In last week’s blog we talked having a child with a speech or language disorder can be overwhelming for a parent or caregiver. What steps should be taken after the initial diagnosis or evaluation? 

Successful expressive language treatment strategies 

Developing fundamental communication concepts is vital for success. Speech therapy is important since language skills sequentially build on each other, which means if there are gaps or delays in the process, it can affect a child’s ability to learn, as wells future success. 

To attain optimal results, First Words Speech Therapy has developed a holistic approach designed to meet your child’s basic, medical, emotional, and academics needs as they pertain to speech and language.

We help your child learn to communicate through play. Teaching them a variety of ways to express themselves through toys, crafts and books. The exact method will depend on your child’s needs. 

Prognosis 

While it is easy to overlook any issues, speech and language develop have become prevalent in America. The key to success is early intervention

“What we know is that the sooner the issues are addressed by a professional, the better chance the child has of getting on that normal developmental progression,” said Elise Davis-McFarland, president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Myth

Children with expressive language or communication disorder may appear less capable than their peers. The fact is, being misunderstood is very frustrating and can result in a variety of negative emotions from anger to sadness. 

A speech or language disorder does not usually reflect a child’s intelligence, but can result in social isolation, low self-esteem, and problems learning.

Next step for parents and caregivers

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, it is important to contact a speech therapist, pediatrician, teacher, or school counselor, and request an assessment. 

At First Words Speech Therapy we work with children, their parents and caregivers, giving them the resources needed for success.