The speech therapy journey with your child can be a little daunting for everyone. Many parents and children both have questions about starting speech therapy. Here are common questions we receive at First Words Speech Therapy.
How Do I explain speech and language therapy to my child?
Many children are confused about starting speech therapy, they don’t know what to expect. Here are a few ways to help your child understand.
Communicate to your child that speech therapy is a special event. That just like someone in your family goes to a cooking or exercise class, to get better at their skill. Speech therapy is a fun way to improve their communication skills.
Visit the speech therapist with your child to ensure they are comfortable. Erase them that it is a fun and nurturing space.
Talk with your child’s speech therapist about the techniques they will be using, this way you can take them when about what they learned.
How can I help my child feel less anxious about starting speech therapy?
It is not uncommon for your child to feel anxious about starting something new. But there a few things you can do to help calm and reassure your child.
Before speech therapy sessions begin, meet with your therapist and introduce your child to them. This will help your child to feel at ease with them..
Let your child know they are not alone, over 1.4 million children to some type of speech therapy.
Try and get your child excited about going to speech therapy by using motivational charts or something special after it is over.
How long will your child need speech therapy sessions?
How much speech therapy your child will need depends on a few factors, what type of speech disorder they have, if they have any behavior or health concerns, and their age.
At First Words Speech Therapy we will provide you with an individualized plan for your child with goals and milestones outlined.
We also give you resources so you can work on their speech and communication at home.
