Speech therapy is an intervention that aims to improve an individual’s communication skills. This can involve addressing issues with speech, language, voice, and fluency. At The Child Inspired, we work with children from 18 months of age through 18 years of age with a variety of speech and language disorders. If your child is struggling with communication, speech therapy may be a helpful solution. Here are 6 simple tips for getting started with speech therapy:
Step 1: Identify the Need for Speech Therapy
The first step in starting speech therapy is to identify the need for it. This may involve recognizing that there is a communication problem, such as not using words to communicate wants/needs, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, struggling with comprehension, or stuttering.
Step 2: Consult with a Professional
Once the need for speech therapy has been identified, it’s important to consult with a professional. This may involve speaking with a doctor, pediatrician, or speech-language pathologist (SLP). A professional can help determine the type of speech therapy that’s needed and make recommendations for next steps.
Step 3: Schedule an Evaluation
If a speech-language pathologist is recommended, the next step is to schedule an evaluation. This evaluation will assess an individual’s communication skills, including speech, language, voice, and fluency. It may involve standardized tests, informal assessments, and observations. The results of the evaluation will be used to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Step 4: Attend Regular Therapy Sessions
Once the treatment plan has been developed, the next step is to attend regular therapy sessions. The frequency of these sessions will depend on the individual’s needs and goals. At The Child Inspired, we provide individual therapy sessions that take place in your home, your child’s preschool or daycare.
Step 5: Practice at Home
In addition to attending regular therapy sessions, it’s important to practice the skills learned in your session throughout the week. Incorporating strategies, or completing practice activities, allows your child to generalize the skills learned into their everyday life.
Step 6: Monitor Progress
As therapy progresses, it’s important to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. This may involve reevaluating communication skills periodically and modifying the treatment plan accordingly. It’s also important to celebrate successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem.
Speech therapy provides the tools and strategies to help your child communicate to the best of their abilities. By identifying the need for speech therapy, consulting with a professional, scheduling an evaluation, attending regular therapy sessions, practicing at home, and monitoring progress, individuals can improve their communication skills and achieve their goals.
The Child Inspired is a private speech therapy practice in Huntersville, NC. Our goal is to inspire strong speech and language skills for your child. If you are interested in starting speech therapy services with us, schedule an evaluation today!
