Speech therapists help children who have difficulties with speech, such as stuttering, sound production, and sentence construction. Speech therapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, from community clinics and hospitals to schools for students with special needs and nursing homes.

The objectives of a pediatric speech therapist:

A pediatric speech therapist works with kids and teens to help them talk more clearly, become more expressive in other ways, and develop healthier social relationships. This may involve helping kids who have trouble communicating because of issues like dyslexia or a delay in their overall development. It could also involve teaching kids how to improve their speech or expand their vocabulary.

Following an evaluation of the child’s condition, tailored treatment plans are developed. If a kid has trouble communicating verbally, for instance, it might be helpful to teach them to sign language. Helping others with their reading, writing, or spelling may be necessary. Speech therapists help kids learn to talk and learn new words to help them communicate better.

Early assistance:

A little over 5% of respondents in a survey of almost 30,000 people reported having trouble communicating. In light of this, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if your child shows signs of speech or language difficulty.

It’s important to find out as much as possible about a speech therapist’s history before hiring them. Verify that they have worked in the field for some time, hold a relevant degree, and have expertise in this area. Inquire about the length and cost of the sessions, as well as what you can do to assist the child’s development. Choose a therapist who you feel will work well with you and your loved ones. If you want your child to get the best possible treatment, it’s important to know what a therapist does and is responsible for before you choose one.

The Function of a Speech Therapist

1. Conducting a detailed analysis of the speech disorder

Several distinct language and communication disorders exist. The primary role of a speech therapist is to evaluate a child with a speech disorder in order to determine the specific nature of the disorder and the best course of treatment. Standardized testing, observational scales, and your own feedback will all go into determining your child’s communicative strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of these tests is to gauge the child’s level of oral motor development, vocabulary, fluency, and phonological awareness.

2. Suggesting potential therapeutic measures

As soon as your speech problem is identified, your therapist will begin formulating a plan and investigating potential treatments. Articulation exercises are sometimes incorporated into treatment plans in addition to focusing on underlying causes. Auditory habilitation and auditory rehabilitation are two types of speech therapy that therapists may use to help children who are having trouble hearing. They also educate parents on the value of starting therapy early to help a child’s language and social skills flourish.

3. Implementing programs to correct speech disorders

The program is implemented based on the child’s baseline level of development in terms of speech and language abilities, as well as mental and physical growth. Since speech is innate and mostly automatic, gradually increasing the difficulty of his therapy sessions will help him build a solid foundation for his future communication skills. Patience and practice are essential in the field of speech therapy. Some children begin to show improvement in as little as a week, while others may take several months.

4. Giving parents access to at-home speech therapy exercises

Children see their speech therapists once a week for an average of two hours (this varies by treatment plan), but they remain in their parents’ care around the clock. The speech therapist’s job is to educate the parents on how they can help their child with speech and language therapy at home through activities like reading aloud, talking openly, and singing songs.

5. Keep an eye on the patient and see where things stand

An IEP (individual education plan) is a document used by speech therapists to track and report student progress to families. A competent speech therapist would routinely seek the parents’ opinions and comments. Once the therapy’s goals have been accomplished, the therapist will begin winding down the sessions.

Conclusion

About 2% to 3% of all students in elementary through high school have some form of language or speech disorder. They have the potential to hinder the kid’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills. In order to help your child communicate more clearly, speech therapy is recommended. Speech therapists work with kids to improve their communication skills.

The speech therapists at Total Speech Therapy evaluate each child on an individual basis to determine the nature and severity of any issues impacting the child’s communication skills. They also collaborate closely with parents and other caretakers of kids who have or are at risk for speech disorders.

We are committed to offering mental health and therapeutic services that are of the highest possible quality and are supported by solid, empirical data. Our consultants work hand in hand to design a program that is focused on children and encourages their growing skills and abilities. We feel strongly that no child should be denied access to quality therapy because of financial or logistical considerations. To browse our available therapists and schedule an appointment, please call us at 410-696-3301 or send an email to yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com.