Having a child with a speech or language disorder can be challenging. Here at Orlando’s First Words Speech Therapy, we support and empower our parents and caregivers with the guidance of a certified speech language pathologist. Our proven strategies will motivate your child to communicate and give them the opportunity to learn and achieve their goals.
A holistic approach to speech and language therapy
Research has shown that kids learn best when they are motivated and having fun. We provide parents and caregivers with strategies that are easy and can be used to day-to-day life. This will help maximize the support received by your child.
Parents will collaborate with a speech-language pathologist to identify their child’s specific language needs
We help parents learn the basic concepts about language and communication development. Such as the difference between receptive and expressive language, the importance of their child’s active participation, and taking turns. This can help parents understand their child’s language development and communication attempts.
Children learn through playing, this offers an excellent opportunity to apply speech and language strategies. These experiences encourage your child while they are playing and having fun.
Offer choices
Providing choices for your child acknowledges their needs. It is a non-threatening way to model words. It is also an opportunity to teach concepts, such as colors. For example: Do you want the “big red truck” or “small blue truck”?
Use gestures
Act out your words with your body, for instance: Ask them if they want to play with the big blue truck in a “big” voice, stretching your arms big, or the small green truck using a “squeaky” voice, demonstrating how small with two fingers. Learning concepts and words with gestures give that extra boost. It also helps build verbal vocabulary through communication.
Use an assortment of words
Modeling an assortment of words will help build your child’s vocabulary and give them the tools to combine words. Use adjectives such as the bunny is “soft” or the train is “fast”. Action words such as “run” and “jump”. Pronouns such as “you” and “I”.
Be patient, we’re in this together
It isn’t always easy to be patient, but it is a very powerful strategy. Instead of immediately helping, give your child the chance to communicate, they may surprise you. If they start to get upset, model how to use appropriate context, such as “help” or “want”
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. Our therapists have extensive clinical experience and training, ensuring your child receives the highest level of care.
