A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds. A language disorder, on the other hand, refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas. If your child was diagnosed with speech or language disorder, there are several steps you can take to help your child improve their communication skills.

Speech therapy is often used to help children overcome communication disorders. Speech therapy involves working with a licensed and certified speech therapist, who can help your child improve their speaking and listening skills through a variety of techniques and activities.
New York is home to a growing number of speech-language pathologists, who provide services to children and adults who have communication impairments. According to the National Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSLHA), there are more than 21,000 speech-language pathologists practicing in the U.S. today. That’s an increase of more than 15% since 2003, when the NSLHA first began collecting data on growth in this field.
According to the 2010 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Salary Survey , speech-language pathologists employed in private practice earned $55,000 nationwide, or an average of $61 per hour. The survey also revealed that many speech-language pathologists have an advanced degree: More than 70% hold a master’s degree; almost 30% hold a doctorate; and almost 20% hold a doctoral certificate or higher. Many of these professionals work with children, but some work with adults as well.
When the patient is a child, the therapist will have to consult with the parents to see if they are comfortable with the therapist using corporal punishment on their child, which is a common practice. If it is decided that the children should be spanked, there are several methods that can be used.

The first method includes using hand spankings, such as slaps or swats on the buttocks with a hand, palm, or open hand. The second method uses a ruler to hit the bottom of the child’s feet with an open hand. This method can produce a “bing” sound and may cause bruising in some cases. The third method uses a flat paddle made of wood or plastic and hits the bottom of the child’s feet with this implement. The fourth method uses an open hand to spank across the bottom of a child’s buttocks and legs with very fast strokes.
When administering corporal punishment for speech therapy purposes, it is necessary for the therapist to use moderate force in order to avoid causing pain; however, excessive force is never acceptable when punishing a child for speech therapy purposes.

Speech therapy is a form of treatment that helps people speak better. For example, it can help kids who have trouble making certain sounds, or adults who want to get rid of accents. Speech therapists use exercises and other techniques to help their clients improve the way they speak. To become a speech therapist, you must earn a master’s degree from a school accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You also need to pass the Praxis exam for speech therapists. After that, you should work under supervision for about 36 months. Then, you can become certified by ASHA and practice on your own.