Your child’s voice can be a powerful way for them to connect with the world. But what if your child struggles to express themselves? As a parent, it’s really hard to see them frustrated or feeling misunderstood – all because they can’t speak well.
A two-year-old is expected to use around 200 words and, by four and a half, around 2,000. If your child isn’t reaching these milestones, they could be facing a speech or language disorder.1
Poor communication skills can seriously impact their ability to speak and their confidence in interacting with others. Speech therapy could be the answer.
It provides a variety of solutions for young children, and we’re here to examine each of them. By better understanding the benefits of speech therapy (and when it’s needed), you can give your child a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays in Children
If your child seems quieter than the other children their age, you might wonder if something’s wrong. Don’t worry – speech and language delays aren’t uncommon.
There are many reasons why a child might experience these types of delays, including specific challenges like anxiety.2 Child counselling can be helpful in managing these feelings and for them to communicate more effectively.
Understanding the early signs of delayed speech and language in young children can give you peace of mind and let you know when you’ll need support.
- Limited Babbling or No Babbling (12 Months): Babies love to babble, so expect it to start around six months, mimicking a lot of the sounds they hear. If your baby still isn’t babbling when they reach one, it may be a sign of speech delay.
- No Single Words (18 Months): Around this age, children should already be able to say their first words like “mama” or “dada.” Your child may want to communicate but is struggling to do so, and this can lead to meltdowns or social withdrawal.
- Difficulty Understanding Simple Instructions (Age 2): Children should be able to understand and follow easy directions such as “Come here” or “Pick up the toy.” If your child has trouble understanding or following these types of commands, they might have a receptive language delay.
- Limited Vocabulary (Age 3): It could be a red flag if your kid uses fewer words or can’t seem to put words together. This can be hard for your child to interact and make friends.
- Difficulty Forming Sentences (Age 4): Most children should be able to easily form simple sentences and hold conversations by this age. If your child struggles to do this, or if their speech still lacks clarity, it could indicate a more serious speech issue.
If you notice any of these early signs, remember that speech delays are manageable when you get the support needed.
Benefits of Speech Therapy for Young Children
Speech therapy is a treatment that helps children boost their language and communication skills.
It is handled by a licensed professional known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who works closely with children to address different verbal challenges, like:
- Forming sounds
- Putting sentences together
- Understanding what others are saying
The benefits of speech therapy go far beyond just being able to speak clearly. If your child is facing communication challenges, speech therapy can give them the tools they need to thrive.
Improved Communication Skills
One of the biggest benefits of speech therapy is that it lets children communicate much better. They learn to express their thoughts and put their ideas into words. As a result, this improves their relationships with friends, teachers, and family. It can also ease the frustration that comes with not being understood.
Stronger Vocabulary and Language Understanding
For children who struggle to use or understand language, speech therapy can help them develop a larger vocabulary. They’ll also learn how to form sentences that make sense. Language is a foundation for learning, and the more your child can understand and use it, the better they’ll navigate the world around them.
Clearer Pronunciation
Speech therapy can iron out the trouble pronouncing certain sounds, like “r” or “s.” The therapist will work with your child to practice forming these sounds correctly. Over time, their speech should become clearer, giving them increased self-esteem in social situations.
Enhanced Social Skills
Speech therapy also often includes teaching children social skills. Your child will learn how to take turns during conversations, listen to others, and pick up on social cues. These skills are especially important for children who may struggle with social interactions, such as those on the autism spectrum.
Better School Performance
Language and communication are some of the essential skills for a child to succeed. Speech therapy is good for children who find it hard to follow directions, participate in class, or understand reading and writing tasks.
By improving your child’s language skills with speech therapy, it gives them the tools they need to do better academically.
Increased Confidence
Struggling to communicate can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem. They might feel shy or anxious about speaking in front of others.
Speech therapy can build up their confidence by improving their ability to speak for themselves. As they progress, they’ll likely feel more comfortable with whatever comes their way.
When to Seek Professional Support for Your Child
It’s normal for young children to have some speech hiccups as they try to learn how to talk. There may be some mispronunciations or trouble forming sentences here and there – they’re all part of typical development.
But if you notice that there have been consistent difficulties – like not speaking much by age two, struggling to understand basic directions, or having quite a limited vocabulary – these may be signs of a more serious speech delay. In these cases, it’s important to trust your instincts and consider seeking professional support.
Get the right speech therapist in Calgary so that your child receives a personalized plan that’s catered to their specific needs. The therapist will track their progress and also adjust the plan as needed. The key to speech therapy is to create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable practicing and learning.
The sooner you act, the better the outcomes for your child’s communication development.
Family-Oriented Speech Therapy in Calgary
Remember that every child develops at their own pace, but speech therapy helps them get better when they need it. As parents, your instincts are invaluable. If you notice your child having difficulty communicating, seeking support early can lead to lifelong benefits.
At Supporting Wellness Psychological & Family Services, we’re committed to caring for our clients. Our specialized therapies cater to individuals and families, offering personalized, effective solutions in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
We understand the importance of feeling supported every step of the way. Our team is here to help your child reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn how we can work together to find the best approach for your family.
Help is available, and with the right support, your child can make incredible progress and find their voice in the world.
–
References:
- CASLPA-ACOA Speech, Language, and Hearing Fact Sheet, https://www.peispeechhearing.ca/admin/Editor/assets/speechhearingfactsheet.pdf
- Psychiatry Online – Children’s Speech Problems Linked to Anxiety Disorder, https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/pn.41.11.0019