When Should Parents Consult a Speech Therapist?

Are you worried because your child does not speak much? Do you worry because he has difficulty in learning to read and write? It is very important to detect possible disorders and find remedies to ensure good academic progress. Here are tips in helping parents tackle this problem.

Can speech interfere with young children?

Speech detects the balance, assessment and rehabilitation of oral and written language disorders. Speech-language pathologists most often intervene with children as young as 3 years old - sometimes even sooner when there is a sensory, motor or mental disorder.

Adults can also suffer from this disorder as when they were young, problems of stuttering and speech defects were left untreated.

What are the most frequent cases of consultation?

Currently, the majority of cases concern problems of dyslexia and dysorthography, like for example disorders of reading and spelling. Finding a solution for these problems is still essential as they prevent the progression of school children.

The spoken language has an important place: articulation disorders, delayed speech and language. The more detection is done early, the sooner the child can acquire a satisfactory level of language to address writing correctly.

When should you worry?

Try not to worry too fast! Mastering spoken language, reading and spelling is a complex processes, made up of progress and levels of difficulties.

However, if in doubt try to meet the teacher as she knows the need of your child and will know how to guide you. Then consult your family doctor, paediatrician, or an ENT specialist to check if your child sees and hears well and to see that he does not have any motor problems.

For example, when a 4 year old child does not end of words or transforms them, it could be that he has a persistent and recurrent otitis which for the time being is preventing your child to hear fine sounds.

What is speech therapy?

If the doctor considers it appropriate, he will recommend speech therapy which will be done at the speech therapist of your choice. This therapy is supported by 60% of health insurances.

During the first stage of the therapy, the speech therapist gathers information from parents about the child's early childhood, about other siblings and family background. Then if your child is up to it he will undergo some tests. The therapy ends with an interview in order to point out and explain the rehabilitation that will eventually be implemented. Take this opportunity to ask questions that concern you.

Sources:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/speech_therapy.html