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What Is Pediatric Speech Therapy?

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Summary

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Pediatric speech therapy helps kids who have trouble speaking and communicating. A speech therapist works with the child to improve their communication skills so they can talk to others, do well in school, and feel confident speaking.

Frequently Asked Question

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What are the benefits of pediatric speech therapy?

Pediatric speech therapy can help children improve their communication skills, boost their confidence when speaking, and improve their academic performance. It can also help address speech and language delays or disorders and improve their overall quality of life.

When should a child start pediatric speech therapy?

If a child is having difficulty with speaking, understanding language, or using language effectively, it’s important to seek evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. Therapy can start at any age, but it’s usually best to begin as soon as possible to help the child make the most progress.

How long does pediatric speech therapy typically last?

The length of pediatric speech therapy will vary depending on the child’s individual needs and goals. Some children may make significant progress in just a few sessions, while others may need therapy for several months or longer. The frequency and duration of therapy can also change as the child makes progress and reaches their goals. A speech-language pathologist will work with the child and their family to determine the best plan for their individual needs.

Scientific Definition

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Pediatric speech therapy is a kind of therapy that helps kids who have trouble speaking and communicating. This might include difficulty saying certain sounds correctly, putting words together to make sentences, or understanding what others are saying. Speech therapy aims to help kids improve their communication skills so they can better talk to their family and friends, do well in school, and feel more confident and comfortable when they speak. Speech therapists work with kids one-on-one or in small groups and use different activities and exercises to help them progress. It’s important to consider that every child is different from others, so the therapy may look different for each child. But with hard work and practice, most kids can improve their speech and communication skills!

Real World Example of Pediatric Speech Therapy

Meet Susie, a bright and imaginative child who loves to share stories with her friends. However, Susie often struggles with pronouncing certain sounds and expressing herself clearly. That’s when her parents decided to enroll her in pediatric speech therapy. Here’s how it helped Susie:

  • Fun activities: Susie’s speech therapist used games and storytelling exercises to make therapy enjoyable and engaging.
  • Sound practice: Susie practiced saying sounds like “s” and “r” using tongue twisters and interactive tools.
  • Sentence building: Through playful activities, Susie learned how to put words together to form sentences and express her ideas confidently.
  • Listening skills: Susie played listening games, strengthening her ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Supportive environment: Susie’s therapist created a safe space where she felt comfortable to practice her communication skills without fear of judgment.

Over time, with dedication and the help of pediatric speech therapy, Susie’s speech and communication skills improved. Now, Susie can share her stories with clarity and confidence, bringing joy to herself and those around her.

How Does Pediatric Speech Therapy Work?

Pediatric speech therapy employs various techniques to address speech and communication challenges in children. Here are some examples of how it works:

  • Articulation exercises: Therapists guide children in practicing specific sounds to improve their pronunciation.
  • Language-building activities: Through games and interactive exercises, therapists help children develop their vocabulary, grammar, and sentence formation skills.
  • Auditory processing tasks: Children engage in activities that enhance their ability to understand and process spoken language.
  • Social communication practice: Therapists facilitate role-playing and conversations to improve social interaction skills.
  • Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): Some children may benefit from AAC systems such as sign language, picture cards, or electronic devices to support communication.
  • Parent involvement: Parents are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions and implement strategies at home to reinforce progress.

Parental involvement and consistent practice at home further support the progress made in therapy sessions. Goally, our tablet, aids pediatric speech therapy with interactive apps like digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and skill training videos. It fosters life and language skills development, including emotional regulation, executive functioning, social skills, and routines.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 3, 2023. It was updated on July 6, 2023.