Does your Child Need Speech Therapy?

During their early years, children develop various skills that parents observe. These include crawling, sitting, walking, exploring new foods and toys, socialising with others, and developing communication skills.

Communication skills are a huge part of a child’s development during the first few years. Children learn to talk at different ages and achieve important communication milestones as they develop. When children begin to struggle with reaching these communication milestones, it may be time to seek guidance from a speech pathologist.

If you are wondering whether your child is displaying indicators of needing speech therapy or support, we have you covered! Explore our services to receive expert guidance from our Speech Pathologist in Melbourne. Our consultations are designed to provide valuable insights into your child’s growth, helping you make informed decisions.

How Do you Know if your Child Needs Speech Therapy?

Recognising whether your child needs speech therapy can be a concern for many parents. Communication skills are vital for a child’s social, emotional, and academic development. Speech therapy can address a wide range of issues, from articulation problems to language delays. Here are some signs that may indicate your child could benefit from speech therapy:

1.Delayed Speech Development

One of the most common signs is a delay in speech development. Children typically start saying their first words around 12 months and form two-word phrases by around 24 months. If your child is significantly behind these milestones, it might be a cause for concern.

2.Difficulty Pronouncing Sounds

Having difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or consistently substituting one sound for another could be a sign of a speech disorder, such as a phonological or articulation disorder. For instance, struggling with sounds like “r,” “l,” “s,” or “th” may be an indication that speech therapy is needed.

3.Limited Vocabulary

If your child has a limited vocabulary compared to peers of the same age, it could be a sign of a language delay. Speech therapy can help expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to express themselves.

4.Difficulty Understanding Spoken Language

Experiencing challenges in comprehending and correctly adhering to instructions could be indicative of a receptive language disorder. Children who have this difficulty might find it hard to understand what other people are saying. This can impact their learning and social interactions.

5.Trouble with Social Interaction

If your child struggles to participate in conversations, sustain eye contact, or interpret social cues, it could indicate a pragmatic language disorder. However, there is a solution. Speech therapy is a helpful tool for children to improve their social communication skills and navigate social interactions more easily. Don’t let this difficulty hold you back – with the right guidance, you can conquer it and thrive in your social life.

6.Difficulty with Reading and Writing

Language disorders can impact literacy skills, making it challenging for children to learn to read and write. Speech therapy can address underlying language difficulties that may be hindering academic progress.

7.Family History of Speech or Language Disorders

If there is a family history of speech or language disorders, your child may be at a higher risk. Regular monitoring of your child’s speech and language development can help identify potential issues early on.

What will our speech therapist do in your first appointment?

The speech pathologist will assess your child’s speech and language skills. We will gather important information about your child’s communication skills at home, school, and in the community. We will also ask questions about their development.

Our speech pathologist will assess the child’s speech skills through play or by examining pictures to determine if they are appropriate for their age in terms of speech sounds and the length of their sentences. The speech pathologist will check if the child can understand concepts and follow instructions appropriate for their age. The speech pathologist will give feedback on whether the child needs speech pathology intervention or if it would be helpful.

Conclusion:

Tumble & Nuts tailors your child’s speech pathology intervention program to the individual needs of your child to ensure that efficient and effective intervention is provided to every client.

If you would like one of our experienced speech therapists in Melbourne to meet your child and assess their language development, Contact our office today. We are eager to provide our assistance and support.