While every child learns to make sounds and use words at his or her own pace, sometimes there may a developmental delay in this area. Early intervention is critical if the child is to overcome this issue successfully. If interested in finding out more about speech therapy for toddlers Tucson AZ parents will find this information to be useful.
During the toddler years, between the ages of one and three, there are some signs parents need to be aware of which may signal a speaking problem. These include the most obvious which is not responding to sound or vocalizing, as well as not using gestures, difficulty imitating sounds, trouble understanding and following simple verbal requests, and later does not produce words or phrases.
The family doctor or pediatrician will evaluate the child, and most likely recommend that he or she be seen by a speech-language pathologist, more commonly referred to as a "speech therapist". In order to practice in this discipline, these professionals must have obtained at least a master's degree in the speech pathology, and be certified by ASHA, the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
A good therapist must be highly competent and also well-suited for working with these young patients. They should have a great rapport with kids and know how to make therapy fun for them. The child is more likely to succeed if he or she feels at ease and enjoys the sessions with the therapist.
Treatment plans should be based on actual research that has demonstrated their efficacy in repeat studies. Discussing the results the therapist has produced with parents of children who have seen him or her previously is a good idea. The therapist should include the parents every step of the way throughout the course of the therapy, updating them on their child's progress, and being open to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.
At the first meeting with the speech therapist, he or she will become acquainted with the toddler and conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the presence and cause of any verbal communication problems. Standardized tests will be used to assess the young patient's receptive and expressive language skills, clarity and tone used for speaking, and also the oral structures such as the tongue, palate and such which are involved in speaking.
If a problem is detected, a suitable course of therapy will be recommended. Parents should be welcome to observe or participate in these individual, group, or class sessions. Props such as books, pictures, and objects will be used to make the sessions fun and interesting. Articulation therapy, in which the child is shown how to make certain sounds, and possibly oral exercises to strengthen muscles of the mouth may also be implemented if indicated.
Speech therapy is an ongoing process that doesn't end the minute the child leaves the therapist's office. There are many things parents can do at home to stimulate the use of speech and practice what the child has learned. Sharing books together and actively involving the toddler in naming pictures he or she recognizes can be helpful, as can purposefully using words to descriptively "narrate" what one is doing, sees, and feels each day.
During the toddler years, between the ages of one and three, there are some signs parents need to be aware of which may signal a speaking problem. These include the most obvious which is not responding to sound or vocalizing, as well as not using gestures, difficulty imitating sounds, trouble understanding and following simple verbal requests, and later does not produce words or phrases.
The family doctor or pediatrician will evaluate the child, and most likely recommend that he or she be seen by a speech-language pathologist, more commonly referred to as a "speech therapist". In order to practice in this discipline, these professionals must have obtained at least a master's degree in the speech pathology, and be certified by ASHA, the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
A good therapist must be highly competent and also well-suited for working with these young patients. They should have a great rapport with kids and know how to make therapy fun for them. The child is more likely to succeed if he or she feels at ease and enjoys the sessions with the therapist.
Treatment plans should be based on actual research that has demonstrated their efficacy in repeat studies. Discussing the results the therapist has produced with parents of children who have seen him or her previously is a good idea. The therapist should include the parents every step of the way throughout the course of the therapy, updating them on their child's progress, and being open to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.
At the first meeting with the speech therapist, he or she will become acquainted with the toddler and conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the presence and cause of any verbal communication problems. Standardized tests will be used to assess the young patient's receptive and expressive language skills, clarity and tone used for speaking, and also the oral structures such as the tongue, palate and such which are involved in speaking.
If a problem is detected, a suitable course of therapy will be recommended. Parents should be welcome to observe or participate in these individual, group, or class sessions. Props such as books, pictures, and objects will be used to make the sessions fun and interesting. Articulation therapy, in which the child is shown how to make certain sounds, and possibly oral exercises to strengthen muscles of the mouth may also be implemented if indicated.
Speech therapy is an ongoing process that doesn't end the minute the child leaves the therapist's office. There are many things parents can do at home to stimulate the use of speech and practice what the child has learned. Sharing books together and actively involving the toddler in naming pictures he or she recognizes can be helpful, as can purposefully using words to descriptively "narrate" what one is doing, sees, and feels each day.
About the Author:
Read more about Key Points Pertaining To Speech Therapy For Toddlers Tucson Parents Need To Understand.
No comments:
Post a Comment