Helping your child find their voice: a guide to speech therapy for kids

“Helping your child find their voice: a guide to speech therapy for kids” is a collaborative post. Image by freepik.

Every child is unique, as is their journey in learning to communicate. This journey requires extra help for some children, particularly in developing speech and language skills. If you’re a parent or caregiver noticing that your child is struggling with speech, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of speech therapy. 

Today, we will demystify the process, offering insight into how speech therapy works, the signs that might indicate your child needs it, and what you can do to support your child’s speech development.

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is a specialised field that focuses on helping individuals improve their communication skills. This can involve various activities designed to enhance speech, language, voice, fluency, and even nonverbal communication for children. Speech therapists, or speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are trained professionals who work with children to address various speech and language disorders, including articulation problems, stuttering, and difficulties understanding or using language.

The aim of online speech therapy is to improve a child’s ability to speak clearly and ensure they can express themselves, understand others, and engage in social interactions effectively. It’s about helping children find their voice—literally and figuratively.

Signs your child might need speech therapy

It’s important to remember that children develop at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered “normal” in speech and language development. However, sure signs may indicate that a child could benefit from speech therapy:

1. Delayed Speech: If your child isn’t using words by 18 months or isn’t forming simple sentences by age two, it could be a sign of delayed speech development.
2. Limited Vocabulary: If your child’s vocabulary is significantly smaller than their peers, it might indicate a language delay.
3. Difficulty Understanding Language: If your child struggles to follow directions, understand questions, or grasp the meaning of words, they might have a receptive language issue.
4. Speech Sound Errors: If your child has trouble pronouncing certain sounds or is difficult to understand, they might have an articulation disorder.
5. Stuttering: Frequent interruptions in speech, such as repeating sounds or syllables, prolonged sounds, or blocks where no sound comes out, can be signs of a fluency disorder.
6. Social Communication Issues: If your child struggles with using language in social situations, such as understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, or maintaining eye contact, they might benefit from therapy focusing on pragmatic (social) language skills.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult your child’s paediatrician, who may refer you to a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation.

The speech therapy process

Once you’ve decided to pursue speech therapy, the first step is typically a comprehensive evaluation. This assessment helps the SLP understand your child’s specific challenges and strengths. The evaluation may include standardised tests, parent interviews, and observations of your child in different settings.

After the assessment, the SLP will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan will outline specific goals, such as improving articulation of certain sounds, expanding vocabulary, or enhancing social communication skills.

Types of speech therapy techniques

Speech therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The techniques the SLP uses will vary depending on your child’s age, speech and language difficulties, and individual preferences and needs. Here are some common approaches:

1. Articulation Therapy: This technique focuses on helping children produce specific sounds correctly. The SLP might demonstrate how to make the sound, provide visual and tactile cues, and use repetition and practice to reinforce correct pronunciation.
2. Language Intervention Activities: These activities aim to improve your child’s understanding and use of language. The SLP might engage your child in play-based activities, storytelling, or conversation to build vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension.
3. Oral-Motor Therapy: For children with speech sound disorders, oral-motor therapy may strengthen the muscles of the mouth, lips, and tongue. This can involve exercises like blowing bubbles, using a straw, or practising specific movements.
4. Fluency Shaping and Stuttering Modification: For children who stutter, the SLP may use techniques to help them speak more fluently, such as slowing down their speech, using easy onsets, and reducing physical tension.
5. Social Communication Therapy: For children with social communication difficulties, therapy might focus on teaching social skills, such as taking turns in conversation, understanding body language, and recognising social cues.
6. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC can be a valuable tool for children who struggle with verbal communication. This might include using picture boards, sign language, or speech-generating devices to help the child communicate.

When to expect results

The timeline for progress in speech therapy varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the speech or language disorder, the child’s age, and the frequency and consistency of therapy. Some children may show improvement within a few months, while others may require longer-term intervention. It’s important to stay patient and keep in mind that every child progresses at their own pace.

Final thoughts

Helping your child find their voice through speech therapy is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and collaboration. Understanding the signs that might indicate a need for speech therapy, working closely with an SLP, and providing support at home can play a vital role in your child’s speech and language development. 

Remember, the goal is to improve your child’s ability to speak clearly and help them express themselves confidently and engage fully in the world around them. With the right support, every child can find their voice.