Speech Therapy for Children

Who are Speech therapists?

Speech therapists are trained in the art of identifying, analyzing, assessing, and managing speech and language disorders. It involves the detailed assessment and treatment of speech problems, speech disorders, communication issues, and retraining. During the therapy, the speech and language therapist interacts through talking and playing and using picture cards, books, and other objects as part of language interventions to help stimulate language development. The Parents/ caregivers are also provided with a home plan to carry forward the exercises and activities, at home too. 

Examples of Speech-related Activities Expected by a Child to Do..

• At age 1 to 2 years

At the age of one year, we assume kids can understand the names of at least a couple of objects, toys, food, and animals. They point at 15 familiar things, know the names of 3 familiar people, and follow simple 2-step directions (come here, give me, go).

While for most kids these steps are essential to learn, some kids may take their time or have limited exposure. So till the age of three lack of vocab is okay, but after 3 kids are expected to develop a good vocabulary.

• At age 2 to 3 years

At the age of 2 years, kids can enjoy storybooks, point out body parts, and answer questions like What is your name, where is something/someone? They understand the concept of big and small and appropriately answer yes or no based on their desires. they start understanding the content of my things and start getting possessive. Can speak up to 3-word sentences.

• At age 3 to 4 years

At the age of 3 years, kids know their full name, their assigned gender, age, and members of the family. They make 4-word sentences and follow 2-step directions. Understand the use of common objects, like spoons, cars, or cameras. They ask "Why" questions ("Why are we doing this?") and say complete words.

• At age 4 to 5 years

At the age of 4 years, children can carry out 3 different directions in a series, tell a story without cues, find a pair of objects, point out what is missing from a picture, use a compound sentence, and label 5 emotions. They know when a sound is too loud or soft and answer questions like "What happens if..".

Signs of Speech Delay in Toddlers

While each individual has their own timeline of growth, studies have designed graphs that a lot of professionals use to evaluate delays in development. Some examples of this are, an infant does not verbalize sounds nor respond to others speaking. Gestures and imitation are not shown by a child who is a year old. Absence of spontaneous speech or two-worded speech in two-year-olds. Inability to ask “why” questions after 3 years of age. All of these can be signs of speech delay.

Causes of Speech Delay..

• Hearing loss
• Problems with mouth
• Brain Injury
• Less exposure
• Malnourishment
• Intellectual disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• C-PTSD
• Cerebral Palsy and more..

Benefits of Speech Therapy for Kids

1- Gain the ability to express their needs- the child gains the ability to not only express and communicate but also build upon their needs and tell it to the world. By using the means of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This is essential to build relationships and interact in the social world

2-  Recognizing and understanding others: therapy helps the child to understand and comprehend speech, body language, non-verbal cues, and idioms that other people use. 

3- Clarity of speech: Pronunciation of words and articulation of sounds both are important concepts. Children with ASD or any other developmental disorders that impact speech, find it hard to articulate or verbalize properly. 

4- Initiating interaction: there is a need to be spontaneous to maintain conversations and build relationships. Therapy can help them mix in with people and interact better with friends. They will not only communicate what they want but also communicate in a way that others are able to understand.

Every speech defect is different and every client is different. At UDGAM we take special care to tailor the therapy according to the needs of the individual. The success of therapy sessions depends on the disorder being treated, its severity, frequency of sessions, medical conditions, and age groups. Adherence to treatment and assigned activities is also important. To learn more stay tuned to our Website and follow our Blog.