Things a Speech Pathologist can help children with

As a parent, you want the best for your child, including their communication and overall development. Speech and language skills play a vital role in a child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. However, sometimes children may experience difficulties in these areas, which can benefit from early intervention by a speech pathologist. Here we’ll explore different aspects of your child’s development and highlight signs that may indicate it’s time to seek support from a speech pathologist.

1. Speech:

Articulation Issues:

Difficulty in producing sounds or speech clarity can be an indication of speech disorders. If your child’s speech is unclear and difficult to understand, especially after the age of 4, it may be beneficial to seek an evaluation from a speech pathologist.

Stuttering:

Hesitations in your child’s speech or repeating the same sounds can be a sign of stuttering. Your child may appear like they can’t get the words out. It’s especially important to seek intervention for stuttering as it can be life-long.

2. Language:

Understanding Language:

If your child has difficulty following instructions, responding to questions, or understanding basic concepts for their age, it could be a sign of language comprehension difficulties. Be aware that your child may follow instructions at home because they are used to the routine and recognise what they need to do but you may notice outside of the home they can’t follow the same direction.

Expressive Language:

Limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or struggles in expressing thoughts and ideas may suggest expressive language challenges. Children with difficulties with their expressive language may get frustrated when they can’t express themselves or withdraw.

3. Play:

Imaginative Play Skills:

Children often engage in pretend play, such as pretending to cook, talk on the phone, or care for dolls. Play is an essential aspect of a child’s development. Difficulty engaging in imaginative play or showing limited creativity in play scenarios might indicate a need for intervention.

4. Literacy:

Phonological Awareness:

Phonological awareness refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language. Difficulties in this area can impact a child’s ability to learn to read and spell.

Reading and Writing Difficulties:

Struggling with reading, writing, or spelling beyond the expected level for their age may be a sign of specific learning difficulties.

5. Feeding:

Picky Eating and Oral Sensory Issues:

If your child is an extremely picky eater, has difficulty trying new foods, or demonstrates aversion to certain food textures, they may benefit from a speech pathologist’s evaluation. Oral sensory issues can impact feeding and nutrition, so early intervention is essential.

Swallowing Difficulties:

Persistent choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing food and liquids may indicate a swallowing disorder, also known as dysphagia. A speech pathologist can assess and provide strategies to improve swallowing safety.

We’re here to help

Early intervention is crucial for addressing speech, language, play, literacy, and feeding difficulties in children. If you observe any red flags in your child’s speech, language, play, literacy, or feeding skills, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Prosper Health Collective to help your child flourish and thrive.