Over the last few years, the demand for pediatric speech therapy has increased significantly. Especially, when compared to pre-pandemic numbers. According to a recent poll by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), pediatric speech therapist found an increase of language difficulties, speech delays, social-emotional regulation issues, and behavioral problems.
“In addition to more requests for evaluations, our members have seen an increasing number of children with behavioral, social, and language difficulties—as well as more children with hearing loss that has gone undetected,” said 2023 ASHA President Robert Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP. “However, we want to assure families that if they have concerns about their child’s communication skills, help at any stage can be extremely effective—and they should seek an evaluation as soon as possible.”
The demand for speech therapist is up significantly, according to ASHA
Among audiologists, 34% report seeing more children with a delayed diagnosis of hearing loss, and 36% report more children with untreated (persistent) ear infections that could interfere with communication development, compared with before the pandemic.
Among speech-language pathologists, 84% report more children with emotional or behavioral difficulties, 79% report more children with delayed language or diagnosed language disorders, and 78% report more children with social communication difficulties than before the pandemic.
When it comes to factors contributing to increases in referrals beyond backlogs, audiologists and speech-language pathologists point to limited opportunities for social interaction and play with peers (59%); limited formal pre-K and daycare or interaction with outside adults (57%) such as child care providers, preschool teachers, and extended family; and young children (51%) spending more time using screens and technology such as tablets and smartphones compared with pre-pandemic years.
It isn’t always easy to navigate the trek from the moment of concern to your child getting the appropriate help they need. From the first step to the journey of success, First Words Speech Therapy is here for you. We can guide you through the process, share available resources, from initial screening to developing a comprehensive plan.
