At Speech Within Reach, we firmly believe that knowledge empowers us. Over the years, many people have come to us with questions similar to those you may have. For that reason, we welcome you to review our blogs and list of frequently asked questions and answers.
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Healthcare is rapidly changing to keep up with changes in medical care. This includes things like speech therapy. Whether you are discussing a concern with
For children birth to 3 years of age
– Give your little one YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. Get face to face by sitting, squatting or lying near them.
– Caregivers can be eager to predict their child’s needs, however it is important to give your child time to initiate an interaction or show a response to what you have said or done.
– WAIT. Look at your child, lean forward and stop talking. This demonstrates that you are ready for them. For assistance in waiting you can count to 5 or 10.
-Fun fact: Waiting can also prevent or diminish stuttering in some children.
– As soon as you get any sort of response whether it’s sounds, words or gestures (e.g., “ga”, “da”, “pointing”) give them what they are requesting (if appropriate) as a reward for their efforts, as well as REPEAT what they verbalize and/or gesture along with modeling the correct word.
– It’s ok if you don’t understand it! Patience is encouraged. The best thing to do at this point is to imitate their action and/ or sounds to show that what is on their mind is important to you.
– Everyday routines such as diaper changes, bath time, and meal time are valuable learning times. Talk about what you are doing, where you are going, what you will do when you arrive, who you will see, etc.
– To encourage your little one to initiate communication, place their favorite toys or object out of reach for them to see or give choices such as “Do you want to wear a red or a blue shirt”?
– We often talk quickly and with multiple sentences, which can be unclear when you are first learning to talk. Speak in 2-3 WORDS. Limit baby talk to only if needed to convey the message and when accompanied by the adult word. “time for din-din”
–Ask a question, but not too often. Too many questions can lead to your child feeling pressure.
– Depending on your child’s age “reading” may simply be describing the pictures in a book without following the written words. If they are interested, use the same age-appropriate books over and over to increase the repetition. Encourage naming and pointing to familiar objects in the book to increase language.
– Let your child hear your words pronounced clearly. While your child is learning how to talk, repeat the word they are attempting, however, say it correctly. For example, if they point to the dog and say “dah”, respond by positively saying "dog" several times.
–Treat their attempts as successes. Not necessary to tell them it is not
correct or ask them to say it again.
Between 10 and 14 months.
Often an older child will take on a role of assisting their younger sibling including predicting their needs, speaking for them, etc. The younger child in turn will not have to speak as often to get their wants and needs met.
If you are noticing changes in your loved one’s communication post a stroke and/ or brain injury, we recommend an evaluation to determine what speech and language areas may be affected to decide if speech therapy can assist them in rehabilitating their communication.
If you detect that your child is delayed or missed a developmental milestone, we recommend an evaluation to determine what developmental age level they are at and if speech therapy would support them to catch up.
Yes, it is recommended to teach basic sign language to a child under 1 year of age so they can communicate their wants and needs (e.g., desire for milk or food) before they are able to talk.
Check the developmental milestones tab on this website regarding speaking. If your child’s sounds appear behind, we recommend an evaluation to determine if Speech Therapy is appropriate.
Speech therapy addresses a variety of speech and language areas. It is noted that Autistic individuals present on a spectrum. There can be a wide variation of each individual’s differences. We embrace each client’s individuality and their unique communication style.
Areas that may be addressed include:
-Social Communication (For example, they may have a preference to use minimal eye contact or may have differences in initiating and maintaining a conversation, etc.)
-Expressive Language (How an individual prefers to express themselves to others using verbal or non-verbal communication.)
-Comprehension (This could be observed when an individual is clear or unclear with what others are communicating to them.)
Speech therapy can support Autistic individual’s preferences in communication and social experiences, as well as provide clarity with comprehension.
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