At What Age Should Speech Therapy Begin?

16 Aug At What Age Should Speech Therapy Begin?

When your child speaks their first words, it is a moment you will remember for a long time. However, not all children develop their speech and communication skills at the same pace. Parents may not understand much about speech therapy and neglect it or outright refuse to accept that their baby may have speech problems. However, as a parent, you have every reason to be concerned if you notice your youngster is not progressing in their early childhood development. Have you considered speech therapy?

When you engage Chicago’s best pediatric speech therapy center, you’ll find effective ways to help your little one overcome language disorders. It’s also worth mentioning that occupational therapists use speech therapy to help patients after severe injuries and trauma. While speech therapy generally benefits all children in developing their language skills, it can be difficult to tell if your child has speech problems at a young age. Fortunately, some signs immediately indicate that your baby needs the help of an expert. Here are some of them;

1. Your Child Does Not Babble

A healthy baby should start speaking with slurred sounds at six months. By 15 months, your child should express their first words and form simple sentences. Early childhood development programs recommend screening your toddler as early as 18 months. Starting as early as possible ensures that your baby develops language skills and stays ahead of others.
Note that children acquire their first speech sounds in different ways. It isn’t unusual for your child to be quiet and not respond to your efforts. You should consult a speech therapist if you do not notice any change.

2. Is Your Child Withdrawn?

Babies develop their speech and language by interacting with their environment early. Your baby learns to say words and make gestures by watching your movements. Does your child show interest when you talk or move?
A withdrawn baby will have a hard time managing early childhood development. Taking your child to a speech therapist as early as possible would be best. As your baby gets older, withdrawal symptoms are easy to recognize. Social withdrawal symptoms are more pronounced in preschool-aged children because they interact in a different environment than at home. Your child’s therapist will know the best therapy techniques to bring them out of their withdrawn state.

3. Your Youngster Doesn’t Gesticulate

Your baby should be in a bubble of activity when you’re around. Even at a young age, a healthy kid makes several hand and body gestures when trying to communicate. They mimic your body movements and learn to understand them as visual signals.
A lack of gestures could indicate a more severe speech problem as your child ages. Gestures are an essential form of communication because they help your baby develop speech and language skills. Parents who fail to notice this should contact an appropriate pediatric therapist as soon as possible.

4. Sound Pronunciation And Forming Simple Sentences

Some parents do not think about the long-term effects of speech and language problems. Does your baby have a hard time pronouncing certain sounds? For example, sounds like p, b, m, and h may be challenging to pronounce at age 1 or 2. Children aged 3 to 5 may have difficulty pronouncing certain words and making verbal requests. Remember that your child is unique and learns at their own pace.
However, it is frustrating and worrisome when your child has difficulty communicating. Rest assured. Speech therapists are familiar with early childhood development issues and know how to best help your baby.

Simple Techniques To Improve Your Child’s Speech And Language

You have a lot on your plate, whether you work in an office or at home. Stressful work life and busy schedule force some parents to attend daycare or hire a babysitter. While modern daycare centers focus on early childhood development and may offer speech therapy programs, there’s plenty you can do at home.
These speech therapy techniques will help you bond with your kid and improve comunication skills.

Read To Your Child As Often As Possible

Remember when you could not fall asleep until your mom or dad read you a bedtime story? It seems like a simple thing to do. But reading aloud has many benefits for early childhood development.
It encourages your child’s interest in speech and language from an early age. Plus, your child will respond more positively to the sound of your voice and your gestures. Try to make your read-aloud sessions as fun and lively as possible. Look for good children’s books and have your babysitter continue the reading exercises when you are not at home.

Less Time In Front Of The TV

Parents often assume children improve their speech and language skills when watching TV. Even though some TV shows focus on content for young children, your child needs a healthier and more effective approach.
Language experts have recognized that watching TV or using a smartphone provides a more informal approach to improving your child’s speech and language skills. Your child doesn’t have to interact directly with TV programs. It will be challenging for toddlers with speech and language problems to socialize and become more withdrawn.
Therefore, turn off the TV and let your baby spend more time outdoors. Your child’s communication skills will improve as they interact with other children and participates in outdoor activities. We understand your parental concerns and worries. Your baby’s speech therapist can help you develop therapy exercises specific to your child’s speech and language problems. Remember that your youngster will rely heavily on your support. You should always motivate your baby and be patient if they are slow to make progress. Take small steps.
Find positive ways to encourage your baby by observing their progress and rewarding their efforts. Language development is a delicate stage in your little one’s life. Surrounding your youngster with role models can help build his confidence and social interaction skills.
Functional Speech Therapy Co. provides quality speech and feeding therapies for children with communication and feeding difficulties. We also offer training and consultation for families while serving the community around us. Want to learn more about us? Learn more about our solutions at https://functionalspeechtherapy.com/.

Functional Speech Therapy Co.,

960 Route 22, Unit 216 Fox River Grove Illinois 60021,

(224) 219-1924

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