We’re often asked, “How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?” First, listen to your instincts. If you feel something is off with your child’s communication development or behavior, it’s usually for a reason. Second, ask yourself this set of questions. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you should seek an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist. Don’t be shy. Delay can sometimes come at a developmental cost to a child.
*Note – Suggestions in this article do not replace individualized professional intervention specific to your child’s needs. Some services may be offered through public agencies. Be sure to consult your local resources.
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Questions You Should Ask Yourself
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Next Steps
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions and determined you would like to consult with an expert, here are your next steps:
- Find a speech-language pathologist. This is the only type of professional that can diagnose your child with a speech or language disorder and provide the necessary treatment.
- Every speech-language pathologist holds at least a Master’s degree and specializes in speech and language disorders.
- If your child does need speech support, budget extra time and attention to help them practice.
- Like all things, practice makes better. “Practice” will look different at each child’s age and stage. For example, “practice” may simply mean modifying the way you do a routine activity (such as encouraging your child to ask for “milk” using a word instead of a grunt) or may be something you need to sit down and do for a couple of minutes per day, like running through a set of speech cards to practice a specific sound.
- Frequent, short practices are most effective, so the time commitment to practice should be manageable and sustainable. Try to prioritize this in a fun, playful way.