As a parent here in Central Florida, I can’t help but worry if my child is meeting their developmental milestones. While I can’t get my child to eat broccoli and have trouble limiting screen time. I can make sure my child is on track with his speech and language development.
It isn’t always easy to tell if a child has a communication disorder. Which can affect a child’s ability to detect, comprehend, or apply language and speech. It can range from the inability to understand to substituting different sounds when they speak.
Does your child struggle to follow instructions?
Does your child struggle with stuttering or fluency when speaking?
Does your child have a difficult time interacting with others?
Does your child use gestures like pointing or waving?
How does your child interact with other children?
Do family members have difficulty understanding your child?
Are they starting to use words to express their wants and needs?”
How do your child’s communication skills affect their interactions with family, friends and social settings?
Do they make eye contact during conversations?
Are they able to express their opinions or ask questions?
Do they initiate social interactions?
How do they express their emotions?
“Communication disorders are largely treatable,” said Shannon Hall-Mills, PhD, CCC-SLP, president of the Florida Speech-Language-Hearing Association (FLASHA). “While the poll respondents do indicate parent awareness of the early warning signs of communication disorders has improved in recent years, clearly more public education and awareness about the warning signs and the importance of early action is needed to reduce the communication health risk of Floridians. Associations like FLASHA are committed to helping bridge the gaps in awareness that exist.”
Why is Speech and Language Therapy Important?
The process which a child develops communication significantly impacts their lives. From their social skills, academics and through adulthood.
For example, if your young child is struggling pronouncing the ‘r’ sound, it may not seem like a big deal. But without intervention, they face significant challenges. A child may have trouble talking with other children, speaking up in class, express their thoughts, reading comprehension, and this can stay with them as they grow up.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child, we encourage you to contact Orlando’s First Words Therapy. We take a holistic approach to speech-language-therapy to help your child communicate more effectively.
