'Speech and Language', it's something we hear a lot these days, but as a Speech and Language Therapist a question I regularly get asked when I meet new people is: What even is Speech and Language Therapy? And suggestions they often give me are most commonly around stammering or elocution (partially right).
In this blog post, we delve into common speech and language difficulties that children may encounter and discuss how early intervention can make a significant difference in their lives. It's important to be aware that the following difficulties can be a specific area of need or part of a wider diagnosis.
Articulation/Speech Sound Disorders 👄 Articulation disorders can affect a child's ability to pronounce sounds correctly. You might notice them swapping or missing certain sounds. For example, 'wabbit' instead of 'rabbit' or 'gog' instead of 'dog'. Our speech therapists work with children to improve speech clarity, helping them communicate more effectively. Some of these errors are totally normal, others are unlikely to go away without help. Our job is to work that out and provide support where needed.
Language Disorders 📖 Language disorders encompass difficulties in both understanding and expressing thoughts. Have you heard of Developmental Language Disorder? This hidden disorder affects around 2 children in every classroom! Watch for signs such as a limited vocabulary, challenges forming sentences, or difficulty following instructions. Our job is to identify and support specific difficulties to minimise the impact on their learning in the classroom.
Stuttering/Stammering 😶 Stuttering/stammering is the same thing. It's more than just repetitions or hesitations; it can impact a child's confidence and social interactions. Early intervention through speech therapy helps children develop strategies to manage stuttering and build fluency in their speech.
Social Communication Disorders 🧩 Social communication disorders affect a child's ability to engage in meaningful social interactions. They can be part of a wider diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Condition, or can be an isolated difficulty. From understanding social cues to maintaining eye contact, our therapists work on building these crucial skills, fostering confidence in social settings.
Is it more that a delay? ⌛️ Distinguishing between delays and disorders is essential. Speech and language delays might be temporary, but early intervention remains key. If there are more unusual developmental patterns they are likely to need additional support. If you notice your child falling behind in reaching speech and language milestones, our team is here to support and guide them toward successful development.
Voice Disorders 🗨️ Have you heard of nodules? Some children face challenges like hoarseness or vocal strain. In collaboration with with your ENT team, our therapists are here to help your child maintain a healthy and happy voice.
Ready Steady Talk's team of dedicated Speech and Language Therapists are here to identify, address and provide personalised support to your child's needs.
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact Us today for a consultation or assessment. Together, we can unlock the full potential of your child's communication skills.