WHAT IS PEDIATRIC
Speech Therapy?
Many people know that unclear or stuttered speech can be corrected with speech therapy but it’s less known that speech therapy can treat feeding, reading, communication, social and academic difficulties as well.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Speech and language therapy may be necessary if your child lacks, or shows a significant delay in developing any of the strengths and skills outlined below.
DELAYS IN THESE AREAS MAY BE DUE TO:
Hearing
Impairments
Developmental or
Cognitive Delays
Autism or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Weak Oral
Muscles
Birth Defects such as Cleft Lip / Palate
Strengths and Skills
Speech Intelligibility
Speech intelligibility refers to how a child articulates his words, how he uses his voice, and how smoothly words flow off his tongue. Intelligible speech is speech that is readily understood even by strangers.
What are signs of speech intelligibility challenges? ➔
Language Processing
Language processing is the way that verbal and non-verbal communication is understood, organized and filed by the brain. It includes the expression of language through gestures and speech and is a prerequisite for learning, communication, and functioning.
What are signs of language processing challenges? ➔
Pragmatic Language Skills
Pragmatic language skills are social skills that enable communication which is needed for meaningful interactions and relationship building.
Auditory Processing
Auditory processing is the brain’s interpretation of heard information. This is what enables a person to pick up on verbal cues, follow directions, and develop good phonemic awareness + comprehension skills.
What are signs of auditory processing challenges? ➔
Oral Motor Skills
and Sensory Awareness
Oral motor skills enable the muscles of the mouth and jaw to speak, eat, and swallow. Oral sensory awareness refers to the brain’s level of sensitivity to sensory input in the oral cavity.
What are signs of oral motor challenges? ➔
What are signs of oral sensory challenges? ➔
AAC (Augmentative and
Alternative Communication)
AAC refers to communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that replace or support natural speech. These tools support a person who has difficulties using speech to communicate.
You won’t have another chance to bring about change today.
Verify your
insurance
Schedule
an evaluation
Get started
with 1:1 therapy
Looking for ways to
help your child?
Enjoy practical tips: from our therapists’ to your inbox.
