If you have a child with speech difficulties, you are probably worried about their ability to communicate effectively and the possible impact on their self-confidence. You may also be concerned that they won’t develop their vocabulary as quickly as their peers, which could set them behind in school.
There are many reasons a person might have speech challenges. They may have structural problems, or they may have difficulties with processing language or expressing themselves. No matter what the cause, there are things you can do to help your child develop and improve their speech. Your support is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that causes people to have trouble reading, writing and pronouncing words. It also involves having difficulty with math, concentration and organizing thoughts. Dyslexia can be inherited, and it typically becomes apparent at an early age.
If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, have your pediatrician screen him for the condition. If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, talk with your pediatrician about his treatment options. For example, he may recommend tutoring, special classes or other intervention methods.
If you suspect that your child has a speech or language disorder, the first thing you should do is speak with your pediatrician or family doctor. He or she will be able to tell you whether there is a problem and whether it requires a specialist’s care.
Once you have spoken to your doctor and confirmed that your child needs help with his or her speech, the next step is to find a speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPs are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat communication disorders, including problems with speech production.
There are many ways to find an SLP. You can ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral. You can also look up local speech-language pathologists in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under “Speech-Language Pathologists” or “Speech Pathology and Audiology.” The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides a service called “Find a Professional” on its website (www.asha.org) that allows you to find an SLP near you.
Speech therapy is a process that involves working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has been trained and certified to teach children how to better communicate. SLPs know a variety of techniques that can help kids learn how to speak, and they can also create custom plans for each child that meet their specific needs. The first step in getting speech therapy for your child is to contact your pediatrician or family doctor. They will be able to refer you to an SLP in your area who specializes in working with children.
Many parents also find that there are other ways they can support their child’s speech development at home, such as reading aloud with them frequently or encouraging them to form simple sentences on their own by asking questions like “what color is this?” or “what do you want?” when they point at something they want.
Speech delay can be caused by many things, including developmental problems, hearing loss, and genetics. If you suspect your child is experiencing speech delay, talk with your child’s pediatrician. The doctor will look into the cause of the delay and help you find ways to support your child and their development.
Speech delays in young children can be frustrating for parents and children alike. It’s important that you have patience with your child and keep in mind that this is a natural developmental process. Here are some ways to help your child with speech.