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What is Speech Therapy?

Speech-language therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at assisting individuals who struggle with speaking or understanding language. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and exercises designed to enhance communication skills, including speech sounds, language processing, social interaction, and swallowing difficulties. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) collaborate with individuals across all age groups, from infants to seniors, evaluating their communication abilities and devising personalized treatment plans to help them achieve their communication goals.

Why does my child need Speech Therapy?

Your child might require Speech Therapy for various reasons, including:

 

  • Speech Sound Disorders: Your child may encounter challenges in accurately producing specific sounds or words, which can impact their communication abilities.

  • Language Disorders: Your child may experience difficulties in understanding or utilizing language, affecting their comprehension of spoken or written language, sentence formation, and expression of thoughts and ideas.

  • Fluency Disorders: Your child may struggle with stuttering or other fluency issues that hinder smooth speech.

  • Voice Disorders: Your child may have difficulties in producing sound due to voice disorders such as vocal nodules, hoarseness, or breathiness.

  • Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: Your child may face difficulties with sucking, drinking, chewing, or swallowing food.

 

These are some common reasons that may indicate a need for Speech Therapy in your child.

What does a Speech Therapist / Speech and Language Pathologist do?

A Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech and Language Pathologist, is a healthcare professional specialized in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders in individuals of all ages. They provide assistance to individuals facing challenges with speech, language, voice, and feeding/swallowing.

 

During therapy sessions, a Speech Therapist utilizes a variety of techniques and activities to enhance communication skills. These may include:

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  • Articulation therapy: focusing on correct production of sounds.

  • Language therapy: addressing comprehension and usage of language.

  • Voice therapy: aiming to improve the quality of one's voice.

  • Fluency therapy: working on enhancing speech fluency.

  • Feeding therapy: concentrating on improving swallowing and feeding skills.

 

By employing these techniques and activities, a Speech Therapist supports individuals in improving their communication abilities and overcoming related difficulties.

How does Speech Therapy benefit my child?

Speech Therapy can offer several benefits to your child, such as:

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  • Improved communication skills: Through Speech Therapy, your child can enhance their ability to effectively communicate with others, including speaking, listening, and understanding.

  • Enhanced academic success: Strong communication skills acquired through therapy can contribute to your child's academic achievements by improving their reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.

  • Increased self-confidence: As your child's communication skills progress, they may experience heightened self-assurance when speaking in front of others and participating in social interactions.

  • Improved feeding and swallowing skills: Speech Therapy addresses difficulties related to feeding and swallowing, which can positively impact your child's overall health and quality of life.

  • Enhanced independence: As your child's communication and feeding skills improve, they gain increased independence and confidence in navigating daily activities.

  • By availing Speech Therapy, your child can experience these benefits and achieve overall growth and development.

  • Does my child have Autism?
    We focus on addressing causes and symptoms rather than working solely with diagnoses. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism, it could be attributed to various underlying reasons. It is important not to feel stuck or discouraged. Frequently, with appropriate therapy and intervention, those same symptoms can be alleviated. However, if you require a formal diagnosis, it is recommended to seek a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified healthcare professional.
  • My child is not talking. Why must I seek for an OT, instead of a Speech Therapist?
    In many cases, a Speech Therapist and an Occupational Therapist collaborate, as they address different areas that are often interconnected within a specific case. This multidisciplinary approach proves highly beneficial. Whether your child requires additional forms of therapy or not will depend solely on the assessment conducted by a qualified healthcare professional.
  • When should I go to see an OT?
    When you observe that your child is experiencing a delay in their developmental growth or is unable to perform tasks that their peers can do, it is important to take notice.
  • What is Sensory Integration?
    The term "Sensory Integration" encompasses the processing, integration, and organization of sensory information originating from both our bodies and the environment. In simpler terms, it refers to how we perceive, interpret, and respond to sensory input or choose to disregard it. Sensory integration plays a crucial role in our everyday activities, including dressing, eating, moving, socializing, learning, and working. It underlies the foundation of these essential daily functions.
  • How often does my child need to attend OT sessions?
    Ideally, 3 sessions per week should prove to be effective to achieve the intended goals in a reasonable span of time. However, the frequency of session will differ depending on the severity of each individual case.
  • What specific goals are you working on with my child during OT?
    Goals will be determined individually according to each child’s condition and the parent’s objectives and priorities.
  • How can I support my child’s OT goals at home?
    Your therapist will provide you with appropriate activities, worksheets, and home care plans on a regular basis. These resources will aid in the continuation of progress and development outside of therapy sessions, as well as ensure that the goals set during therapy sessions are maintained over time.
  • How long it will take to see outcomes with my child?
    To observe noticeable results, it is essential to continue any form of therapy for a minimum of six months, and in some cases, even multiple years, depending on the individual situation. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that certain progress can often be observed within the first month itself.
  • Will OT help my child with their academic performance?
    Occupational therapy can indeed have a positive impact on your child's academic performance in various subjects, including English and Math. While occupational therapy primarily focuses on addressing the underlying challenges and barriers that affect a child's ability to engage in daily activities, the skills developed through therapy can indirectly contribute to improved academic outcomes. Occupational therapists work on enhancing cognitive skills, attention, concentration, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor skills, all of which are essential for successful engagement in school subjects. Therefore, by addressing these foundational skills, occupational therapy can support your child's academic progress and help them excel in various subjects, including English and Math.
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