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The ability to communicate effectively is a key skill, and the better you are at it, the better your quality of life will be. As a child develops it is important to nurture their communication skills so they are capable of expressing themselves. A lack of effective communication can make your child distressed and irritated.
Fortunately, speech therapy Southlake team offers a comprehensive treatment approach for children with speech disabilities, to improve their communication.
Understanding the concept of speech therapy
Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. It helps your child express their thoughts, and improve other skills like memory and the ability to solve problems.
It is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also referred to as speech therapists.
Speech therapy can help your child improve their:
- Ability to use their voice
- Early language skill
- Fluency
- Clarity and expression
- Ability to understand words and language
Conditions that can be managed through speech therapy
Your doctor may recommend speech therapy to help with:
- Motor speech disorder
- Aphasia (difficulty reading, writing, speaking, and understanding language)
- Apraxia (trouble forming words)
- Articulation impairment
- Fluency disorders
- Language expression disorder
- Language comprehension disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Down syndrome
- Cleft palate
- Feeding disorders
- Social cognition disorder
- Speech or language delay
- Stuttering
Determining if speech therapy is the right treatment for your child
Speech disorders usually occur due to genetic or environmental factors, a brain injury, hearing impairment, or developmental delays.
Your doctor can decide if your child is a suitable candidate for speech therapy through proper evaluation. Your child’s medical history will be reviewed followed by a comprehensive assessment including a hearing assessment. Your doctor will determine from which service your child can benefit the most.
Speech therapy treatment
Speech therapy treatment plans are personalized according to your child’s needs and ability level. Speech therapy aims to improve how well your child communicates with parents, teachers, and friends.
Some speech therapy activities include:
- Tongue and mouth exercises to train the tongue to move in coordinated patterns
- Controlling facial movements to improve motor skills
- Reading out aloud to strengthen the connection between your brain and mouth
- Playing word games and puzzles to maintain cognitive function and improve thinking skills
Other services offered:
- Pediatric feeding therapy
- Stuttering therapy
- Articulation disorder testing and treatment
- Language comprehension testing and treatment
Remember..
Speech therapy takes patience and perseverance. Be patient and give your child credit for all the progress, and celebrate their success. This gives them motivation.
Speech therapy can give your child more freedom, confidence, and a better quality of life.
