Does your child require Speech Therapy? It is important for you to make an informed decision, so let us uncover the different aspects.

The main goal of speech therapy is to improve communication. Some of the goals of speech therapy might include:

• Improving coordination of speech muscles through strengthening and coordination exercises, sound repetition and imitation.
• Improving communication between the brain and the body through visual and auditory aids such as mirrors and tape recorders.
• Improving fluency through breathing exercises.
• Enhancing the learning of language through language stimulation and the use of language through positive reinforcement.
• Improving communication by helping a child learn alternative way to communicate. This might include gestures, signing or augmentative communication devices.

Each child will have a different outcome depending on his or her particular challenges and abilities. The length of time in speech-language therapy depends on many factors such as severity of the problem, the frequency and consistency of therapy and the consistency of help at home.

The ability to express one’s self is paramount. Speech therapy may help your child achieve a greater ability to use and understand language, to communicate with others and to express himself or herself.

The benefits are of Speech Therapy are immense, these may include:

• Improvement in the ability to understand and express thoughts, ideas and feelings
• Clear speech so your child is understood by others
• Improved swallowing function and safety
• Achievement of school readiness skills
• Development of pre-literacy skills
• Improved vocal quality
• Fluent speech
• Greater self-esteem
• Increased independence

It is important to develop a set of realistic expectations with the Speech Therapist and these expectations must be revisited from time to time as the child progresses.

Do you have concerns about your child’s speech? Leave us a message below and we will contact you.