If your child is in need of Speech or Language therapy in Orlando, the journey can be overwhelming. Whether your child is new to therapy or has been before, it helps if parents and caregivers stay informed, engaged, and empowered throughout your child’s development.
Speech Therapy Evaluation
An evaluation is used to asses your child’s development, current skills, and
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), an evaluation is used to assess a child’s speech, language, and communication abilities. Evaluations can help determine a child’s eligibility for services and create a plan of treatment.
What is included in a speech and language evaluation by a speech therapist?
Interviews: Interviews with the child, their family, and teachers
Developmental milestones: Information about the child’s developmental progress
Assessment tools: Standardized and non-standardized measures of speech, language, and cognitive-communication
Observations: Analysis of the child’s work samples
Early Intervention For Speech Disorders
If you notice your child having trouble with speech, language, hearing, communication, or reaching milestones, it is important to ask for help as soon as possible. It is critical for a child’s brain development to receive intervention as soon as possible. Early support will help your child to reach their milestones and set them up for success in school and life. According to ASHA, early intervention will help children develop skills such as these:
Cognitive skills: Thinking, learning, problem-solving
Communication skills: Gesturing, talking, listening, understanding
Physical and sensory skills: Crawling, walking, climbing, seeing, hearing
Social-emotional skills: Playing, understanding feelings, making friends
Adaptive or self-help skills: Eating, bathing, sleeping, getting dressed
Type of Speech Therapy Treatment and Duration
After your child has been evaluated, the speech therapist will explain the results, if they need treatment, type of treatment, goals, length, and how often they should be scheduled. The duration depends on the severity of speech disorder, type of therapy, and targeted goals.
The treatment and duration also depends on the child, their needs, and age. A specific plan, your therapist should have a specially designed treatment for your child, and discuss that with you in detail.
If your child is easily fatigued or has attention issues, more frequent and shorter sessions may more advantageous.
Expectations And Goals For Success
Consistency is key, they can have a big impact on your child’s development.
Not only does it improve their ability to communicate, it improves how they interact, their social skills, and emotional development. It also provides guidance and support for parents and caregivers.
When we equip a child with the skills, knowledge, and confidence, they will grow up to be the best they can be.
If you suspect your child has a speech -language disorder, early intervention makes all the difference. At First Words Speech Therapy we are dedicated to meeting your child’s speech and language disorder with personalized care.
