoing support for a longer period.
Typically, therapy sessions are scheduled once or twice a week, though some children may require more frequent sessions. Your child’s speech-language pathologist will work with you to establish a timeline for therapy, set realistic goals, and monitor progress.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Child Through Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is a powerful tool to help children develop the communication skills they need to succeed academically, socially, and in life. Whether your child is having trouble pronouncing words, understanding language, or engaging in conversations, speech therapy offers personalized strategies to improve their abilities.
As a parent, it’s important to be involved in the process—supporting therapy goals at home and being patient as your child works toward improving their skills. With early intervention, dedicated support, and a collaborative approach between you, your child, and their speech therapist, your child can make tremendous strides in their speech and language development.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced speech-language pathologists and find out how speech therapy can help your child thrive!
