As parents, we always want the best for our children. That includes helping them with their emotional and developmental growth. If your son or daughter is having trouble with speech then it may be time to consider speech therapy.
When children are growing up, they go through many different stages of development. It is normal for a child to start talking around age one to two years old. However, there are some children who don’t speak until much later on in life or never at all. This can lead to problems with communication and social interactions which can affect their overall quality of life as an adult.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is important to seek out professional help right away so that the problem doesn’t get worse over time. There are many different types of therapies available depending on what type of issue your child has and how severe it may be.
Speech therapy is one option that has been proven effective in helping children develop their language skills by working with a trained professional over a period of time using various techniques such as play therapy sessions or using computer software programs designed specifically for this purpose such as “Apraxia World” which offers interactive games such as “Name That Sound.”
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) notes that the single most important thing you can do for your child is to talk with them. At two years old, children are still developing their language skills, and talking with them helps them learn new words and sounds, understand how sentences work, and even develop a larger vocabulary and better memory.
When you’re talking with your child, try to increase their exposure to new vocabulary by using simple descriptions of people or things around you. If you’re out on a walk together, look at the trees around you and say something like “Wow! Look at that big tree.” Then talk about how tall it is or what kind of leaves it has on it. This helps them learn in ways they wouldn’t be able to through TV or phone apps.
Speech therapy is a great way to help your child improve their communication skills and build on the important foundations that will continue to help them throughout their lives. But sometimes, finding the time and resources for in-office speech therapy isn’t always possible. That’s where at-home speech therapy comes in.
At-home speech therapy can be a great option for kids who have trouble with auditory processing, behavioral issues, or sensory problems that make it difficult for them to focus and follow directions in group settings. It is also a good choice for parents who prefer one-on-one treatment, or who are too busy to take time off from work to bring their children to appointments throughout the week.
At home speech therapy, or teletherapy, is a practice where a licensed speech therapist works remotely with patients via video conferencing technology. During these sessions, therapists use specialized software that allows them to assess and treat patients through an internet connection, without being physically present in the same room as their patients.
Speech therapy for 2-year olds is most effective when it feels like a game. To that end, try using reward systems with your child—give them a point sticker or stamp every time they correctly say whatever word you’re working on (for example, “kayak”). You can also give them a small reward at certain point milestones (“get ten kayaks and we’ll go get ice cream!”). This will keep them engaged and help them associate speaking correctly with something pleasant.
At-home speech therapy provides a comfortable environment for your child as they work with a trusted therapist. Additionally, therapists who provide care in the home are able to schedule appointments around your family’s schedule and needs, rather than having to adhere to a rigid calendar of appointments. This flexibility can make it easier for you to ensure that your child gets the therapy they need each week.
In addition to working with children who have developmental delays or disorders, at-home speech therapy can also provide rehabilitation services for children who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or debilitating illness or accident. Speech therapists are able to work with a variety of patients who have different conditions and medical histories; by providing care in the comfort of your own home, they are better able to meet their patient’s needs and establish trust.