5 Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy (And What to Do About It)

As a parent, it’s natural to eagerly anticipate each milestone in your child's development, especially when it comes to speech and language. But, what happens when things don't go as expected? Recognising the early signs of speech and language delays can sometimes feel daunting. Luckily, with the right information and support, you can help set your child on the path to effective communication. Here’s a straightforward guide to identifying potential speech issues and understanding how speech therapy, like the services provided at Each Speech Pear Plum, can make a profound difference.

Limited Vocabulary

What to Look Out For:

For young children, especially those between 18 to 24 months, a significant and noticeable marker is their vocabulary growth. By the age of 2, most children have about 50 to 100 words and are starting to put two words together to form phrases. If you notice that your child uses fewer words than peers or struggles to add new words to their vocabulary, it might be a sign to take a closer look.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Speech therapists engage in play-based activities that not only make the session fun but are also meticulously designed to boost vocabulary acquisition. Techniques are tailored to interest the child, making learning spontaneous and immersed in play.

Challenges in Understanding Prepositions and Simple Directions

What to Look Out For:

By the age of 3, children should begin to understand and follow simple directions and grasp spatial concepts like 'in', 'on', and 'under'. Difficulty in doing so could suggest issues with receptive language skills (the ability to understand information).

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Therapists can employ targeted activities to reinforce these concepts consistently. In sessions at Each Speech Pear Plum, we create engaging, context-rich scenarios that allow children to naturally absorb and use these linguistic structures.

Problems with Pronunciation That Do Not Improve Over Time

What to Look Out For:

It's usual for young children to have some difficulty with pronunciation. However, if your child's speech is often misunderstood by people outside the immediate family or hasn't improved as they’ve grown, it might be time for professional insight.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Speech therapists use a variety of techniques to improve articulation, depending on the child's specific needs. Therapy might include demonstrating how to produce certain sounds, strengthening the muscles used in speech, or practicing rhythm and flow of speech.

Difficulties in Social Communication

What to Look Out For:

Social communication skills are pivotal as they impact a child's ability to interact with peers and adults. Signs of struggle include difficulty making friends, limited interest in social interactions, or misunderstanding social cues.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Speech therapy sessions can be structured to simulate social scenarios and teach valuable interaction skills, using role-playing and real-play scenarios to build confidence and competency in social settings.

Stuttering or Repetitive Speech Patterns

What to Look Out For:

While some children go through phases where they might stutter, consistent or increasingly frequent stuttering should be addressed. Look for signs like repeating syllables, prolongation of sounds, or obvious frustration when trying to communicate.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Therapy for fluency issues involves strategies to control speech rate, breathing exercises, and techniques to create a smoother speech pattern. At Each Speech Pear Plum, we ensure that therapy sessions are positive and affirming, reducing anxiety around speech and promoting ease of communication.

What Should Parents Do Next?

If you notice one or more of these signs in your child, the first step is not to panic. Early intervention can be incredibly effective in supporting children to overcome speech and language hurdles. Here’s what you can do:

• Schedule an Assessment: Book a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified speech pathologist. At Each Speech Pear Plum, we offer detailed assessments that will provide you with a clear understanding of your child's strengths and areas that need support.

  
  

• Stay Engaged: Be actively involved in the therapy process. Understanding the strategies used and reinforcing them at home can make a significant difference.

  
  

• Patience and Positivity: Remember, progress can be gradual, and each small step forward is an achievement. Celebrate these with your child!