Clearing Up Speech Therapy
If you are considering speech therapy for your child, you are not alone. Many parents consider the potential impact speech therapy could have on a child. In fact, speech therapy can be a beneficial part of life for many young people.
These are some of the questions people often have about speech therapy and what is involved in the process.
What Does Speech Therapy Do?
Speech therapy offers a number of helpful benefits. For example, children in speech therapy learn how to build the muscles necessary to speak clearly and confidently. This helps them build the muscles necessary for articulation and volume of speech.
Speech therapy also teaches children when and how to communicate. In some cases, children need to be motivated to learn to speak. This can be accomplished by using songs and music or by encouraging children to ask for the things they want.
Therapy helps with concerns like pitch, volume, quality, and straining. Therapists help children articulate and communicate in social settings. Additionally, therapists help children who might have eating and swallowing impairments that impact their ability to eat or speak safely.
What Happens During Speech Therapy?
The activities and techniques a therapist uses will vary based on the child's progress and age. The therapist might use sign language, typing, picture boards, and body language as part of therapy. Additionally, therapy might include exercising the facial muscles and building awareness of speech.
Therapy might include activities like reading aloud or describing things. The therapist will assess your child's needs and determine what goals you and your child have. The goal will be to make a plan specific to your child to ensure that they can speak and listen with care.
Who Benefits From Speech Therapy?
Children of all ages benefit from speech therapy. Even very young children benefit from therapy. For example, babies and toddlers can learn to wave and make vocalizations. Babies can also respond to communication, like funny faces.
Older children build on this foundation, learning to speak and listen. All children who might need some extra help benefit from speech therapy.
What Should You Do Next?
Whether you received a referral for your child to attend speech therapy, or you want to make an appointment to ensure that your child is in good hands, it is important that you consult with a professional. A therapist can help you make the right choice for your child.
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